Notice of Intent Not to Renew Lease
You can use this form notice to send to the landlord to
indicate that you intend to terminate the lease agreement
when the lease expires. Most leases require that you give
at least 30 days notice prior to the expiration of the
lease if you do not intend to renew the lease. A failure to
give the required notice often results in the lease be
renewed automatically. This form notice also gives the
landlord notice of your forwarding address for the return
of any security deposit given.
Release Agreement
You can use this form agreement to modify the term of the
lease. Many landlords will agree to let you out of your
lease at a cost. Some have standard amounts (one month's
rent and the deposit), while others will negotiate. Keep in
mind that your maximum responsbility is the rent for the
remainder of the lease. If you are unable to reach an
agreement, the landlord has a duty to find a replacement
tenant and give you credit for the amount of rent
collected. Your security deposit is not automatically
forfeited just because you terminate early, but even if a
landlord finds a replacement tenant, you are probably going
to be responsbile for a "reletting fee" that most landlord
put in their leases if they have to find another tenant.