What does a tenant usually forfeit by not adhering to the obligations outlined in a lease?

When a tenant fails to adhere to the obligations outlined in a lease agreement, they typically forfeit their right to possession of the premises. This means that if a tenant violates significant terms of the lease, such as failing to pay rent, damaging the property, or engaging in illegal activities, the landlord has the legal grounds to evict the tenant.

Possession is a fundamental right granted to the tenant under the lease; thus, if the tenant does not fulfill their responsibilities, the landlord can reclaim the property. Eviction is often the result of a formal legal process, but the underlying principle is that the tenancy is contingent upon the tenant meeting the lease conditions.

The other options may have consequences, such as losing utilities or a portion of the security deposit, but the loss of possession is the most severe and direct consequence of failing to meet lease obligations, aligning with the core principles of landlord-tenant law.