What term describes a tenant who refuses to vacate after the expiration of their lease?

The term that describes a tenant who refuses to vacate after the expiration of their lease is referred to as a holdover tenant. This status arises when a tenant remains in possession of the property after their lease term has ended without the landlord’s consent. The situation can often lead to legal action if the landlord chooses to evict the tenant, but it is essential to recognize that a holdover tenant's rights may differ depending on local laws and the specific circumstances of the tenancy.

"Sufferance tenant" could also seem relevant, as it refers to a tenant who continues to occupy a property without the landlord's consent after the lease has ended; however, it is more commonly used in a legal context. The term "evicted tenant" misrepresents the ongoing residency of the tenant, as those who are evicted are no longer in possession of the property. A "lessee," on the other hand, simply denotes someone who leases property and does not capture the nuance of having overstayed their lease. Therefore, "holdover tenant" is the most accurate and widely accepted term in this context.