How to Write a Lease Non-Renewal

As a renter, when you start looking for somewhere new to live, you need to let your current landlord know that you’re moving on. As a landlord, you may decide that you’re ready to end a relationship with a particular renter, you’ll also need to provide notice. The easiest way to do this? Draft a lease non-renewal notice.

What Is a Lease Non-Renewal?

A lease non-renewal is notice from one of the parties in a lease to the other that they do not intend to extend the lease for another term. These documents make it easier for tenants to prove that they’ve separated from a property. It also serves as proof of separation should a tenant face any post-lease fees or expenses unrelated to damage throughout the property. 

The form that a lease non-renewal takes varies from landlord to landlord. For example, some landlords request outreach in the mail when it comes time for a tenant to renew their lease. Tenants, in turn, can send back signed documentation detailing whether they intend to stay on their landlord’s lease for another period of time. 

Other times, landlords may request digital or in-person confirmation of a continued lease. Either party can deliver a lease non-renewal courtesy of an email attachment or an in-person document in these circumstances. 

Why Should You Draft a Lease Non-Renewal?

Lease non-renewals work similarly to two-week work notices. As a renter, this information lets your landlord know that they can put your apartment or property back on the market. This means that your landlord will have the time they need to find someone new to take over your lease, limiting the financial losses they might otherwise face.

Lease non-renewals can also be helpful when a landlord does not want to continue renting their property any longer. This may happen when they decide that it’s more profitable to sell the property or that they want to have the unit vacant for a while, perhaps for repairs or maintenance so that they can rent the unit to a different tenant at a higher rate in the future.

How to Write a Lease Non-Renewal

Drafting a lease non-renewal doesn’t have to be a complicated process. With your own protections in mind, spend a day or two drafting what you want your non-renewal to look like. You can have a professional or friend look over your non-renewal to ensure that it is both polite and all-encompassing. A property attorney, for example, can ensure that your separating points are clearly laid out.

Sample Lease Non-Renewal Notice

Your lease non-renewal notice can take on many different forms and presentations. One such example looks like this:

Sample Name

Sample Address

Date

Dear (Landlord/Tenant),

I’m writing to inform you that I will not be renewing our lease. As noted in my contract, the unit will be vacant as of (lease end date). This note should serve as my (length appropriate) notice of non-renewal.

Upon move-in, a deposit of (amount) was provided and shall be returned upon leaving, provided that all property therein remains within good condition.

If you have any questions, you can contact me at (phone number, email address).

Sincerely,

(Your name)

Even if you have a poor relationship with your renter or your landlord, you should go out of your way to be as polite as possible in your non-renewal notice. Courtesy on your part will make the separation process more straightforward.

A Summary of Parts

In short, the parts you need to create an effective lease non-renewal include:

• An introduction informing the other party of separatory intent
• State statute citations noting your compliance with the expected delivery date
• An elaboration on how the deposit will be handled
• Your contact information

If you choose to be represented by another party during the lease separation period, you may also include the name of that representative and their contact information in your message.

Protecting Your Rights

Lease non-renewals help landlords and tenants prepare for separation. Landlords who receive non-renewal notices can prepare your accounts and apartment accordingly while you start looking for a new place to live. Renters who receive non-renewal notices can start their search for their next home. What’s more, these documents tend to let both parties separate on reasonable terms.