Early Lease Termination Letter

When you need to end your lease before the scheduled expiration date, an early lease termination letter is the formal way to notify your landlord or property manager. Providing a clear, written notice helps prevent disputes and outlines your responsibilities, including potential fees or conditions for early termination.

How to Use This Letter

1. Review Your Lease Agreement

   • Check your lease for clauses about early termination, notice periods (typically 30–60 days), and any associated penalties.

   • Understand whether you must pay remaining rent, a termination fee, or cover the cost of finding a new tenant.

2. Include Essential Details
   Your letter should clearly state:

   • Tenant’s full name(s) and contact information.

   • Property address.

   • Date of writing.

   • Lease start date and intended early termination/move-out date.

   • Reason for early termination (optional, but recommended).

   • A request for confirmation from the landlord regarding acceptance and next steps.

3. Send the Letter

   • Deliver via certified mail, email with read receipt, or hand-delivered with acknowledgment.

   • Retain a copy for your records.

4. Coordinate Move-Out and Deposit Return

   • Schedule a move-out inspection, if required.

   • Return keys, garage openers, and other access devices.

   • Clarify the process for security deposit deductions, if applicable.

Early Lease Termination Letter Template

[Your Name]
[Your Current Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
[Email Address]
[Phone Number]

[Date]

[Landlord’s Name / Property Management Company]
[Landlord/Company Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]

Subject: Early Lease Termination Notice

Dear [Landlord’s Name],

I am writing to formally notify you of my intent to terminate my lease for the property located at [Property Address] before the scheduled end date of [Lease End Date]. I am providing [number of days, e.g., 30/60] days’ notice, with a proposed early move-out date of [Date].

[Optional: Reason for early termination, e.g., job relocation, family circumstances, financial reasons.]

Please advise regarding any required early termination fees, procedures for move-out inspection, and steps for the return of my security deposit. I will ensure the property is returned in good condition and all keys and access devices are delivered by the termination date.

Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.

Sincerely,
[Signature]
[Printed Name]

Notes and Best Practices

• Follow the notice period specified in your lease to avoid extra fees.

• Clearly specify dates to avoid confusion.

• Keep a copy and proof of delivery.

• Understand the landlord’s process for move-out inspection and deposit deductions.

• If early termination fees or remaining rent are required, plan for payment to prevent disputes.