Ending a lease can be a complex process, with various legal considerations and proper procedures to follow.
Whether you’re a landlord or tenant, crafting a well-written lease termination letter is essential for clearly communicating your intentions and protecting your interests.
A carefully composed termination letter sets the right tone, provides necessary information, and helps ensure a smooth transition for all parties involved.
In this article, we’ll explore 15 sample termination letters that cover a range of common scenarios.
Sample Termination Letters of Lease Agreement
The following sample letters offer guidance on how to structure and word your lease termination notice:
Early Lease Termination Letter from the Tenant
Subject: Early Lease Termination Notice – Apartment 3B, 123 Main St.
Dear [Landlord’s Name],
I am writing to formally notify you of my intention to terminate my lease for Apartment 3B at 123 Main St. Due to an unexpected job relocation, I will need to vacate the premises by [date], which is before the original lease end date of [date].
I understand that per our lease agreement, I am responsible for rent payments until a new tenant is found or the lease expires, whichever comes first. I am willing to assist in finding a new tenant to minimize any financial impact.
Please let me know how you would like to proceed with the early termination process. I am happy to discuss any questions or concerns you may have.
Thank you for your understanding,
[Your Name]
Landlord’s Lease Termination Letter for Cause
Subject: Lease Termination Notice for Cause – Apartment 2A, 456 Elm St.
Dear [Tenant’s Name],
This letter serves as formal notice that your lease for Apartment 2A at 456 Elm St. is being terminated for cause, effective [date]. The reason for this termination is repeated violations of the lease agreement, specifically:
1. Late rent payments on [dates] 2. Unauthorized subletting of the premises 3. Excessive noise complaints from neighbors
As outlined in your lease, you have [number of days] to vacate the property. Any personal property left after this date will be considered abandoned and disposed of accordingly.
Please make arrangements to return all keys and access devices by the termination date. A final walkthrough will be scheduled to assess the unit’s condition.
Sincerely,
[Landlord’s Name]
Month-to-Month Lease Termination Letter From Landlord
Subject: Month-to-Month Lease Termination Notice – Room 12, 789 Oak Ave.
Dear [Tenant’s Name],
As per the terms of your month-to-month rental agreement for Room 12 at 789 Oak Ave., I am providing you with the required [number of days] notice that your lease will be terminated on [date].
This decision is due to my plans to renovate the property and transition to long-term leases. I appreciate your cooperation during this process and am happy to provide a positive rental reference for your future housing applications.
Please ensure the room is left clean and in the same condition as when you moved in, minus normal wear and tear. Your security deposit will be refunded by state law, after any necessary deductions.
Best regards,
[Landlord’s Name]
Lease Non-Renewal Letter from Tenant
Subject: Lease Non-Renewal Notice – Unit 7C, 246 Pine Rd.
Dear [Landlord’s Name],
I am writing to inform you that I will not be renewing my lease for Unit 7C at 246 Pine Rd. when it expires on [date]. After careful consideration, I have decided to explore other housing options that better fit my current needs.
As stipulated in my lease agreement, I am providing you with [number of days] notice of my intention to vacate the premises by the lease end date. I will ensure the unit is clean and in good condition before turning in my keys.
Please let me know your preferred method for handling the security deposit refund and any other move-out procedures. I have enjoyed my time as your tenant and appreciate your professionalism throughout my tenancy.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Lease Termination Letter Due to Property Sale
Subject: Lease Termination Notice – Property Sale of 135 Maple Ct.
Dear [Tenant’s Name],
I am reaching out to notify you that I have recently sold the property at 135 Maple Ct., which includes your rented unit. As part of the sale agreement, the new owner will be taking possession of the property on [date].
Regrettably, this means your current lease will be terminated effective [date], providing you with the legally required [number of days] notice. I understand this news may be unexpected, and I apologize for any inconvenience it may cause.
The new owner, [new owner’s name], will be in touch shortly to discuss any potential options for continuing your tenancy under their ownership. Alternatively, they will provide information about move-out procedures and security deposit refunds.
