What Is an Early Lease Termination Letter?
An early lease termination letter is a formal notice a tenant sends to a landlord to request ending a lease agreement before its expiration date. While not always legally required, this letter:
- Protects you from disputes
- Starts the communication process
- May help reduce penalties or fees
Think of it as a polite, professional handshake — your first step toward a clean break from your rental agreement.
If you need to break your lease before the agreed termination date, you must submit your request in writing.
When Can You Terminate a Lease Early?
Sometimes life happens—relocating for a job, military deployment, or personal hardships may force you to end a lease sooner than planned. Depending on your reason, you might be legally protected from penalties, or you may need to negotiate terms with your landlord.
Legally Protected Reasons (No Penalty)
Certain laws allow you to break a lease without penalty if you can provide proof. These include:
- Military deployment (protected under the SCRA)
- Landlord harassment or privacy violations
- Unsafe or unhealthy living conditions
- Domestic violence or stalking (varies by state)
Common Non-Legal Reasons (May Incur Penalties)
If your reason isn’t protected by law, you might still be able to negotiate—but fees or rent payments may apply. These situations include:
- Job loss or relocation
- Divorce or roommate issues
- Health problems
- Found a new place
- Environmental concerns like noise or odors
| Category | Penalty Risk |
|---|---|
| Legal Reasons | No penalty |
| Military service | No penalty (SCRA) |
| Landlord harassment | No penalty (proof req.) |
| Health/safety violations | No penalty (legal proof) |
| Domestic violence | No penalty (state laws) |
| Common Reasons | Possible penalties |
| Job relocation | May owe rent or fees |
| Divorce/breakup | May owe rent or fees |
| Roommate conflict | May owe rent or fees |
| Serious illness | May owe rent or fees |
| Found a new home | May owe rent or fees |
| Environmental issues | May owe rent or fees |
How to Write an Early Lease Termination Letter
To write an early lease termination letter, start with a fillable template optimized for your state. Your letter should contain the following sections:
1. Include Tenant and Landlord Details
List your full name, the rental property address, and the landlord’s or agency’s name and address. Be sure to date the letter, as this serves as your official notice.
Be sure to date the letter, as this will be the legal date of your notification of intent to terminate the lease.
2. Outline Lease Agreement Details
Mention the lease start date and the exact date you plan to end the lease. Clear, specific dates help avoid confusion and show your intent.
3. Detail the Reason for Termination
Briefly explain why you’re ending the lease. It’s not always required, but being transparent can help. Check your lease for any conditions that may support your request.
4. Include Security Deposit Request
If appropriate, request the return of your security deposit. Even if your lease suggests forfeiture, it may still be worth asking based on your situation.
5. Provide Forwarding Address and Contact Information
Share your new mailing address, email, and phone number so the landlord can return your deposit or reach out with any follow-ups.
6. Request a Move-Out Inspection
Ask for a move-out inspection to avoid unexpected charges. This helps document the unit’s condition and confirms your move-out date. Use a moving checklist to avoid overlooking important steps.
If you are leaving because of a roommate conflict, a copy of your roommate agreement with an explanation of the other tenant’s violations could help you provide critical context.
Submitting Your Early Lease Termination Letter
It is important to submit your early lease termination in writing via certified mail. An early lease termination letter acts as legal proof of your intent to vacate and begins the notice countdown. It also provides critical information, such as your reason for leaving, the date you plan to vacate, and the address of the rental property. Ensure proper submission by following these steps:
- Always submit your termination letter in writing
- Keep copies of your breaking lease letter for your records
- Send the letter via certified mail with a return receipt
- Follow up with your landlord to confirm receipt of the termination letter
State-Specific Lease Termination Laws
Lease laws vary by state and city, affecting your early termination rights. Before proceeding, check your state’s rental laws and local ordinances for:
- Legal reasons to break a lease
- Security deposit terms and return deadlines
- Landlord property access
- Notice periods for termination
For example, Alabama requires 30 days’ notice, while Delaware requires 60. Even with a legal reason, you may need to provide supporting documentation. Always review your lease for additional terms beyond state or local laws.
Sample Early Lease Termination Letter
Below, you will find a sample of a standard letter to a landlord to terminate a lease early. With our document editor, you can create your early lease termination letter and then download it in PDF or Word format.
Know What Happens Next
When you break a lease, you’re still bound by certain terms unless otherwise specified in the lease clause or state laws. Depending on your agreement, you may still be required to pay rent for the entire duration of the lease or until a new tenant is found.
Early Termination Fees and Penalties
Your rental agreement or lease agreement may include an early termination clause that requires you to pay a non-refundable fee, often equal to one or two months rent. You may also be charged termination fees if the landlord has to re-rent the unit or if there is unpaid rent. The financial consequences of early lease termination and violating the terms of a legal agreement may include the following.
- Security deposit forfeiture: The landlord may keep all or part of your security deposit
- Ongoing rent obligations: You may owe rent for the remaining term of your lease agreement
- Early termination fees: Your lease may specify a fee for breaking the agreement terms
- Negative impact on rental history or credit score: Your landlord may report your early termination as a breach of contract with credit bureaus and other reporting agencies
Landlord Responsibilities
Property owners and landlords are often required to try and collect rent from prospective renters to fill the rental unit once you leave. If they fail to mitigate damages, you may not be liable for the full remaining rent.
Tenant Responsibilities
Even when dealing with a legal termination, you must follow the notice period and provide proper notice in a timely manner. This protects your relationship with future landlords and avoids negative entries on your rental history.
Legal Protection When Breaking a Lease
If you’re leaving due to military service, landlord harassment, unsafe living conditions, or issues related to the public health service, laws like the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) or local tenant protection ordinances can provide legal protection and relieve you from paying penalty fees.
End Your Lease with Confidence
Legal Templates makes it easy to navigate early lease termination. While we don’t provide legal advice, our tools help you:
- Create a personalized lease termination letter
- Stay aligned with legal and lease requirements
- Edit, download, and send your document with ease
Breaking a lease doesn’t have to be overwhelming—get started today and take control.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best excuse to break a lease?
The best excuse to break a lease is for legally protected reasons, such as military deployment, domestic violence, or a landlord’s failure to maintain safe and habitable premises.
Can I cancel my lease before it starts?
If you signed the contract, you are legally bound to the terms of the lease agreement and may be subject to penalties as outlined in the lease. You may be able to negotiate a termination with the landlord by submitting an early lease termination letter explaining your situation.
How much does it cost to break a lease?
The cost to break a lease is typically a termination fee of two to four months of rent and forfeiture of the security deposit. The actual cost differs depending on your state and local laws and the termination clause of your lease agreement.
Will breaking a lease hurt my credit score?
Breaking your lease can hurt your credit score if you do not pay the early termination fees or other associated costs legally charged by the landlord, such as fees for damage repair and cleaning. It is always best to try to negotiate an agreement with the landlord before breaking the lease so that you can avoid the potential penalties.
Can I break my lease if my landlord violates the contract?
You could break your lease if the landlord violates the contract, but there are usually legal limitations and requirements, so check your state and local laws before proceeding. In some cases, you are still required to follow the terms of the lease even if your landlord is not.
