{"id":369212,"date":"2016-04-04T10:47:16","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:47:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ability-fl-prod.internetbrands.com\/ability-law\/realestate\/landlord-tenant-law\/how-does-the-landlord-terminate-the-lease-for-cause.html"},"modified":"2026-09-08T12:43:00","modified_gmt":"2026-09-08T17:43:00","slug":"how-does-the-landlord-terminate-the-lease-for-cause","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/landlord-tenant-law\/how-does-the-landlord-terminate-the-lease-for-cause.html","title":{"rendered":"Terminating a Lease for Cause: 4 Steps Landlords Must Take"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Terminating a Lease for Cause: 4 Steps Landlords Must Take<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By FindLaw Staff<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Robert Rafii, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n

Terminating a lease for cause requires landlords to follow state\u2011specific rules and ensure they have a legally valid reason for ending a tenant\u2019s rental agreement. Before pursuing eviction, landlords must rule out illegal or retaliatory grounds and give tenants a fair chance to fix the problem through proper notice. If the issue continues, landlords can begin formal eviction proceedings.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

As a landlord and property owner, you take pride in keeping your rental units in good repair. You also carefully screen your tenants’ credit and rental history and follow all housing rules under the Fair Housing Act<\/a>. But even the most responsible property owner may face situations where they need to terminate a problematic tenant’s lease.<\/p>\n

Evicting a tenant is a delicate process that requires careful consideration. This article shares four steps landlords can take to confirm whether they can legally break a tenant’s lease for cause.<\/p>\n

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An eviction gone wrong can expose you to financial risk and legal liability. It can also harm your business’ reputation. An attorney can review your tenant situation and advise on the best path forward. Find local legal help.<\/a><\/p>\n

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1. Make Sure You Have Cause to Terminate the Tenant’s Lease<\/h2>\n

Renting your real estate may be a business to you<\/a>, but it’s your tenant’s home. You can’t evict them for just any reason. Although landlord-tenant law varies by state, there are generally three reasons for which a landlord may terminate a lease:<\/p>\n