Can you choose not to renew a tenant's lease in California?
Asked by: Dr. Geo Schinner | Last update: February 11, 2026Score: 4.8/5 (7 votes)
Yes, in California, landlords can generally choose not to renew a tenant's lease when it ends, but they must provide proper written notice (usually 30 or 60 days) and cannot do so for illegal reasons like discrimination or retaliation, especially in areas with local rent control or if the property is subject to the state's Tenant Protection Act (AB 1482), which often requires "just cause" for termination after the initial fixed term. Legal reasons include selling the property, personal use, major renovations, or tenant lease violations, but landlords must follow specific notice requirements and be aware of local rent control ordinances that add protections.
Can my landlord not renew my lease in California?
In California, landlords generally can refuse to renew a lease at its end without providing just cause, especially for fixed-term leases. However, local rent control ordinances may impose additional restrictions requiring just cause for non-renewal.
Can a landlord refuse to renew a tenancy?
Yes, a landlord can generally refuse to renew a tenancy agreement once the fixed term ends, especially if there's no renewal clause, but they must not do so for illegal reasons like discrimination (race, gender, religion) or retaliation (e.g., for reporting issues). Valid reasons include selling the property, personal use, significant renovations, or tenant lease violations (late rent, damages). The landlord usually just needs to give proper notice, as the lease ends and they aren't obligated to continue the business relationship unless specific legal protections apply, notes Reddit user.
How to decline lease renewal?
Here's what to include:
- Date: The date the letter is written.
- Tenant Information: Tenant's name and the property address.
- Landlord Information: Landlord's name and business address.
- Lease Expiration Date: The date the lease ends.
- Reason for Non-Renewal: While optional in some states, providing a reason can be helpful.
Can a landlord refuse an option to renew?
If your lease contains a valid renewal right and you followed the required steps, the landlord generally cannot deny you. If your lease does not guarantee renewal, or if you missed a critical deadline, the landlord may have more freedom to refuse.
Rent-to-Own Tenant Stops Paying-Lease Option Explained
How do you say you don't want to renew your lease?
I am writing to inform you that I will not be renewing our lease agreement, which is due to expire on [Lease End Date]. This letter serves as my official notice to you, in accordance with the terms stipulated in our lease agreement which requires a [Notice Period, typically 30 or 60 days] notice for non-renewal.
Can you refuse to extend a lease?
This depends on how long you've held the lease. If it has been less than 2 years, the freeholder can refuse to extend the lease. However, it isn't a solid no. In some cases, a landlord may be willing to extend the lease for a tenant who has been in the property for less than 2 years.
What is the word for not renewing a lease?
The standard term is "lease non-renewal" or "non-renewal." When a tenant or landlord decides not to continue a lease agreement, they issue a "lease non-renewal notice" or "notice of non-renewal."
How long can a tenant stay after the lease expires in California?
In summary, if no new lease is signed after a fixed-term lease expires in California, the tenancy automatically becomes month-to-month, unless the landlord properly terminates the tenancy according to state law.
How to write not renewing a lease?
I am writing to formally notify you that I will not be renewing my lease for the property located at [ADDRESS]. This letter serves as my [LENGTH-APPROPRIATE] notice of non-renewal, as required by our lease agreement. My lease is set to expire on [LEASE EXPIRATION DATE], and I will vacate the property by that date.
Can a landlord rescind a lease renewal?
In general, a landlord can terminate a lease without reason at the expiration of the lease term. Your landlord is not obligated to renew your lease after the rental agreement expires unless you have a defense such as discrimination or retaliation.
Who is responsible for lease renewal?
The process of renewing/extending a Lease
Leaseholders seeking to extend a lease are responsible for the landlord's costs as well as their own legal costs and surveyor's fees.
What are valid reasons to end a tenancy?
Landlords must now provide a valid reason—such as rent arrears, property sale, or tenant misconduct—when seeking to end a tenancy. These reforms aim to improve clarity and fairness while protecting landlords' ability to manage their properties effectively.
Can a landlord refuse to renew tenancy?
Yes, a landlord can generally refuse to renew a tenancy agreement once the fixed term ends, especially if there's no renewal clause, but they must not do so for illegal reasons like discrimination (race, gender, religion) or retaliation (e.g., for reporting issues). Valid reasons include selling the property, personal use, significant renovations, or tenant lease violations (late rent, damages). The landlord usually just needs to give proper notice, as the lease ends and they aren't obligated to continue the business relationship unless specific legal protections apply, notes Reddit user.
How much money does a landlord have to give a tenant to move out in California?
But, your landlord can still require you to move out for one of the “no-fault” reasons listed in the law. If your landlord evicts you for one of these reasons, they must first give you one month's rent or waive one month's rent to help you move out.
What is the right of renewal of lease?
What is a right of renewal? It is an option granted to the tenant to enter into a new lease with the landlord. It is not an extension of the existing term of the lease. A right to extend the term of the lease is distinct from a right of renewal.
Can a landlord choose not to renew a lease in California?
In California, a landlord can choose not to renew a tenant's lease for several reasons, such as: The landlord wants to sell the property or move into the unit themselves. The property requires substantial renovations that cannot be completed while the tenant is living there.
Can a tenant refuse to leave after a lease expires?
You can immediately file an eviction if the tenant refuses to leave the property. However, this is likely only the case if you did not accept any additional payments. If you took a rental payment from the tenant after their lease expired, you'll need to provide all the normal notices.
Is a 48 month lease a bad idea?
Longer terms of 48 months or more can offer attractively low monthly payments but may incur higher total ownership costs due to extended maintenance responsibilities and potential repair needs beyond warranty coverage.
What happens if your lease is not renewed?
If you don't sign a lease renewal, your tenancy usually converts to a month-to-month agreement, meaning you keep living there but your landlord can end your tenancy with proper notice (often 30 days) and can increase rent more easily, removing the stability of a fixed-term lease. While you're month-to-month, paying rent establishes a new, short-term agreement each month, giving you basic tenant rights but less security, as the landlord has more flexibility to end the arrangement.
How do you tell a tenant you are not renewing your lease?
Choose a Professional Format
Begin with an appropriate salutation (Dear Mr./Ms.), and explain why you are not renewing the lease. Provide any necessary details, such as when the lease will end, and include your contact information in case of questions.
Can you fight a non-renewal of lease?
Legal Remedies and What to Expect
Negotiated Renewal: Your attorney might help negotiate a new lease on your behalf, especially if the non-renewal was weakly justified. Housing Court Action: You can file a case in housing court challenging the non-renewal based on discrimination, retaliation, or improper notice.
Can you decline a lease renewal offer?
How do you decline a lease renewal offer? If your landlord has sent a lease renewal offer and you plan to move or reject it, send a formal written notice of non-renewal within the notice period specified in your lease agreement.
Who pays for a lease extension?
Leasehold Extension - Getting Started
Firstly, you will have to pay the premium for the lease extension. Secondly, you will have to pay your landlord's reasonable costs as they are legally entitled to.
What's the difference between renewing & extending?
A contract renewal means the original agreement has ended and both parties decide to sign a new term or contract (often with new terms). An extension means you keep the existing contract active beyond its original end date, usually under the same terms (or with minor amendments).