What Is Your Right as a Tenant When Your Lease Ends?

At the end of the period of time set forth in the current lease, the landlord may choose to terminate the agreement and take possession of the rental property from the tenant. Depending on what you want to do at this point will require having handle on some basic legal advice, which we’re digging into below.

What are your rights when your lease ends?

Typically, the rental agreement states that the landlord must provide written notice to the tenant thirty (30) days prior to the expiration of the lease term of the landlord’s intention to take back possession of the rental property (and the tenant will have to move out at the end of the lease term).

How can a tenant renew his or her lease?

However, the lease may have a provision under which the tenant is given an “option” to renew the current lease for a specified amount of time. If the tenant is not in default at the time of the expiration of the lease term, the tenant may be able to send written notice to the landlord of his/her intention to exercise the option of renewal and continue to use and occupy the rental premises for the duration of the option period.

Fixed term versus month-to-month leases

Many leases state that if the fixed-term lease is not renewed as of the expiration of the lease term (such as a six-month lease without an option to renew for an additional six months), that the lease term will automatically be set as a month-to-month lease.

Under a month-to-month lease, both the landlord and the tenant may give thirty (30) days’ notice to the other party of his/her intention to terminate the rental lease agreement. There are many forms of accounting software for rental properties that landlords can use to track everything.

Typically this notice must be provided to the other party in writing. In the event that less than thirty (30) days notice is provided, the notice could be disregarded and the rental agreement continues.

For example, if a tenant gives notice to the landlord on July 15, 1998, of his intention to vacate the rental property on August 1, 1998, this notice is defective and the landlord can continue to hold the tenant responsible for the payment of rent for the rental property for the month of August 1998.

Case Studies: Navigating Your Rights as a Tenant When Your Lease Ends

Case Study 1: Renters Insurance

Emily’s lease is coming to an end, and she needs to move out of her rental property. However, during her tenancy, a water pipe burst and damaged some of her personal belongings, including furniture and electronics. Emily had wisely purchased renters insurance at the beginning of her lease, which covers her personal property against damages caused by perils like water damage.

She files a claim with her renters insurance provider and provides documentation of the damages. Her insurance company reimburses her for the cost of repairing or replacing the damaged items, allowing her to move out without incurring additional financial burdens.

Case Study 2: Liability Insurance

John is approaching the end of his lease, but he accidentally causes significant damage to the rental property. The damage exceeds his security deposit, and he is unsure how to cover the additional costs. Luckily, John had liability insurance as part of his renters insurance policy.

He contacts his insurance provider and explains the situation. His liability coverage kicks in, covering the cost of repairing the damages to the property. This allows John to fulfill his obligations as a tenant and ensures that the landlord is appropriately compensated for the damages.

Case Study 3: Legal Assistance Insurance

Mary is uncertain about her rights as a tenant when her lease ends, and she wants to ensure that she understands her options and obligations. She had previously obtained legal assistance insurance, which provides coverage for legal advice and representation. Mary contacts her insurance provider and explains her situation.

The insurance company connects her with a qualified attorney who specializes in tenant rights and lease agreements. The attorney guides Mary through the process, informing her of her rights and helping her negotiate any potential issues with the landlord. With the support of her legal assistance insurance, Mary feels confident in navigating the end of her lease smoothly.