What constitutes an "unauthorized tenant?"

An "unauthorized tenant" is defined as someone occupying a property without the permission or consent of the landlord. This means that they do not have a legal right to be in the property, as they have not entered into a rental agreement or lease that provides them authority to reside there. This could occur in various scenarios, such as a squatter entering a vacant property or an individual whose lease has expired but continues to occupy the space without the landlord's agreement.

For example, if someone has moved into a property but has not signed a lease or received explicit consent from the landlord for their occupancy, that individual would be considered an unauthorized tenant. This concept is crucial in property management because unauthorized tenants can create legal and financial complications for landlords, including issues related to eviction processes and the maintenance of the property.

Understanding this definition helps property managers ensure that all occupants in a rental unit have the proper authorization, safeguarding their rights and obligations under leasing laws.