What legal proceedings must most states require to evict holdover tenants?

The correct answer is eviction proceedings because these legal processes are specifically designed to address issues related to removing a tenant from a rental property. When a tenant remains in the property after their lease has expired or after being asked to vacate, the landlord must initiate eviction proceedings in court to obtain a formal order of eviction. This process includes filing the necessary paperwork, proving the grounds for eviction, and potentially attending a court hearing where both parties can present their cases.

Eviction proceedings ensure that both landlords’ and tenants’ rights are considered, allowing for a fair resolution under the law. Proper legal procedures are crucial to avoid potential claims of wrongful eviction and ensure the landlord is acting within legal rights.

The other options do not accurately describe the necessary legal process. Detainment actions are not a standard term in landlord-tenant law and do not align with eviction processes. Lease proceedings might refer to actions related to lease agreements but are not specifically for eviction. Possession actions could imply seeking possession of a property, but the term is not as commonly used or defined legally as eviction proceedings, which are the standard avenue for addressing holdover tenants.