Lease Termination Letter Template

Updated December 10, 2025 • Proper Notice ✓ Legal Documentation ✓ Deposit Protection ✓

Use this free lease termination notice letter to formally end your rental agreement with proper notice. Whether you need a move-out notice to landlord or a tenant termination letter, this template works for both parties.

When to Send a Lease Termination Letter

  • Ending a month-to-month tenancy
  • Not renewing a fixed-term lease
  • Early termination per lease clause
  • Relocating for work or personal reasons
  • Military deployment (SCRA protection)
  • Landlord terminating for lawful reason

Lease Termination Letter Template (Copy & Paste Sample)

LEASE TERMINATION LETTER

SENT VIA CERTIFIED MAIL - RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED

[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email]

[Date]

[Landlord/Property Manager Name OR Tenant Name]
[Management Company Name, if applicable]
[Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]

Re: Notice of Lease Termination
    Property Address: [PROPERTY ADDRESS]
    Unit Number: [UNIT #]
    Lease Start Date: [DATE]
    Lease End Date: [DATE]

Dear [Recipient Name]:

This letter serves as formal written notice that I am terminating the lease agreement for the above-referenced property.

☐ TENANT TERMINATING LEASE
☐ LANDLORD TERMINATING LEASE

TERMINATION DETAILS:

Current Lease Type:
☐ Month-to-month tenancy
☐ Fixed-term lease (ending [DATE])
☐ Week-to-week tenancy

Last Day of Tenancy: [DATE]
Move-Out Date: [DATE]

This notice is being provided [NUMBER] days in advance, as required by:
☐ State law
☐ Lease agreement terms
☐ Both

REASON FOR TERMINATION (Select all that apply):

For Tenants:
☐ End of lease term - choosing not to renew
☐ Relocating for employment
☐ Personal/family reasons
☐ Purchasing a home
☐ Early termination per lease terms
☐ Health or safety concerns
☐ Military orders (SCRA)
☐ Lease violations by landlord
☐ Other: [Specify]

For Landlords:
☐ End of lease term - choosing not to renew
☐ Lease violations by tenant
☐ Non-payment of rent
☐ Property sale
☐ Owner or family member move-in
☐ Major renovations planned
☐ Other lawful reason permitted under local landlord-tenant law: [Specify]

MOVE-OUT EXPECTATIONS:

For Tenants - I agree to:
☐ Return all keys on or before [DATE]
☐ Leave the property in clean, good condition
☐ Remove all personal belongings
☐ Provide forwarding address for security deposit return
☐ Complete move-out inspection (if offered)
☐ Disconnect utilities in my name by [DATE]

For Landlords - Tenant should:
☐ Return all keys, garage openers, and access devices
☐ Leave property in broom-clean condition
☐ Remove all personal belongings
☐ Repair any damage beyond normal wear and tear
☐ Provide forwarding address for deposit return

SECURITY DEPOSIT:

Amount on Deposit: $[AMOUNT]

For Tenants:
Please send my security deposit (less any lawful deductions) to:
[New Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]

Under [STATE] law, the deposit must be returned within [NUMBER] days.

For Landlords:
Your security deposit will be returned within [NUMBER] days of move-out, less any lawful deductions. An itemized statement will be provided if deductions are made.

FINAL RENT PAYMENT:

☐ Rent paid through [DATE]
☐ Final rent payment of $[AMOUNT] due by [DATE]
☐ Prorated rent for partial month: $[AMOUNT]

MOVE-OUT INSPECTION:

☐ I request a move-out inspection (if offered in this jurisdiction)
☐ Preferred inspection date/time: [DATE/TIME]

KEY RETURN:

Keys and access devices should be returned to:
[Name]
[Address/Location]
[Date/Time]

FORWARDING ADDRESS:

[Your New Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]

ACKNOWLEDGMENT REQUEST:

Please confirm receipt of this notice and the agreed move-out date by contacting me at:
Phone: [PHONE NUMBER]
Email: [EMAIL ADDRESS]

Thank you for [your tenancy/the housing]. I [have valued our landlord-tenant relationship/appreciated renting from you] and will ensure a smooth transition.

Sincerely,

[Your Signature]
[Your Printed Name]
[Date]

---

SENDER'S RECORD:
Certified Mail Number: ________________
Date Mailed: ________________
Notice Period Ends: ________________
Move-Out Date: ________________
Key Return Date: ________________

---

IMPORTANT NOTES:

• Check your lease for required notice periods (30, 60, 90 days)
• Some states have different requirements for different tenancy types
• Keep certified mail receipt as proof of proper notice
• Document property condition at move-out with photos
• Follow all lease requirements for early termination if applicable
• Laws about landlord terminations and non-renewals can be very strict in some cities/states—consult a local attorney or housing agency if unsure

Need to send certified mail? The Letter Pilot handles printing, postage, and tracking for you.

Related guides: Learn what certified mail is and why it matters for legal notices, or see our guide on mailing a security deposit dispute if you need to recover your deposit.

How to Write a Lease Termination Letter (Step‑by‑Step)

  1. Review your lease. Check the required notice period (30, 60, or 90 days) and any early termination clauses.
  2. Calculate your move-out date. Ensure you provide the full notice period required by law or lease.
  3. Write the termination letter. Include property address, move-out date, and forwarding address for deposit return.
  4. Send via Certified Mail. Keep proof of delivery in case of disputes about proper notice.
  5. Prepare for move-out. Document property condition, clean, disconnect utilities, and return all keys.

Pro Tip: Take photos of every room before moving out. This protects you from unfair security deposit deductions.

Lease Termination FAQ

How much notice do I need to give to terminate a lease?

It depends on your lease and state law. Month-to-month tenancies typically require 30 days. Fixed-term leases usually end on their end date with no notice required, though some require 30-60 days before the end date.

Can I terminate a lease early?

Check your lease for early termination clauses. You may be able to break the lease by paying a fee, finding a replacement tenant, or in certain protected situations (military duty, domestic violence, uninhabitable conditions).

What happens to my security deposit when I terminate?

The landlord must return your deposit (minus lawful deductions) within the time required by state law (typically 14-60 days). Provide a forwarding address in your termination letter.

Do I need to give a reason for termination?

Generally, no reason is required for ending a month-to-month tenancy or not renewing a fixed-term lease. Some exceptions apply (rent-controlled units, retaliatory or discriminatory terminations).

Should I send the termination letter certified mail?

Yes. Certified mail with return receipt creates proof that proper notice was given. This protects you if any disputes arise about the termination date.

What should I do before moving out?

Document the property condition with photos, clean thoroughly, make minor repairs, return all keys, disconnect utilities, and provide your forwarding address. Request a move-out inspection if available.

Is email or text enough to terminate a lease?

Often not. Many leases and state laws require written notice delivered by mail or in person. Certified mail is the safest option because it creates proof of delivery. Check your lease for specific notice requirements—some may allow electronic notice, but many do not.

Legal Advice Disclaimer: This template is for informational purposes only. Landlord-tenant laws vary significantly by state and locality. Consult an attorney or tenant rights organization for specific guidance.

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