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Non-Renewal of Lease Letter — Free Template for Landlords and Tenants

A non-renewal of lease letter says that a fixed-term lease will end on its scheduled date and won't be renewed or converted to month-to-month. Landlords and tenants both send them. Timing matters: many leases renew automatically, or roll into month-to-month, unless someone gives notice a set number of days before the end date.

Your details

No account needed. Your letter updates as you type.

Optional. Use the notice address in the lease if it lists one.

Check the lease's notice requirements before choosing a date.

Mention the lease clause you're relying on, the reason, and anything you're attaching.

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[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: [Are you the tenant or the landlord?].
Type of termination: Not renewing the lease at the end of its term.

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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Watch the notice deadline

Read the renewal clause. Some leases say they renew automatically for another full term unless notice is given 30, 60 or more days before the end date. Others become month-to-month. Missing the deadline can leave a tenant committed to another year, or leave a landlord with a tenant who has a right to stay.

Some states and cities also set their own notice periods for landlords who won't renew, especially for long-term tenants.

For landlords: know whether you need a reason

In many places a landlord can decline to renew without giving a reason, but a growing number of states and cities require just cause, and some housing programs have their own rules. A non-renewal that is retaliatory, such as after a repair complaint, or discriminatory is illegal everywhere.

If you give a reason, keep it short and factual. Explain the move-out process and the deposit so the tenant can plan.

For tenants: protect your deposit and reference

Include your forwarding address and ask for a move-out inspection. Leave on good terms; your next landlord may call for a reference. If you'd prefer to stay month-to-month for a short time, ask in the letter and get any agreement in writing.

What to do, step by step

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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 non-renewal of lease letter

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: Not renewing the lease at the end of its term.

The lease and the tenancy will end on December 31, 2026.

Your lease term ends on December 31, 2026. We will not be offering a renewal because the unit is scheduled for a full renovation beginning in January 2027.

Rent remains due as usual through December 31, 2026. Please contact the leasing office to schedule a move-out inspection and return all keys by the end date. Your security deposit will be handled as the lease and state rules require.

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

When should I send a non-renewal letter?

Before the deadline in the lease's renewal or notice clause, which is often 30 to 60 days before the end date. If the lease is silent, check your state and local rules, and send it earlier rather than later.

What happens if no one sends a non-renewal notice?

Depending on the lease and state, the lease may renew automatically for a new term or convert to a month-to-month tenancy. Either way, the old end date may no longer end the tenancy.

Can a landlord refuse to renew a lease for no reason?

In many states, yes, but not everywhere. Some states and cities require a valid reason, and retaliation or discrimination is never allowed. Check your local rules before relying on a no-reason non-renewal.

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.