Under what circumstances can a lease be forfeited?

Forfeiture of a lease typically occurs when the tenant has violated specific terms of the lease agreement. One of the most common and straightforward grounds for forfeiture is non-payment of rent. When a tenant fails to pay their rent by the due date, it represents a fundamental breach of the lease contract. Landlords have the right to initiate forfeiture proceedings in response to this default, as timely rent payment is essential for the viability of the landlord's operations and financial stability.

In the context of the other options, while they present valid reasons for concern, they may not lead to immediate forfeiture in all instances. For example, non-compliance with safety regulations often has legal processes involved where tenants may first be given notice of the violation before any forfeiture can take place. Similarly, unauthorized alterations to the property or neglecting property insurance duties could warrant a response from the landlord but typically involve rectification steps or warnings before forfeiture is pursued. The lease typically outlines specific clauses on forfeiture that clarify when and how a landlord can reclaim the property, with non-payment of rent being one of the most clear-cut and immediate triggers.