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Lease Termination Letter
Whether your lease is ending, you're on month-to-month notice, or you need to leave before the term is up, the letter you send your landlord matters. It sets the timeline, protects your deposit, and keeps the door open for a good reference. LetterLotus helps you write it so nothing falls through the cracks.
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Writing assistance tool · Not legal advice. LetterLotus is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. No attorney-client relationship is created by using this tool.
Your letter
- lease runs to July 31 — not renewing
- new job in Denver starts August 15
- can show the apartment evenings and weekends
written into
This is written notice that I will not renew my lease at 412 Linden Avenue and will vacate on July 31. I have accepted a position in Denver that starts August 15.
I would like to leave on good terms, so I am glad to allow showings evenings and weekends.
Balanced & Thorough
How It Works
Pick your favorite draft
We generate 4 different versions of your letter, each with a different tone. You pick the one that sounds most like you.
Edit, download & use
Make any edits you want, then download a print-ready PDF or Word document. It's your letter.
What Your Lease Termination Covers
- A clear statement of notice or request, with the property address
- Your specific move-out date, calibrated to the notice your lease requires
- A brief, factual reason if you're asking to leave early
- Cooperation you're offering: walkthroughs, showings, replacement tenant, fee
- A request for the security deposit return and your forwarding address
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a lease termination letter?
A written notice from a tenant to a landlord communicating that the tenancy is ending. It can be a notice that you will not be renewing at lease end, a month-to-month notice to vacate, or a request to be released from a fixed-term lease early. The letter creates a paper trail and gives the landlord the information they need to plan for your move-out and return your deposit.
How much notice do I have to give?
Check your lease first. Most leases require 30 or 60 days written notice, even at the natural end of the term. If you're on month-to-month, your state's landlord-tenant law sets the minimum (often 30 days). When in doubt, give more notice than you think you need.
Can I just break my lease by sending this letter?
No. A fixed-term lease binds you for the full term unless the landlord agrees to release you or specific legal grounds apply (such as military deployment, certain domestic violence situations, or uninhabitable conditions). The letter notifies and requests, but it does not, by itself, release you from the lease.
What if I have military orders, am a domestic violence survivor, or have uninhabitable conditions?
Statutory protections may apply, but they vary by state and require professional guidance. Active-duty service members and dependents should contact their installation's legal assistance office (JAG) for help with SCRA termination. Domestic violence survivors should reach out to a local advocate or the National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-7233). For habitability issues, contact your local tenant legal-aid organization. This tool can help you draft the letter, but it does not interpret your legal rights for you.
How is this different from a repair request letter?
A repair request asks the landlord to fix a problem so you can keep living in the unit. A lease termination letter says you're leaving. If you have a repair issue and want to keep your tenancy, start with a repair request. If you're already decided to move out, this is the right letter.
Will I lose my security deposit if I break the lease early?
It depends on your lease, your state law, the landlord's actual damages, and what you negotiate. Many tenants offer to forfeit some or all of the deposit as part of an early-break agreement. The letter can include that offer, but you should not compute the math in the letter itself. Most state laws require landlords to return the deposit (minus any documented deductions) within a set timeframe after move-out.
Should I send this by certified mail?
Yes, in almost all cases. Certified mail with return receipt requested gives you proof of delivery and the date the landlord received the notice. Keep a copy of the letter, the certified mail receipt, and the return receipt with your records. If your lease specifically permits email notice, you can also use email — but save the sent message and any reply.
Is this legal advice?
No. This tool helps you write a clear, professional letter. It does not provide legal advice and cannot tell you whether you have a right to terminate your lease. For complex situations — active eviction proceedings, disputes over deposits, claims of uninhabitability, or anything involving statutory rights — consult a tenant legal-aid organization or a licensed attorney in your state.
How much does this cost?
$39, one time. No subscription, no hidden fees. You get PDF, Word, and clipboard formats, plus inline editing and unlimited re-downloads.
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Important: This is a writing tool, not legal advice. Consult an attorney for guidance on your specific situation.
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Notice periods are real, and missing one can cost you another month of rent. Get your letter sent on time.
Writing assistance tool. Not a law firm. Not legal advice.