{"id":369277,"date":"2016-04-04T10:47:19","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:47:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/realestate\/landlord-tenant-law\/terminating-a-lease-or-rental-agreement-faqs.html"},"modified":"2023-10-16T17:14:24","modified_gmt":"2023-10-16T22:14:24","slug":"terminating-a-lease-or-rental-agreement-faqs","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/landlord-tenant-law\/terminating-a-lease-or-rental-agreement-faqs.html","title":{"rendered":"Terminating a Lease or Rental Agreement: FAQ"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\n \n
\n

Terminating a Lease or Rental Agreement: FAQ<\/h1>\n
\n
\n By Melissa McCall, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Katrina Wilson, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

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
\n

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

Although rental or lease agreements are binding legal contracts, landlords and tenants often need to terminate the agreement. State laws may provide landlords and tenants with some protection if they have to terminate a lease or rental agreement.<\/p>\r\n

This article explores a few frequently asked questions about terminating a lease or rental agreement.<\/p>\r\n

What is the difference between a lease agreement and a rental agreement?<\/h2>\r\n

Lease agreements cover leases of at least one year. Rental agreements cover shorter terms, like a month-to-month tenancy. A month-to-month lease is an example of a rental contract. If possible, try to avoid oral agreements. Written agreements are easier to enforce.<\/p>\r\n

What is a lease termination?<\/h2>\r\n

A lease termination ends a lease. Tenants can notify the landlord or property owner through a lease termination letter. Notice requirements will vary depending on the lease agreement. These letters often include the termination date and a forwarding address.<\/p>\r\n

Landlords can also end a lease with an eviction notice if the tenant violates the terms of the lease.<\/p>\r\n

How can I legally break a lease?<\/h2>\r\n

State laws protect tenants and renters from the consequences of early termination for precise legal reasons. These reasons include:<\/p>\r\n