Texas Tenant Advisor

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The Texas Tenant Advisor is intended to provide general information regarding Texas residential tenancies only.

Unique facts can render some statements inapplicable to a given situation.

We attempt to provide current information; nonetheless, you are urged to consult an attorney for legal advice and assistance.

This web site is a public service of the Texas Low Income Housing Information Service.

Release Agreement

This form is ready to be used to formalize your agreement with the landlord to terminate the lease early. The form can be downloaded in the following formats:

(PDF Format: 22 KB/1page) or

 (Rich Text Format for word processor: 16 KB / 1 page)

PDF stands for Portable Document Format click the icon above to download and install the free Adobe Acrobat Reader.

How to fill in the blanks in the form:

1 The first blank at the top of either form is your name and address.

2 The next blank is the date you want the lease to end (the last day you plan to occupy the premises).

3 The next blank is the amount of money you agree to pay the landlord to completely settle and pay for everything up to the last day you plan to stay. You can agree to pay this amount in installments. If you do make a note at the bottom of the form.

4 The next blank is the name of the landlord. This can be the owner of the premises or the name of the apartment complex.

5 The next blank is the amount of the security deposit that the landlord is holding. You do not automatically lose the security deposit because you want to terminate the lease early. This money is still yours and should be returned within 30 days after you move (less any deductions for damages beyond normal wear and tear).

6 The next blank is your forwarding address for the deposit or itemized list of deductions. You must provide one to be entitled to your security deposit or the list of deductions under the law. If you do not have a forwarding address yet, you can provide it later on or you can give a friend or relative's address that you trust. (It is best to leave the landlord a local address because a landlord is more likely to return your deposit if it knows you are still around town.)

7 The next blanks are for recording future payments under the agreement. This will enable you to keep track of all payments made under the agreement. Be sure to have the landlord sign for every payment you give, or at least get a receipt.

8 Then you both sign your names at the bottom. Fill in the date that each of you signed. (It is best to have two copies and have both of you sign each one -- this will allow you both to have an original copy of the agreement.)

9 Make sure you get a copy of the signed form. Be sure to use it to record your rent payments under the agreement, and have the landlord sign the form each time to provide you proof of receipt of the money. (Money order receipts do not prove the landlord actually received money. A tracer on a money order rarely proves anything; especially if the money order is not cashed in right away. Get proof of receipt of all payments.)