How to Renew Your Lease

If you’re a couple of months out from the end of your lease, you may be feeling stressed about the lease renewal process. That’s normal; after all, we’re talking about the roof over your head. Luckily, the process for renewing your lease is pretty similar to signing one. 

Renewing a lease is an opportunity to make an assessment of your rental and current terms, and avoid things like rent increases by negotiating new lease terms with your landlord. Here’s a step-by-step guide to renewing your lease. 

Read your current lease

Reading your existing lease can inform you about the renewal process. Your lease will tell you how far ahead of time you should reach out to your landlord about your intent to renew, and if there are any preparations you need to make, like preparing your place for a rental inspection. Many leases require advance notice of your lease expiration date whether you plan to renew or move out — typically at least 30 to 60 days. 

Decide if you want to renew your lease

Once you’ve read what renewing your lease could mean for you, ask yourself if you want to renew. This goes beyond the terms of the lease itself; it’s about where you’re at in life, too.

If you decide you do not want to renew your lease, you need to give your landlord notice and start looking for your next home.

And if you do want to renew your lease, you also need to tell your landlord.

Pros and cons to consider

Rent: Will your rent go up beyond what you’re comfortable with? You can find your ideal rent with Zillow’s Rent Affordability Calculator to help understand what you can afford to pay.

Location: Do you really like the location of your rental? It could be close to your favorite grocery store, near your friends, or in a particularly lively part of town that matches your lifestyle.

Amenities: You may also enjoy the amenities your building offers, like a co-working space or a private dog park. But you could also look at the amenities other rentals have and see if you like those more.

Moving costs: Moving can be expensive. Sometimes it works out that friends or family are able to help you move but if you plan on having to hire a moving company, moving from a one bedroom apartment can be an expensive cost to incur.

Give your landlord notice that you want to renew

Your landlord or property manager will likely send you a letter letting you know your lease is almost up. State and local laws regarding lease renewal notices vary, but it’s common to receive a lease renewal letter between 60 and 90 days in advance of your lease end date. 

During this time, you need to inform your landlord of your intent to keep living there or of your plans to move out. This way, they’ll know if they should list your rental as available or start preparing your renewed lease. Typically you’ll be asked to inform your landlord on your intent to renew either in writing or verbally.

Negotiate your renewal terms

Yes, you can try to negotiate your new lease terms. Landlords want to avoid high tenant turnover because filling vacancies can be tough and expensive, depending on your market. You could try to negotiate for lower rent, lower fees, or a number of other benefits. Just make sure you tell your landlord ahead of time that you want to have a negotiation conversation, so they can make time for it. Sometimes negotiations are quick, other times they may take some back and forth communication. Don’t be afraid to ask about anything you’re unclear on.

Ask your landlord any questions

Get answers to any lingering questions you have after checking your renewal lease. It’s better to ask now than learn that your new lease locks you in for two more years (for example) once everything has been signed. Remember, a lease is a legally binding contract. For example, you can ask if there will be any changes from your old lease to your new one. 

Review your new lease before signing

Read your new lease thoroughly before you sign it. It’s easy to assume that it’s basically a copy of your first lease, but some renting agreements change from one year to the next. You want to ensure that your landlord has already told you about any changes between your old and new lease. If you do find something you weren’t told about, ask.

Don’t forget about any concessions your landlord or property manager gave you when you first signed your current lease; if you two agreed to something like free parking when you first signed a lease for your rental and you don’t see that in your renewed lease, bring it up. Don’t assume they’ll agree to the same concessions again; you may have to renegotiate.

Sign your lease

Once you’ve done your reading, asked your questions, and wrapped up negotiations, it’s time to sign your new lease. Make sure you get a copy of your signed lease. After that, you can rest easy knowing where you’ll be living for the next year (or several months).

Can a landlord choose not to renew a lease? 

Will I have to pay a lease renewal fee? 

Can I renew my lease if my roommate moves out?