What is the formal term for ending a tenancy due to nonpayment of rent?

• A. Lease termination for breach
• B. Termination for failure to pay rent
• C. Forfeiture of lease
• D. Lockout order

Answer: (B)

The main idea is the precise way to describe ending a tenancy because the tenant didn’t pay rent. The best choice, “termination for failure to pay rent,” states both the cause (failure to pay rent) and the consequence (the tenancy ends). Rent is a covenant in the lease, so nonpayment is a breach, and the landlord can terminate the lease as a remedy.

The other terms are less fitting. “Forfeiture of the lease” is broader and can cover breaches beyond just nonpayment, and it isn’t as direct a description of the specific action taken for nonpayment. A “lockout order” isn’t a proper or lawful term for ending a tenancy and is not used to describe a formal eviction process. So the wording that directly flags the reason and action—termination for failure to pay rent—best captures the concept.