Summary
For written leases, check for early termination provisions and notice requirements. If the lease permits early termination, follow the specified notice procedure or negotiate a written agreement with the landlord. For month-to-month and oral leases, both parties can terminate the lease by giving written notice, at least one month before the next rent payment. Year-to-year leases require a longer notice period of at least 60 days before the end of the year.
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Last updated 07/19/2023In this page
Termination options and notice requirements for written leases
A lease is a contract. Both you and your landlord are bound to its terms. If you want to end the lease early, and you have a written lease, you must look at the lease to see whether you are given the option to end the lease early and follow any notice requirements in your lease. If the lease does not give you the right to terminate the lease early, you may wish to contact your landlord to negotiate an agreement to end your lease early. For your protection, your agreement should be in writing.
Termination process for month-to-month and oral leases
If you have a month-to-month and/or an oral lease, then you or your landlord can terminate the lease by giving the other written notice of termination at least one month before the next rent payment is due. Keep a photocopy of the written notice you give your landlord. For example, if your rent is due on the first day of each month, then you would notify your landlord no later than October 31st that you wish to terminate the lease on November 30th.
Termination process for year-to-year leases
If you have a year-to-year lease, you or your landlord may terminate the lease by giving the other written notice at least 60 days before the end of the year.