A lease agreement was signed for a duration of 8 months. What type of lease is this considered?

A lease agreement that is signed for a specific duration, such as 8 months, is classified as an estate for years. This type of lease defines a clear start and end date, established at the outset of the agreement. The key characteristic of an estate for years is that it has a fixed duration, which allows both the landlord and tenant to know exactly when the lease will terminate without needing to provide notice.

Unlike periodic tenancies, which can automatically renew and continue indefinitely until terminated, or month-to-month leases, which renew each month and may be ended with a notice period, an estate for years is definitive and does not require any formal notice to terminate when the term expires. Similarly, a tenancy at will lacks a defined period and can be terminated at any time by either party, which does not apply in this scenario.

Understanding these distinctions helps clarify why an 8-month lease aligns with the characteristics of an estate for years.