Keep the tenancy. Set the next term.
Sign the changes.
Renew an existing residential lease for a new fixed term, record the agreed rent and changes, and identify which original terms continue unchanged.
- New fixed-term dates
- Agreed rent and updates
- Original lease carried forward
How it works
From the signed original lease to a clear renewal both parties can keep
- 01
Review the current lease
Confirm its parties, property, end date, renewal clause, notice deadlines and any regulated-housing requirements.
- 02
Agree on the next term
Set the renewal dates, rent, payment terms and every change that will apply during the new fixed term.
- 03
Sign before the transition
Have every required party sign, attach required riders or disclosures and give everyone a complete executed copy.
Last updated August 20, 2026
Written by LawLease EditorialReviewed by LawLease Legal Team
By end-of-term choice
Which renewal or lease-change document you need
A renewal records a new agreed term. An extension changes the current end date, an amendment changes selected terms, and a rent increase notice is a one-party notice rather than a signed agreement.
- LE
Lease extension and renewal
Compare an extension of the current term with a fresh renewal before choosing the instrument.
Learn more - LA
Lease amendment
Change selected lease provisions without necessarily creating a new fixed term.
Learn more - RI
Rent increase notice
Give advance notice of a future rent change when a signed fixed-term renewal is not the instrument.
Learn more - RL
Residential lease agreement
Use a complete lease when the arrangement or parties need more than a short renewal document.
Learn more - TW
Tenant welcome letter
Refresh practical payment, maintenance and contact instructions for the renewed term.
Learn more
What is a lease renewal agreement?
A lease renewal agreement is a signed contract that continues an existing landlord-tenant relationship for a stated new term. It identifies the original lease, gives the renewal start and end dates, sets the rent and records any agreed updates while specifying which existing provisions remain in force.
The labels renewal, extension and amendment are sometimes used differently in leases and local law, so the agreement's actual language controls. This template is intended for a mutually signed residential renewal, not a unilateral renewal offer, rent-increase notice or regulated-housing form. It is also called:
- Rental lease renewal
- Residential renewal agreement
- Fixed-term renewal
- Lease renewal addendum
If the current term will continue and the parties only need to revise one or more provisions, consider a lease amendment instead of creating a new renewal term.
Renewal, rent-change and regulated-housing rules
Start with the existing lease. It may contain an option, automatic-renewal clause, offer deadline or required method for accepting a renewal. State or local law can impose additional timing and disclosure rules, especially when the rent changes or the landlord does not intend to renew.
Rent-controlled, rent-stabilized, subsidized and other regulated housing may require an agency form, approved rent calculation, mandatory rider, particular offer window or substantially unchanged terms. Do not substitute a generic renewal agreement for a required program or statutory document.
One original lease
identified by parties, property and execution or effective date
One new term
with unambiguous start and end dates and no accidental gap
Signed changes
to rent or other provisions accepted by every required party
- Check renewal rights and deadlines
- A lease option or local housing rule may control when an offer must be made, how long it remains open and whether renewal can be refused. Calendar those dates before drafting.
- A proposed rent is not effective by itself
- Confirm that the amount complies with rent caps, notice rules and regulated-housing requirements. Obtain the tenant's signature when the increase is part of this bilateral renewal.
- List every intentional change
- State the new rent, payment date, utilities, occupants, pets, parking or other revisions expressly. Do not rely on conversations that conflict with the signed documents.
- Preserve deposits accurately
- Identify the deposit already held and its continuing treatment. Do not describe it as returned or recollected unless that actually occurs and is lawful.
- Attach required disclosures and riders
- A renewal can trigger updated disclosures or program documents. Check federal, state, local and subsidy rules for the property before execution.
How to write a lease renewal agreement
Five checks connect the new term cleanly to the signed lease already in place.
Use the fully executed document and every existing addendum.
- Correct parties and property
- Original effective and expiration dates
- Renewal option, notice and holdover clauses
Free sample lease renewal agreement
This sample shows the renewal structure before you start. Your answers supply the actual original lease, dates, rent, updates and parties.
Lease Renewal Agreement
PARTIES AND ORIGINAL LEASE. This renewal is between and and concerns the lease dated for .
RENEWAL TERM. The lease is renewed for a fixed term beginning and ending .
RENT. During the renewal term, monthly rent is , payable as the lease provides, subject to applicable law.
AGREED UPDATES. The parties agree to these additional changes, if any:
CONTINUING TERMS. Except as expressly changed here, the original lease and valid addenda continue in effect. The existing security deposit remains governed by the lease and applicable law.
Preparing the next rental term?
Real humans read every message — whether it's about renewal dates, carrying forward the deposit or separating a signed renewal from a rent notice. For regulated housing, a disputed option or a substantial rewrite, get a local lawyer on it.