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Non-Renewal Lease Letter | Sample

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Non-Renewal Lease Letter | Sample

Updated October 11, 2023

A non-renewal lease letter 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 not to renew a lease for any reason except for discrimination or retaliation.

Table of Contents

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

landlord reviewing original lease agreement

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

landlord typing notice of no renewal on laptop

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

landlord inspecting tenant's unit with inspector taking notes

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 to write 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

landlord using phone to return security deposit to tenant

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 90012

RE: 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, fobs, 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

Related Forms


Lease Renewal Letter – To start a new period under the same or similar lease terms.

Download: PDF, MS Word, OpenDocument

 

 


Lease Agreement – A rental contract between a landlord and a tenant.

Download: PDF, MS Word, OpenDocument

 

 


Lease Extension Letter – Extends the expiration date of a current lease.

Download: PDF, MS Word, OpenDocument

 

 


Month-to-Month Lease Termination Letter – Used by a landlord or tenant to cancel a month-to-month lease.

Download: PDF, MS Word, OpenDocument