The term will end. Give notice
on the right clock.
Tell the other party that a fixed-term lease will not renew, state the lease-end date and document move-out, key-return, forwarding-address and delivery details.
- Lease end date
- Either party may send
- Delivery record
How it works
From the signed fixed-term lease to a timely notice and delivery record
- 01
Check the lease and local rule
Confirm the expiration date, notice clause, renewal rights, required cause and delivery deadline.
- 02
State the non-renewal clearly
Identify the lease, sender, end date, surrender instructions and forwarding-address process.
- 03
Deliver and preserve proof
Use an authorized method early enough to satisfy every applicable notice period.
Last updated August 20, 2026
Written by LawLease EditorialReviewed by LawLease Legal Team
By end-of-term choice
Which lease-end document you need
Non-renewal addresses a fixed term. A notice to vacate generally addresses a periodic tenancy, while a renewal creates the next agreed term.
- LR
Lease renewal agreement
Create a signed new fixed term with agreed rent and updates.
Learn more - NT
Notice to vacate
Terminate a periodic tenancy using its governing notice period and grounds.
Learn more - ML
Mutual lease termination agreement
Record an agreed early end rather than unilateral non-renewal.
Learn more - SD
Security deposit itemized return letter
Account for deductions and return the balance after possession is surrendered.
Learn more - MI
Move-in / move-out inspection checklist
Compare condition before completing the final deposit accounting.
Learn more
What is a notice of non-renewal?
A notice of non-renewal is a written statement from a landlord or tenant that an existing fixed-term lease will not be renewed after its stated expiration date. It identifies the lease and property, confirms the final date and explains surrender, keys, inspection and forwarding-address logistics.
The lease and local law may require advance notice even though the document has an end date. Regulated housing, just-cause laws, retaliation protections and subsidy rules may restrict non-renewal or require a prescribed form and reason. It is also called:
- Lease non-renewal notice
- Notice not to renew
- End-of-term notice
- Lease expiration notice
If both parties want another fixed term, use a signed lease renewal agreement rather than a non-renewal notice.
Timing, cause and regulated-housing rules
Do not assume the lease's printed end date eliminates notice. The lease, state law or local ordinance may require 30, 60, 90 or another number of days, tie the deadline to a rental period, or prescribe service. Count backward under the controlling rule.
Some tenants have renewal rights or good-cause protections, and regulated or subsidized housing can require agency forms, mandatory language and limited grounds. A generic notice cannot replace those requirements.
Fixed term
identified by its original lease date and exact expiration date
Local clock
calculated before delivery using all applicable rules
Proof
of the signed notice and authorized delivery method
- Check who may decline renewal
- Confirm the sender's contractual right and any statutory renewal right before sending.
- Avoid retaliatory or discriminatory action
- Do not base non-renewal on a protected characteristic, accommodation request, repair complaint or other protected activity.
- State a reason only when appropriate
- Some laws require a qualifying reason; elsewhere an unnecessary explanation can create ambiguity. Follow the local form and content rule.
- Keep eviction procedure separate
- This notice does not authorize removal. A holdover possession case requires the applicable court process.
- Plan the final accounting
- Arrange keys, inspection, forwarding address and deposit handling without promising deductions or deadlines inconsistent with law.
How to write a notice of non-renewal
Five checks produce a clear notice tied to the correct fixed term.
Confirm renewal, notice, cause and delivery requirements.
- Original lease and addenda
- Local renewal protections
- Required lead time and service
Free sample notice of non-renewal
This sample shows the structure before you start. Your answers supply the real lease, dates, sender and delivery details.
Notice of Non-Renewal
DATE / TO. Date: Recipient: Property:
EXISTING LEASE. This notice concerns the lease dated , scheduled to expire on .
NON-RENEWAL. The undersigned gives notice that the lease will not renew or extend after , subject to applicable law.
SURRENDER. Please coordinate the final inspection and return all keys and access devices by the lawful surrender date.
FORWARDING ADDRESS. Deposit accounting and permitted communications should be sent to:
Preparing for the end of a fixed term?
Real humans read every message. For regulated housing, good-cause rules or a disputed non-renewal, get a local lawyer on it.