End Lease Agreement: Sample Letters & Guide | Hassle-Free Exit

Ending a lease agreement requires careful consideration and proper communication with your landlord. A well-written letter serves as official notification and can help avoid potential disputes. This guide provides 11 sample letters to cover various situations, from standard end-of-lease notices to early termination requests due to unforeseen circumstances. Remember to always review your lease agreement and local laws before sending any notice.

Each sample letter is designed to be easily adaptable to your specific situation. Ensure you include relevant details such as your name, address, the date, and the specific reason for ending the lease. Sending the letter via certified mail with return receipt requested provides proof of delivery and further protects your rights. Consult with a legal professional if you have any doubts about your legal obligations.

Sample Letters to End Lease Agreement

1. Sample Letter 1: Standard End of Lease Notice

   [Your Name]
   [Your Address]
   [Your Phone Number]
   [Your Email Address]

   [Date]

   [Landlord’s Name]
   [Landlord’s Address]

   Subject: Notice of Intent to Vacate

   Dear [Landlord’s Name],

   Please accept this letter as formal notification that I will be vacating the property located at [Your Address] on [Date], as my lease agreement expires on that date. I will ensure the property is left clean and in good condition, as outlined in the lease agreement. Please let me know your preferred method for returning the security deposit. Thank you for the tenancy.

2. Sample Letter 2: Early Lease Termination (Mutual Agreement)

   [Your Name]
   [Your Address]
   [Your Phone Number]
   [Your Email Address]

   [Date]

   [Landlord’s Name]
   [Landlord’s Address]

   Subject: Request for Early Termination of Lease

   Dear [Landlord’s Name],

   This letter is to formally request an early termination of my lease agreement for the property located at [Your Address]. As we discussed, [briefly explain the reason for early termination, e.g., job relocation]. I understand there may be penalties associated with early termination, and I am willing to negotiate terms that are acceptable to both of us. I propose [mention any offer, e.g., finding a suitable replacement tenant]. I hope we can reach a mutually agreeable solution.

3. Sample Letter 3: Early Lease Termination (Military Deployment)

   [Your Name]
   [Your Address]
   [Your Phone Number]
   [Your Email Address]

   [Date]

   [Landlord’s Name]
   [Landlord’s Address]

   Subject: Lease Termination Due to Military Deployment

   Dear [Landlord’s Name],

   I am writing to inform you that I am required to terminate my lease agreement for the property located at [Your Address] due to military deployment. My deployment orders are attached for your review. As per the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA), I am entitled to terminate my lease with [number] days’ notice. My last day of tenancy will be [Date]. Please advise on the procedure for returning the property keys and processing the security deposit refund.

4. Sample Letter 4: Lease Termination Due to Uninhabitable Conditions

   [Your Name]
   [Your Address]
   [Your Phone Number]
   [Your Email Address]

   [Date]

   [Landlord’s Name]
   [Landlord’s Address]

   Subject: Lease Termination Due to Uninhabitable Conditions

   Dear [Landlord’s Name],

   This letter serves as notification that I am terminating my lease agreement for the property located at [Your Address] due to uninhabitable conditions. Specifically, [clearly describe the uninhabitable conditions, e.g., severe mold infestation, lack of running water, etc.]. I have previously notified you of these issues on [Date(s)] without adequate resolution. Due to the severity of these conditions, I am vacating the property effective [Date]. I expect a full refund of my security deposit.

5. Sample Letter 5: Month-to-Month Lease Termination

   [Your Name]
   [Your Address]
   [Your Phone Number]
   [Your Email Address]

   [Date]

   [Landlord’s Name]
   [Landlord’s Address]

   Subject: Termination of Month-to-Month Lease

   Dear [Landlord’s Name],

   Please accept this letter as formal notification that I will be vacating the property located at [Your Address] on [Date]. This satisfies the [Number] days’ notice requirement as stipulated in our month-to-month lease agreement. I will leave the property in good condition and request instructions for the return of my security deposit.

