Under what condition can leases often be automatically canceled?

Leases can often be automatically canceled if the property is condemned. Condemnation refers to the legal process by which a government or authorized agency takes private property for public use, typically under the doctrine of eminent domain. When a property is condemned, it is no longer deemed fit for occupancy, which effectively voids the lease agreement. This leads to the cessation of rental obligations for both the landlord and the tenant, as the tenant can no longer inhabit the premises.

In this scenario, the very nature of the property itself is affected in such a way that the lease cannot continue, rendering any occupancy impossible. It's an involuntary termination of the lease, unlike situations where a tenant’s actions – such as breaching the lease – may lead to legal complications but do not automatically cancel the lease without further legal action. Similarly, tenant notice or lease expiration does not equate to automatic cancellation under the same circumstances, as these are typically subject to negotiation or formal procedures.