Which type of estate occurs when a tenant stays on the property after the lease has expired?

The correct answer is the estate at sufferance. An estate at sufferance occurs when a tenant continues to occupy a property after their lease has expired, without the consent of the landlord. This situation reflects a tenant's holdover status following the termination of their rental agreement, and while the landlord can choose to take legal action to evict the tenant, the tenant does not have any legal right to remain on the property at that time.

In contrast, an estate at will refers to a tenancy that can be terminated at any time by either party, typically without a lease agreement in place. A periodic estate is typically established with a lease that automatically renews at the end of each period (e.g., month-to-month), as long as both parties fulfill their obligations. Lastly, a life estate is a form of property ownership that lasts for the duration of an individual's life, which is not related to the tenancy situation described.

Understanding these distinctions helps clarify the nature of different types of estates in real property, particularly in the context of lease agreements and tenant rights.