What Happens When Your Lease Is Up On An Apartment?

As your current apartment lease nears an end, all tenants must decide their next step going forward. Let’s take a look at everything you should know as the end of your lease term approaches.

Stay In Your Apartment

The easiest option for most tenants is to stay and renew the lease at the current address. Speak with your landlord when making this decision as the lease term approaches.

Below are a few options you’ll have at this time, either to renew or extend the current lease terms.

Renew Your Lease

You may have a chance to renew your lease when it is ultimately up. You and your landlord will sign a new lease term agreement together. Typically, landlords will reach out to tenants about their options as lease deadline approaches.

This period is the time to make any adjustments to the previous lease, such as rent changes or adding a roommate. Always make sure to meticulously read over the new lease terms once finalized.

Extend The Lease

A lease extension simply extends your current lease agreement. In this case, no current lease policies should change.

These extensions are usually beneficial to both the tenant and landlord since all terms have been agreed upon previously.

Rent Month-To-Month

With no 30-day notice given by either the tenant or landlord, the lease may shift to a month-to-month agreement. This is also referred to as at-will tenancy.

The tenant or landlord can terminate the agreement by giving a 30-day notice at any point. Landlords also have the right to raise your rent during an at-will tenancy.

Move Out Of The Apartment

It’s always best to keep a good line of communication going with your landlord even if you are choosing to move out.

A move-out inspection must be arranged before tenants vacate the property.

Give Notice To Landlord Or Property Manager

This is an essential step in the moving process. Write a letter stating your wish to vacate the unit and send it to your landlord by mail or email.

While 30-day notices are the most common, some apartments may require tenants to give 60-day notices. This period gives the landlord time to make any necessary renovations between tenants.

Find A New Home

Search for and secure a new place to live once you have provided the proper notice to your landlord. Ideally, 90 days of searching should be enough time to find a place to move into.

Here are a few things to do once you have decided to move:

• Cancel or transfer your utilities.
• Schedule any moving or storage needs.
• Update your address.