6. Sample Letter 6: End of Lease with Intent to Renew (Potentially)

   [Your Name]
   [Your Address]
   [Your Phone Number]
   [Your Email Address]

   [Date]

   [Landlord’s Name]
   [Landlord’s Address]

   Subject: End of Lease – Open to Renewal Discussions

   Dear [Landlord’s Name],

   This letter is to acknowledge the upcoming expiration of my lease on [Date] for the property located at [Your Address]. While I am providing this notice to comply with the lease terms, I am also open to discussing a lease renewal under agreeable terms. Please contact me to discuss potential renewal options. If I do not hear from you by [Date], I will assume you are not interested in renewing the lease, and I will proceed with vacating the property.

7. Sample Letter 7: Notification of Vacating Property with Forwarding Address

   [Your Name]
   [Your Address]
   [Your Phone Number]
   [Your Email Address]

   [Date]

   [Landlord’s Name]
   [Landlord’s Address]

   Subject: Vacating Property – Forwarding Address Provided

   Dear [Landlord’s Name],

   This letter confirms that I will be vacating the property located at [Your Address] on [Date], as previously notified. Please send my security deposit refund to the following forwarding address: [Your Forwarding Address]. I can be reached at [Your Phone Number] or [Your Email Address] if you require further information.

8. Sample Letter 8: Request for Pre-Move-Out Inspection

   [Your Name]
   [Your Address]
   [Your Phone Number]
   [Your Email Address]

   [Date]

   [Landlord’s Name]
   [Landlord’s Address]

   Subject: Request for Pre-Move-Out Inspection

   Dear [Landlord’s Name],

   As my lease for the property located at [Your Address] ends on [Date], I would like to request a pre-move-out inspection. This inspection will allow me to address any potential issues and ensure the property is returned in satisfactory condition, minimizing potential deductions from my security deposit. Please contact me to schedule a convenient time for the inspection.

9. Sample Letter 9: Lease Termination Due to Job Relocation

   [Your Name]
   [Your Address]
   [Your Phone Number]
   [Your Email Address]

   [Date]

   [Landlord’s Name]
   [Landlord’s Address]

   Subject: Lease Termination Due to Job Relocation

   Dear [Landlord’s Name],

   I am writing to request an early termination of my lease agreement for the property at [Your Address] due to a required job relocation. My new job requires me to move to [New Location] by [Date]. I understand that breaking the lease may incur penalties as outlined in our agreement. I am willing to discuss options to mitigate any financial impact, such as assisting in finding a suitable replacement tenant. My last day of occupancy will be [Date]. I am available to discuss this matter further at your convenience.

10. Sample Letter 10: Lease Termination – Purchase of Property

    [Your Name]
    [Your Address]
    [Your Phone Number]
    [Your Email Address]

    [Date]

    [Landlord’s Name]
    [Landlord’s Address]

    Subject: Lease Termination – Purchase of Property

    Dear [Landlord’s Name],

    I am writing to inform you that I will be terminating my lease agreement for the property located at [Your Address] because I have purchased a property. My lease currently ends on [Current Lease End Date], but my closing date for the new property is [Closing Date]. Therefore, I will be vacating [Your Address] on or before [Closing Date]. I will ensure the property is left clean and in good condition, as outlined in our lease agreement. Please let me know your preferred method for returning the security deposit. Thank you for the tenancy.

11. Sample Letter 11: Simple Notice to Vacate

    [Your Name]
    [Your Address]
    [Your Phone Number]
    [Your Email Address]

    [Date]

    [Landlord’s Name]
    [Landlord’s Address]

    Subject: Notice to Vacate

    Dear [Landlord’s Name],

    This letter serves as notification that I will be vacating the property located at [Your Address] on [Date]. Please contact me regarding the return of my security deposit. Thank you.