It's possible the original lease may have provisions for "deemed renewal" in case the tenant doesn't return the renewal form. In that case if Mr. Smith doesn't return his renewal he won't be month-to-month at all but renewed for another year or two and he may have to pay an increased rent.TenantNet wrote:...If you don't sign and return it, then yes, the presumption is that your tenancy would be over at the end of the lease, however, there are tenants who stay making various claims. If the lease is incorrect as to level of rent, term of the lease or if the LL has added provisions (legally he cannot do that), then that might be a defense that the offer was improper.