Decline a Lease Renewal Without Penalties

Cost Savings

Checklist Tasks

• Review your lease for notice period and required format to avoid penalties.
• Draft a written notice stating you will not renew and your move-out date.
• Address the notice to the landlord or property manager as specified in your lease.
• Send notice by certified mail or email with read receipt for delivery proof.
• Attach a copy of your notice to your records with the date sent.
• Request written acknowledgment from the landlord to confirm receipt.
• Specify in your notice how and when you will return keys.
• Request a pre-move-out inspection in writing to resolve issues early.
• Document all communications about your notice in a dated log.
• Check if your lease requires a forwarding address and include it.
• Avoid stating your reason for leaving unless required.
• Set calendar reminders for notice deadline and move-out date.