How to Write a Letter of Not Continueing a Lease
Updated August 01, 2022
A letter to NOT renew a lease gives notice to a landlord or tenant that they do not wish to renew a lease agreement. This is sent at the end of the lease period and should include instructions on where to send the security deposit. A landlord or tenant may choose to not renew a lease for any reason except for discrimination or retaliation.
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What is a Letter to Not Renew?
A letter to not renew informs a landlord or tenant that they will not be renewing their lease agreement. This is common within 60 days of the lease expiration date and includes instructions on where to return the security deposit. After notice has been sent, the landlord and tenant will communicate on available times to take photos to market and show the property to prospective tenants.
Reasons to NOT Renew
- New landlord;
- Change of management;
- Construction;
- Needed repairs;
- Tenant is repetitively late on rent; or
- If the Tenant is constantly violating the lease.
How to Send (4 Steps)
- Step 1 – Check the Original Lease
- Step 2 – Write and Send the Letter
- Step 3 – Perform an Inspection
- Step 4 – Send the Security Deposit
Step 1 – Check the Original Lease
It's best to verify when the lease agreement ends. It's also a good idea to review what furniture and appliances were provided by the landlord to ensure it remains on the premises after move-out. In addition, any refundable fees to be paid back to the tenant should be accounted for and included in the letter.
Month-to-Month Lease Termination Letter – If it's a month-to-month lease, a letter must be sent in accordance with State law (commonly 30 days' notice).
Step 2 – Write and Send the Letter
The landlord is not obligated to write specific reasons for not renewing unless they feel the need. If the landlord does write the reasons, they must make sure it's not discriminatory or retaliatory. Otherwise, they could end up in legal trouble.
Sending – The letter can be sent via standard mail or e-mail. There is no legal obligation for the landlord to provide notice of non-renewal at the end of a lease term.
Step 3 – Perform an Inspection
Before the tenant leaves the property, it's best for the landlord and tenant to perform an inspection of the premises. The move-out checklist should be used by both parties writing any damage that is noticed. After the inspection is complete, the landlord and tenant should sign the move-out checklist.
Step 4 – Send the Security Deposit
After the tenant has moved out and the landlord has received an estimate for the damage found, the tenant will be sent their remaining security deposit. The landlord must send the deposit to the tenant's forwarding address within the State return limit. If not, the landlord can be subject to penalties and fines.
Sample
NON-RENEWAL LEASE LETTER
May 2, 2020
ABC Landlord LLC
Jon Abrams
123 Main st
Los Angeles, CA 90012RE: NOTICE TO NOT RENEW
Tenant(s): John Goodstein and all others in possession.
THIS IS OFFICIAL NOTICE that your current lease will not be renewed for the property located at:
1005 Broadway, Santa Monica, CA 90401
FURTHERMORE, the last day of tenancy will be: May 31, 2020
You are required to vacate the property on your last day of the tenancy period. The lease agreement states that the property must be made into the same condition upon move-in, wear and tear excepted. In addition, all keys, fabs, and other devices used to enter the property shall be given to the landlord. All personal property the tenant leaves on the property shall become the possession of the landlord.
Your forwarding address must be given for notices and the return of any security deposit. If any damage is found on the property, it shall be deducted from the security deposit in accordance with State law.
Date: May 2, 2020
Landlord's Name: Jon Abrams
How to Write
Download: Adobe PDF, MS Word (.docx), OpenDocument
I. Non-Renewal Header
(1) Letter Date. The date when this letter should be considered in effect must be dispensed at the top of the page.
(2) Landlord's Name. Document the Landlord's identity. If the Landlord is a Property Management Company, then make sure to list the full name of the Property Manager as well as the legal name of the entity he or she represents. If two lines are needed to fully identify the Sender of this letter, then one may be inserted.
(3) Address. The mailing address where the Landlord or Property Manager sending this letter prefers to receive responses should be presented immediately below the name of this Sender.
II. Greeting
(4) Tenant(s). Every Tenant who has signed the lease being discussed must be named as a formal Recipient of this notice. Therefore, locate the space reserved for the greeting then list each Tenant's full name.
III. Required Notice
(5) Property. The property currently leased to the Tenant should be documented within this notice. Supply the geographical address where it is located. The address reported here should enable someone to visit and physically enter the property.
(6) Termination Date. It is crucial to the purpose of this notice that the date when the lease terminates is recorded. Produce the intended date when the lease will be terminated and the Tenant will be expected to vacate the premises. Bear in mind, that most states will require a minimum amount of time given as notice thus, make sure the termination date is compliant with the laws of the state where the property is located.
IV. Closing
(7) Landlord's Signature. The Landlord must show commitment to this letter by signing it. This act can be performed by a Representative (such as a Manager)of the Property Management Company handling this matter.
(8) Date For Landlord's Signature. The date when the signature putting this letter in effect must be documented.
(9) Landlord's Printed Name. The Landlord or Signature Representative should also present his or her printed name.
Related Forms
- Lease Renewal Letter
- Lease Agreement
- Lease Extension Letter
- Month-to-Month Lease Termination Letter
Lease Renewal Letter – To start a new period under the same or similar lease terms.
Download: Adobe PDF, MS Word, OpenDocument
Lease Agreement – A rental contract between a landlord and a tenant.
Download: Adobe PDF, MS Word, OpenDocument
Lease Extension Letter – Extends the expiration date of a current lease.
Download: Adobe PDF, MS Word, OpenDocument
Month-to-Month Lease Termination Letter – Used by a landlord or tenant to cancel a month-to-month lease.
Download: Adobe PDF, MS Word, OpenDocument
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Source: https://eforms.com/rental/not-renewing/