In Brief
A landlord challenged the dismissal of his eviction suit against tenants whose lease had expired. The original ten-year lease (since 1968) included a renewal clause requiring execution of a fresh agreement to extend for five years. When the lease expired, the tenants continued occupying the premises without renewing the agreement. The Supreme Court held that a renewal clause does not automatically extend the lease; it merely allows the lessee to obtain a fresh lease if properly executed. The tenants, having failed to renew, became tenants at sufferance and were liable to eviction. Additionally, the Court found the tenants had sub-let portions to third parties without express consent, violating the lease terms. The appeal was allowed, directing the tenants to vacate within one year.">
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