How to Renew Your Lease in 7 Simple Steps [2025]

Renewing a lease can be as simple as reading your lease, clarifying the agreement, speaking to your landlord, and signing a lease renewal. Some renters may need to follow a few extra steps to ensure they get the best deals.

To make sure that your home stays with you, remember to renew your lease before the end of your tenancy. To help you secure your apartment, we outlined some steps you need to follow for a successful lease renewal.

How to Renew a Lease

What Is Lease Renewal?

Lease renewal is an opportunity to extend your stay in a property beyond the initial lease term. This legally binding agreement between you and your landlord outlines the new terms, often including adjusted rent and updated duration. It offers stability for both parties: you get continued residency, and your landlord secures consistent income and a reliable tenant.

Whether renewing is the right choice depends on your needs and negotiation skills, so weigh the pros and cons carefully before signing on the dotted line.

What Do You Need to Do to Renew Your Lease?

Here are the seven steps you should follow to renew your lease efficiently:

1. Read Your Lease Renewal Letter

The first step in any lease renewal process is to review your lease renewal letter. This document is typically sent by your landlord 30-60 days before your current lease ends and serves as the official starting point. It outlines the key details of the proposed renewal, including the new lease term, rent amount (potentially with an increase), and any changes to existing terms.

Reading it carefully is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it clarifies your options and allows you to compare them to your priorities and market research. Secondly, it highlights any potential changes you need to understand and negotiate, if applicable.

By thoroughly reviewing the letter, you equip yourself with the knowledge and leverage to make informed decisions throughout the renewal process, ensuring it aligns with your best interests. So, before taking any further steps, prioritize deciphering your lease renewal letter - it's your roadmap to navigating a smooth and informed renewal journey.

2. Clarify and Understand Your Rental Agreement and Renewal Rights

Understanding the ins and outs of your lease renewal process is crucial for a smooth transition. While the specifics will vary depending on your individual agreement, many leases follow a similar basic structure.

1. Understand the Timeframes: Don't wait until the last minute! Most leases outline a specific timeframe for notifying your landlord of your decision to renew. This is typically 30-60 days before your lease ends, but double-check your lease for the exact deadline to avoid any potential penalties or missed opportunities. Month-to-month leases and short-term leases in particular may have unique timeframes.
2. Communicate Early and Clearly: Whether you plan to renew or move on, notifying your landlord well in advance shows courtesy and helps them plan accordingly. If you're interested in renewing, early communication might even give you leverage to negotiate terms or secure a better offer.
3. Know Your Options: Beyond a simple yes or no, your lease renewal might offer additional options. Explore possibilities like requesting shorter lease terms, negotiating rent adjustments, or discussing minor repairs before signing on the dotted line.

3. Optional: Negotiate With Your Landlord

Your landlord or property manager might not want to disclose it, but they are normally interested in you renewing the lease. It helps them avoid costs associated with cleaning and repairs, finding a new tenant, background checks, and possible loss of rental income in between tenants.

Apart from that, finding good tenants requires significant time investment and commitment.

You may be able to negotiate your rent.

Rent negotiation highlights:

• Know your market: Research average rental rates for similar units in your area. Use trusted websites like Zumper, Apartment List, or Trulia.
• Review your lease: Understand any clauses related to rent increases or renewal procedures.
• Be a model tenant: Highlight your on-time rent payments, responsible behavior, and any positive contributions to the building community.
• Approach early: Initiate the conversation well before the renewal deadline, not right at the last minute.
• Be respectful and professional: Focus on facts and maintain a positive and solution-oriented approach.
• Present your case: Clearly state your desired rent and back it up with your research and evidence.
• Be open to compromise: Don't expect to get your exact target, but aim for a mutually agreeable solution.
• Express your willingness to stay: Emphasize your desire to remain a tenant and the benefits you bring to the community.
• Walk away if necessary: If negotiations stall or the offer is unreasonable, be prepared to move on. Explore other rental options while keeping the door open for potential last-minute agreements with your current landlord.

4. Make a Decision About Whether You Want To Renew Your Lease

Once you’ve talked to your landlord, compare their terms with industry standards. If they decide to increase your rent, check market rental rates for similar apartments in your area and factor in potential moving costs to make an informed decision on whether to renew your lease or move out.

5. Sign the Lease Renewal Letter

If you decide to stay with your landlord, you will have to sign the letter to renew your lease. The letter should contain any terms or arrangements you negotiated with your landlord or property manager. If they agreed to change your refrigerator or allow you to get a pet, make sure it is mentioned in your lease renewal letter.

6. Carefully Study Your New Lease

Once you receive the new lease, read it carefully to ensure that your new rental agreement is updated with all agreed-upon terms and conditions. Always read the fine print.

7. Mark the New Lease’s Termination Date on Your Calendar

Make sure you note the new renewal date on your calendar so you are equally prepared when next year's lease renewal letter arrives.

Looking for a New Apartment?

If you decide renewal isn't for you, then you might need help finding a new apartment.

Apartment List's filters help you find the right apartment by searching for rental units that have your desired amenities, commute time, and location. Take our personalized quiz to get apartment matches today.

Lease Renewal FAQs

Can a landlord refuse to renew a lease?

It depends on your state, but in many cases, landlords are able to refuse a lease renewal without giving any reason. In some exceptions, like New Jersey, landlords must have good cause to refuse a lease renewal.

How much does it cost to renew a lease?

When your apartment lease is up for renewal, you have several options, including renewing your lease or relocating to a new rental unit.

Is it worth extending your lease?

It may be worth extending your lease if you enjoy living in your rental unit or if you can negotiate with your landlord for a great rental price or upgrades.

How do you tell your landlord you want to renew your lease?

Contact your landlord during your notice period by sending a formal, written request by email or letter, and inform them you’d like to renew your lease. You should send the request within the lease renewal period, which is typically 60-90 days before the lease ends.

Can I negotiate a lease renewal price?

Yes, if your landlord is open to negotiating, you may be able to come to an agreement on a new lease renewal price.

When should a lease renewal be sent?

A lease renewal request should be sent during the lease renewal period, which is usually 60-90 days before the lease ends.

Do you pay anything at the end of a lease?

If your lease ends during the contracted lease end date, you shouldn’t have to pay any fees. There may be fees associated with wear and tear on the apartment or cleaning or moving out fees, but there are no fees if the lease ends during the contracted date.

Can a tenant stay after a lease expires?

Tenants may be allowed to stay after a lease expires if the landlord is willing to accept the rent and allows a periodic tenancy. In most cases, you must move out when a lease expires or sign a lease renewal.

How much does it cost to renew a lease?

In most cases, there is no additional fee associated with renewing a lease. Many renewals will occur without any changes to the lease at all, though increases or decreases in rent can also occur with renewals.

What if I don't want to renew my lease?

If you don't want to renew your lease, you should let your landlord know. There's a formal process for announcing your intent to move, and you can read more about that process in our guide to submitting a notice to vacate.

Once you've decided not to renew, you're also free to start looking for new places! Try Apartment List's tools to help you find your next home.