What is a Lease Termination?

A lease termination letter enables either a landlord or tenant to end a month-to-month lease in compliance with state regulations. Typically, this letter provides 30 days’ notice to vacate the property during a tenancy-at-will agreement.

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Here are the steps to terminate a lease

1. Review Your Lease: Check your lease agreement for any specified termination period. If none is specified, adhere to the state-mandated notice period.

2. Inform the Other Party: Before sending the termination notice, communicate your intention to terminate the lease with the other party. For instance, if the landlord is terminating the lease, this communication aids in coordinating a suitable move-out plan.

3. Issue the Notice: Send the termination notice as per the agreed-upon terms.

4. Arrange the Move-Out: Once the notice is served, schedule a move-out date. In larger residential complexes, inform management to facilitate any necessary arrangements, such as reserving elevators.

5. Initiate Eviction Proceedings (if necessary): If the tenant refuses to vacate the premises after receiving the notice, the landlord may need to initiate eviction proceedings through the local housing court. Even if the tenant expresses unwillingness to leave, the landlord must wait out the full notice period before pursuing legal action.