An estate for years is an estate for any definite period, even if less than a year. A lease from one year from a specified date will terminate at midnight of the preceding day of the next year.14 A tenant for years who holds over beyond the termination of his lease does not become a tenant for another year unless the landlord so elects.15

Covenants in a lease providing for its termination or failure of the leasee to comply with specified conditions are for the benefit of the lessor only, and the lessee cannot by a breach of its covenants, aborgate the lease, and thus secure advantage from his own default.16