Notice of Lease Termination — Free Landlord to Tenant Template
A notice of lease termination from a landlord tells a tenant that the lease will end on a set date and explains what happens next. It is used when a lease is ending and won't be renewed, or when a lease clause or an agreement with the tenant allows it to end early. It is not an eviction notice; for unpaid rent or lease violations, a different notice is usually required.
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Free to preview[Your full name (or company name)]
[Your mailing address and phone or email]
October 15, 2026
[Who the letter is going to]
Re: Lease termination — [Rental property address]
Dear [Who the letter is going to],
I am writing to give you written notice about ending the lease for the property at [Rental property address].
Notice from: Landlord or property manager.
Type of termination: [Type of termination].
The lease and the tenancy will end on [Date the lease will end].
[Explain the termination]
Please confirm in writing that you have received this letter and the termination date above. If anything in this letter does not match your records, please let me know in writing as soon as possible.
I am keeping a copy of this letter and proof of delivery for my records.
Sincerely,
[Your full name (or company name)]
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Check that you have the right to end it
A landlord generally can't end a fixed-term lease before its end date just by giving notice. The lease can end early only if the lease allows it, the tenant agrees, or the law gives a reason. At the end of the term, many places let a landlord decline to renew, but some states and cities require a valid reason or longer notice.
If you want the tenant out because of unpaid rent or a violation, use an eviction notice with the type and period your state requires instead.
Offer clarity and, when asking, something in return
State the end date, the reason, rent through the end date, the inspection process and the deposit. If you are asking the tenant to agree to an early end, make the offer worth considering, such as waived rent, moving costs or a quick full deposit refund, and ask them to sign a copy.
Some cities require relocation payments or specific notice wording for certain terminations. Check before you send.
If the tenant stays
A termination notice doesn't remove anyone. If the tenant remains after a valid end date, the next step is the court eviction process, and only a court order carried out by a court officer can remove them. Avoid any self-help, such as changing locks or shutting off utilities.
What to do, step by step
Read your lease
Find the term, the end date, any renewal or automatic month-to-month clause, the notice period and any early termination clause or fee. The lease usually decides how and when it can end.
Check your state and local rules
States and some cities set rules on notice, early termination for specific reasons such as military service, and a landlord's duty to try to re-rent. Look these up before you choose a date.
Fill in the letter
Answer the questions above. Give the exact end date, cite the clause or reason you're relying on, and say what you'll pay or provide.
Attach supporting documents
Include a copy of military orders, a job offer letter or other documents if your reason depends on them, and keep the originals.
Deliver it and keep proof
Send it the way the lease requires, such as certified mail to the notice address, and keep a copy with your receipt or tracking number.
What if the landlord or tenant won't agree to end the lease?
If you are ending the lease in a way the lease or the law allows, such as not renewing at the end of the term with proper notice or using an early termination clause as written, you usually don't need the other side's agreement. Keep your proof of delivery and follow up in writing to confirm the date.
If you are asking to leave early without a clause or legal right, the landlord can say no, and you may remain responsible for rent until the lease ends. In many states, though, a landlord must make reasonable efforts to re-rent the unit and can't simply charge the full remaining rent. Offering to help find a replacement tenant, or to pay a reasonable fee, often leads to a deal.
For landlords, a lease termination letter doesn't remove a tenant. If a tenant stays after the lease ends, the next step is the court eviction process, and only a court order can remove them.
Example notice of lease termination
A filled-in sample with made-up details, so you can see the finished result.
Cedar Ridge Apartments
2100 Oak Hollow Ln, Leasing Office, Austin, TX 78745 · (555) 640-2290
October 5, 2026
Priya Raman
Re: Lease termination — 2150 Oak Hollow Ln, Apt 14, Austin, TX 78745
Dear Priya Raman,
I am writing to give you written notice about ending the lease for the property at 2150 Oak Hollow Ln, Apt 14, Austin, TX 78745.
Notice from: Landlord or property manager.
Type of termination: Early termination requested by mutual agreement.
The lease and the tenancy will end on December 31, 2026.
As we discussed on October 1, 2026, the owner would like to end your lease, which otherwise runs through June 30, 2027, early so that the building can be renovated. If you agree, the lease will end on December 31, 2026.
In exchange, we will waive rent for December 2026, return your full security deposit within 14 days of move-out if the unit is left in good condition, and provide a positive rental reference. Please sign and return the enclosed copy if you agree.
Please confirm in writing that you have received this letter and the termination date above. If anything in this letter does not match your records, please let me know in writing as soon as possible.
I am keeping a copy of this letter and proof of delivery for my records.
Sincerely,
Cedar Ridge Apartments
Frequently asked questions
Can a landlord terminate a lease early?
Only if the lease allows it, the tenant agrees, or there is a legal ground such as a serious violation, which usually requires a formal eviction notice. Otherwise the tenant can generally stay until the lease ends.
How much notice must a landlord give?
It depends on the lease, the state, the city and the situation. Non-renewal notices often need 30 to 60 days or more. Check your lease and local rules, and use the longest period that applies.
What should I do if the tenant agrees?
Put the agreement in writing, signed by everyone on the lease, with the end date, any payments, how the deposit will be handled and confirmation that no rent is owed after the end date.
How much notice do I need to give to end a lease?
Check your lease first. Many fixed-term leases ask for 30 to 60 days' notice before the end date if you won't renew, and some renew automatically if no one gives notice. Early termination clauses set their own notice period. State and local rules may add requirements.
Can I break my lease early?
You can ask, and some situations give tenants a right to leave early, such as qualifying military orders or, in many states, domestic violence or uninhabitable conditions. Otherwise you may owe rent until the unit is re-rented or the lease ends, depending on your lease and state rules.
FairLetter is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. Letters are templates you customize and send yourself.