It has been a pleasure having you as a tenant, and I wish you the best in your future housing endeavors.
Respectfully,
[Landlord’s Name]
Lease Termination by Military Personnel
Subject: Military Lease Termination Notice – Apartment 15D, 753 Birch Blvd.
Dear [Landlord’s Name],
I am writing to inform you that I will be terminating my lease for Apartment 15D at 753 Birch Blvd., effective [date], under the provisions of the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA). I have recently received orders for a permanent change of station and must relocate by [date].
Per the SCRA, I am providing you with a copy of my military orders, which serve as the required written notice for lease termination. My lease will be terminated 30 days from the date of my next rent payment, which is [date].
I will ensure the apartment is left in excellent condition and will coordinate with you to schedule a final walkthrough and key return. Please process my security deposit refund by state law and the terms of our lease agreement.
Thank you for your support and understanding during my time as your tenant.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Tenant’s Lease Termination Letter for Uninhabitable Premises
Subject: Lease Termination Notice – Uninhabitable Premises at 951 Cedar Ln.
Dear [Landlord’s Name],
I am writing to formally notify you of my intention to terminate my lease for the property at 951 Cedar Ln., effective immediately, due to the uninhabitable living conditions that have not been addressed despite multiple written requests.
The severe mold infestation and non-functional heating system render the premises unsafe and pose significant health risks. Under state law, you have failed to maintain the property in a habitable condition, which constitutes a breach of our lease agreement.
I have documented the issues and have attached copies of my previous written requests for repairs, along with photographs of the current conditions. I will be vacating the premises by [date] and expect a full refund of my security deposit, as the damage is due to your negligence.
Please be advised that I reserve the right to pursue legal action if this matter is not resolved satisfactorily.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Landlord’s Lease Termination for Illegal Activity
Subject: Immediate Lease Termination – Illegal Activity at Unit 3F, 654 Spruce St.
Dear [Tenant’s Name],
This letter serves as formal notice of the immediate termination of your lease for Unit 3F at 654 Spruce St. due to the illegal activity that has been reported and verified on the premises.
On [date], police were called to the property in response to complaints of drug-related activity. Upon investigation, they found evidence of illegal drug manufacturing and distribution within your unit. This activity is a clear violation of your lease agreement and is grounds for immediate termination.
You are hereby required to vacate the premises within 24 hours of receiving this notice. Any personal property left after this time will be considered abandoned and will be disposed of by local laws.
Please return all keys and access devices to the property management office upon vacating. Be advised that we will be pursuing legal action to recover any damages or losses resulting from the illegal activity.
Sincerely,
[Landlord’s Name]
Termination of Sublet Agreement
Subject: Termination of Sublet Agreement – Room B, 246 Oak St.
Dear [Subtenant’s Name],
I am writing to provide notice that your sublease agreement for Room B at 246 Oak St. will be terminated on [date] by our original sublet contract. As the primary tenant, I will be returning to occupy the premises as of that date.
Please ensure that the room is clean and in the same condition as when you moved in, and remove all personal belongings by the termination date. We will schedule a walkthrough to assess any damages beyond normal wear and tear, which may impact the return of your security deposit.
If you have any questions or concerns about the sublet termination process, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Thank you for your cooperation, and I wish you the best in your future housing arrangements.
Regards,
[Primary Tenant’s Name]
Early Lease Termination due to Domestic Violence
Subject: Early Lease Termination – Domestic Violence Situation
Dear [Landlord’s Name],
I am writing to request an early termination of my lease for the apartment at [address] due to a domestic violence situation. I have attached a copy of the police report and a letter from my healthcare provider documenting the abuse and the need to relocate for my safety.
Under state law, I am entitled to terminate my lease without penalty given these circumstances. I am providing 30 days’ notice and will be vacating the premises by [date]. Please confirm receipt of this notice and provide instructions for the return of my security deposit.
I appreciate your understanding and assistance during this difficult time. Please keep this information confidential to protect my privacy and safety.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Lease Termination due to Foreclosure
Subject: Lease Termination Notice – Foreclosure of 789 Elm Ave.
