How to Write a Lease Termination Letter (2026)
Go Back To Previous PageIn real estate, a lease termination letter, also called a notice to vacate, is an important document. It tells your landlord you plan to end the lease and leave the property. This is usually
necessary for rentals without a fixed end date. The letter acts as an official notice of your intent to vacate, marking an important step in ending your lease. It is often required by law to give your landlord sufficient time to prepare for your departure and list the property for new tenants. The notice period varies—some landlords ask for 30 days, others for 45 or even 60 days. Always check your lease agreement for the specific notice requirement.
The Anatomy of a Lease Termination Letter
A lease termination letter should follow the format of a formal letter. Include your name, address, the date, and your landlord’s name and address. Add a subject line like “Notice of Intent to Vacate” to clearly state the letter’s purpose. The main body should specify the notice period, your intended move-out date, and optional reasons for leaving.
If there were any issues with the rental, please mention them, but always keep a respectful tone. Remember, good landlord references matter if you plan to rent again. You usually need two references. One is from your current or most recent landlord.
The other is from an earlier landlord. Leaving on good terms helps secure these references since landlords are not always obligated to provide them. Also, state your expectations for the return of the security deposit. Include your contact information, like your phone number, for any follow-up.
The Process of Writing a Lease Termination Letter
Collecting the Required Data
The first step is to gather all the essential details needed to complete the form. This involves getting your landlord or property manager’s name and address. It also includes the lease end date you want. Add your reason for ending the lease. Include any other important details.
Drafting the Letter
After gathering all the essential information, start drafting the letter. Keep the structure professional, leaving blank spaces for your details. Make sure to date and sign the letter at the bottom for it to be official.
Providing Proper Notice
When ending your lease, it is crucial to follow both the lease terms and any local rent laws. Check the Notices section of your lease for details on how to send official notices. Additionally, your area may have specific rent regulations or laws regarding notice periods that the landlord must follow.
Delivering the Letter
After completing the letter, deliver it to your landlord promptly, either by mail, email, or in person. If choosing mail, consider the delivery time to ensure it arrives at least 30 days before your planned move-out date.
Gathering Your Security Deposit
Finally, make sure to collect your security deposit if there has been no damage to the apartment. The letter should specify where to send the deposit upon vacating. If you end the lease early without the landlord’s approval, they might retain the deposit to cover unpaid rent. Nonetheless, in usual cases, you are entitled to receive it back.
Lease Termination Letter Draft Sample
Date:
Landlord Name:
Address:
Dear [landlord’s name],
This letter serves as formal notification that [I am/we are] terminating the lease for [unit number] at [property address]. [I/we] plan to vacate the property on [date you plan on leaving], either before or at the end of the lease term.
The reason for leaving is [state the reason, if applicable].
Please send the security deposit and any other correspondence to [your forwarding address].
If you have any questions or need further clarification, feel free to contact [me/us] at [email address] or [phone number].
Sincerely,
_________________________
[tenant signature]
Final Thoughts
Writing a lease termination letter is a routine task for renters and should be straightforward. Following these steps will ensure your lease termination letter effectively accomplishes its purpose.
Georges has been working in Wall Street for the last 16 years trading derivatives with hedge funds. He has been an active real estate investor for over a decade. Georges graduated from HEC Business School in Paris and holds a master in Finance from ESADE Barcelona.
