What do courts presume about a lease when the lessee remains in possession after the term expires?

Courts presume reconduction when a lessee remains in possession of a leased property after the lease term expires. Reconduction refers to the automatic renewal of a lease, often under the same terms and conditions as the original agreement, unless either party takes specific action to terminate it. This presumption supports the continued tenancy and protects both parties by providing stability and continuity.

When a lessee stays on the property after the lease term has ended, the law generally interprets this as an intention to maintain the lease relationship. Thus, the obligations and rights under the original lease typically continue without the need for a new contract to be explicitly formed. This legal principle serves to prevent disputes and confusion about possession, ensuring that the lessor cannot suddenly evict the lessee without proper due process.

In contrast, the other options presented do not align with this principle. Expropriation relates to government taking property for public use, novation entails replacing an existing contract with a new one, and a fortuitous event refers to an unforeseen circumstance that affects contractual obligations—none of which apply to the automatic continuation of a lease through reconduction.