Dear [Tenant’s Name],
I regret to inform you that the property at 789 Elm Ave., where you currently reside, is undergoing foreclosure proceedings. As a result, your lease will be terminated effective [date], which is 90 days from the date of this notice, as required by the Protecting Tenants at Foreclosure Act.
The lender, [bank name], will be taking possession of the property and may offer you the opportunity to continue your tenancy under their ownership. They will contact you directly with more information about your options and rights as a tenant in a foreclosure situation.
As your current landlord, I am committed to making this transition as smooth as possible for you. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
[Landlord’s Name]
Landlord’s Early Lease Termination for Renovation
Subject: Early Lease Termination Notice – Renovation of Unit 2B, 951 Maple Rd.
Dear [Tenant’s Name],
I am writing to notify you that I will be terminating your lease for Unit 2B at 951 Maple Rd. early, effective [date], which is 60 days from the date of this notice. The reason for this early termination is that I will be undertaking extensive renovations to the property that require the unit to be vacant.
As per our lease agreement, I am providing you with the required written notice and will be offering you a relocation assistance payment equal to one month’s rent. This payment will be issued once you have fully vacated the unit and returned all keys.
I understand the inconvenience this may cause and am happy to provide a positive rental reference to assist in your housing search. Please let me know if you have any questions or if there is anything I can do to help facilitate a smooth transition.
Best regards,
[Landlord’s Name]
Tenant’s Lease Termination for Job Loss
Subject: Lease Termination Notice – Job Loss and Financial Hardship
Dear [Landlord’s Name],
I am reaching out to inform you of my need to terminate my lease for the apartment at [address] due to unexpected job loss and resulting financial hardship. Despite my best efforts, I am no longer able to afford the rent payments and must seek alternative living arrangements.
I am requesting your understanding and cooperation in releasing me from the lease obligations, as I cannot continue to reside in the unit. I am willing to discuss reasonable terms for the lease termination, such as providing 30 days’ notice and forfeiting my security deposit to cover any losses.
I have been a responsible tenant during my time here and hope we can come to an amicable agreement. Please let me know your thoughts on how to proceed with the lease termination process.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Landlord’s Lease Termination for Owner Move-In
Subject: Lease Termination Notice – Owner Move-In at 123 Oak St.
Dear [Tenant’s Name],
I am writing to inform you that I will be terminating your lease for the property at 123 Oak St., effective [date], which is 60 days from the date of this notice. The reason for this termination is that I will be moving into the unit myself as my primary residence.
As per state law, I am providing you with the required written notice and will be offering you a relocation assistance payment of $[amount] to help with your moving expenses. This payment will be issued once you have fully vacated the property and returned all keys.
I understand that this news may be unexpected, and I apologize for any inconvenience it may cause. I am happy to provide a positive rental reference and will work with you to make the transition as smooth as possible.
Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
[Landlord’s Name]
Lease Termination for Roommate Disagreement
Subject: Lease Termination Notice – Roommate Disagreement
Dear [Landlord’s Name],
I am writing to inform you of my decision to terminate my lease for the shared apartment at [address] due to irreconcilable differences with my roommate. The living situation has become untenable, and after multiple attempts to resolve our issues, I have concluded that ending my tenancy is the best course of action.
As I am on an individual lease for my portion of the rent, I am requesting to be released from my lease obligations effective [date]. I will ensure my room is clean and any shared areas are in good condition before vacating.
Please provide guidance on the necessary steps to complete the lease termination process and any required documentation. I appreciate your assistance in this matter.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Wrapping Up Sample Lease Termination Letters
These sample lease termination letters demonstrate how to effectively communicate and handle various situations that may arise when ending a lease agreement.
By using clear language, providing necessary information, and following legal requirements, both landlords and tenants can navigate the lease termination process with professionalism and minimal disruption.
Remember to always review your specific lease agreement and consult local laws to ensure your termination letter is compliant and appropriate for your unique circumstances.
With the right approach and communication, terminating a lease can be a straightforward process for all parties involved.