Lease Renewal Letter: What to Include and When to Send One
May 1, 2026A lease renewal letter is how you formally offer a tenant the chance to continue their tenancy — with the same terms, or with changes like a rent increase. Sending it with enough lead time avoids the scramble of a lease expiring with no plan in place, and gives you documentation if a dispute ever comes up later.
When to send it
Most landlords send a renewal letter somewhere between 60 and 90 days before the lease end date — enough time for the tenant to decide and for you to start marketing the unit if they decline. Check whether your state or lease has a specific required renewal notice period (some states, and many rent control ordinances, set a minimum).
What to include
A renewal letter should clearly state:
- • Current lease end date and proposed new lease term
- • New monthly rent (if changing) and the effective date
- • Any other changed terms (pet policy, parking, utilities)
- • Deadline for the tenant to respond
- • What happens if the tenant doesn't respond (month-to-month conversion, non-renewal, etc. — per your lease and state law)
Sample lease renewal letter
LEASE RENEWAL OFFER Date: [DATE] To: [TENANT NAME(S)] Property: [PROPERTY ADDRESS, UNIT NUMBER] Your current lease term ends on [CURRENT LEASE END DATE]. We would like to offer you a renewal under the following terms: New lease term: [NEW START DATE] to [NEW END DATE] Monthly rent: $[NEW RENT AMOUNT] (effective [EFFECTIVE DATE]) [Other changed terms, if any] Please let us know your decision by [RESPONSE DEADLINE]. If we do not hear from you by this date, [explain what happens per your lease/state law — e.g., "your tenancy will convert to month-to-month" or "your lease will not be renewed and you should plan to vacate by the lease end date"]. We appreciate you as a tenant and hope you'll choose to stay. [LANDLORD/MANAGER NAME] [CONTACT INFORMATION]
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I raise the rent when I offer a renewal?
Generally yes, as long as you give proper notice under your state's rules and, if applicable, your local rent control ordinance. Check your state's required rent increase notice period before sending the renewal.
What if the tenant wants to renew but with different terms?
A renewal letter is an offer, not a final agreement — if the tenant wants to negotiate terms, treat it like any other lease negotiation and document whatever you agree to in a signed renewal or new lease.
What if I don't want to renew the tenant's lease?
You generally aren't required to offer a renewal unless your state has "just cause" eviction rules requiring a specific reason not to renew. Check your state's rules, and if required, send a proper non-renewal notice with the correct lead time instead of simply letting the lease lapse.