Cal. Civ. Code § 3
Tenancy at sufferance; liability for rent
Operative Text
Section 3. Tenants at sufferance in possession of land or tenements shall be liable to pay rent therefor for such time as they may occupy or detain the same.
Under Mass. Gen. Laws c. 186 § 3, a person who remains in possession of a rental property after their legal right to be there has ended—known as a "tenant at sufferance"—is still financially responsible for rent during the entire period they continue to occupy or hold the property. This rule applies regardless of whether a formal lease is in place, covering the holdover period from the moment the original tenancy expires. The provision establishes that continued physical possession, even without the landlord's consent, creates an ongoing rent obligation.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Mass. Gen. Laws c. 186 § 3 provides a legal basis for property owners to seek compensation for the period a holdover occupant remains on the premises after a tenancy has ended. Compliant operators typically document the end date of the tenancy, track the duration of any unauthorized holdover, and pursue recovery of rent-equivalent amounts for that period through appropriate legal channels such as summary process proceedings. Keeping clear records of notices, lease expiration dates, and any communications with the holdover occupant generally supports a claim under this provision.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under Mass. Gen. Laws c. 186 § 3, a tenant who stays in a unit beyond the end of their tenancy may be held liable for rent or its equivalent for every day they remain in possession. Tenants in this situation have general rights worth understanding, including potential defenses that may be raised in eviction or rent-recovery proceedings. Consulting a tenant-rights organization or legal aid service can help clarify what options may be available under this provision given the circumstances.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated September 13, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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