Appellant (hereafter called the landlord) rented a store to appellee (hereafter called the tenant) for a term of 2 years at a rental of $2400.00 per year, payable in monthly installments of $200.00. The lease provided that the tenant should have “a two year option at $2700.00 per annum”. At the end of the original 2-year term the tenant continued in possession, paying $225.00 per month. About 10 months later the tenant vacated the premises and ceased paying rent. Claiming that the tenant had exercised his option to renew the lease for a 2-year term, the landlord brought this action to recover the rent for the balance of the term.
*599 At the close of the appellant’s case the trial court, relying upon two decisions of this court, 1 ruled that since the tenant had given no notice of his intention to exercise the option, he did not bind himself for the additional 2 years, but held over only as a tenant by sufferance. 2
In both Brinkley v. Scheffel, D.C.App.,
Even if the tenant were required to give some form of notice, which the lease here did not require, of his intention prior to or concurrent with the expiration of the original term, such notice would be for the landlord’s benefit and could be waived by him. By accepting the increased rental the landlord waived any notice to which he might have been entitled and both he and the tenant were obligated for the renewal term. 3
On the evidence presented by the landlord (and that was the only evidence before the court) it was error to rule against him.
Reversed with instructions to grant a new trial.
Notes
. Brinkley v. Scheffel, D.C.App.,
. D.C.Code 1967, § 45-820.
. H. H. Rosin Co. v. Chavin, Del.Supr.,
