How long before lease renewal?

Asked by: Mr. Nikko Buckridge  |  Last update: February 20, 2026
Score: 4.2/5 (25 votes)

You should start the lease renewal process 60 to 90 days before your lease ends, as this "sweet spot" allows time to review terms, negotiate, compare market rates, and plan, with many landlords sending renewal offers around 90 days out and requiring tenant responses 30-60 days before the end date, but always check your state/local laws as requirements (like 30, 60, or 90-day notices) vary.

How far in advance should I renew my lease?

You should typically expect or initiate lease renewal discussions 60 to 90 days before your lease ends, as this is the standard timeframe for landlords to provide official offers and for tenants to plan, with local laws often dictating precise notice periods (like 60 days in California or 90 days in New York for longer tenancies). Check your lease and local regulations, as some areas or leases require specific notices, while some might automatically switch to month-to-month if no action is taken. 

What happens when the lease runs out?

At the end of a lease (especially a car lease), you typically have options: return the vehicle, buy it out, trade it in for a new lease/purchase, or sometimes extend the current lease, but you must account for mileage, wear-and-tear fees, and disposition fees if returning, plus ensure personal data is wiped clean. For property leases, the end involves either moving out, signing a new agreement (like month-to-month), or fulfilling "make good" clauses to restore the property.
 

How long before a lease ends do you renew Reddit?

No later than two months in advance, preferably sooner just to see if anything is available that far out. All my leases in the last 6 or so years have included clauses that say renewals will go out 60 days prior to lease end, and if you don't renew, they can list your apartment as available for once your lease ends.

Is it a good idea to extend a lease?

Whether you should extend your lease depends on your situation, but generally, it's a good idea for more time to decide on a new car/home, you like your current place/vehicle (especially if terms are great), or you need flexibility, while it's often better to not extend if you're unhappy with the landlord/car, need to move for life changes, or for property leases nearing 80 years (wait for reforms). Evaluate your future needs, costs (like warranty/maintenance), and compare current market options before deciding.
 

How Long Is The Lease Renewal Notice Period For Landlords? - Rental Property Gurus

30 related questions found

What happens if a lease isn't 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. 

What is a good lease length?

A "good" lease length depends on your needs: 1-year is standard for apartments (balancing stability and flexibility), while 2-3 years offers more stability, lower risk of annual rent hikes, and sometimes better deals, especially for cars where 36 months spreads fees well. For long-term property (like buying), a lease of 90+ years is ideal, as shorter leases (under 80 years) can devalue the property and make mortgages difficult. 

Will it be cheaper to extend a lease?

Will the reform make a lease extension cheaper for me? If your lease is below 80 years, or if you have a ground rent above 0.1% of the value of your property, it will likely be cheaper.

How many months can you extend a lease?

Some lenders will allow for month-to-month extensions, while others will want you to sign on for a predetermined period of time—usually six to twelve months. Lease extensions are rarely offered for periods of longer than one year.

How does renewing a lease work?

Renewing a lease involves your landlord offering new terms (often with a rent increase) 60-90 days before the old one ends, requiring you to review and sign a new agreement or addendum, or give notice if you're leaving, with the process potentially allowing negotiation on rent, pets, or other policies before finalizing the new legally binding contract. 

How long does a lease extension take?

A lease extension can take between four months and one year to complete – depending on the leaseholder's wishes. Whilst lease extensions can take differing times there are strict time-limits: you must give us at least two months to respond to your section 42 notice with a counter-notice.

What happens if I don't move out after my lease ends?

If a landlord continues to accept rent payments, a holdover tenant can legally occupy the property, and state laws and court rulings determine the length of the new rental term”. If a landlord does not accept further rent payments, the tenant is considered a trespasser and may be evicted.

How to negotiate rent when renewing a lease?

Here's what to know if you are negotiating a rent increase during lease renewal.

  1. Understand how market-rate units work. ...
  2. Point out your history. ...
  3. Stay calm and ask politely. ...
  4. Do your research. ...
  5. Get intel from your neighbors. ...
  6. Small landlords might be more willing to negotiate. ...
  7. Make the case for an upgrade—or repairs.

What happens at the end of a lease?

At the end of a lease (especially a car lease), you typically have options: return the vehicle, buy it out, trade it in for a new lease/purchase, or sometimes extend the current lease, but you must account for mileage, wear-and-tear fees, and disposition fees if returning, plus ensure personal data is wiped clean. For property leases, the end involves either moving out, signing a new agreement (like month-to-month), or fulfilling "make good" clauses to restore the property.
 

What is the 30 rule for apartments?

The apartment 30% rule is a financial guideline suggesting you spend no more than 30% of your gross monthly income on housing costs (rent + utilities), a classic benchmark for affordability, though it's often considered outdated and needs adjustment for high-cost areas, student debt, and other financial priorities, with some experts suggesting a lower percentage or a broader look at your overall budget. 

How much is a lease renewal fee?

This fee usually ranges from $250-$500 for each renewed lease at your building. Percentage-based renewal fee. Alternatively, property managers may charge a fee based on a percentage of the monthly rent. This standard lease renewal fee can range from 25% to 75% of the total rent.

What are common reasons to renew a lease?

Top Reasons Tenants Renew Their Leases

  • Stability and Security. ...
  • Familiarity with the Property. ...
  • Positive Relationship with Landlord. ...
  • Rent Price Stability. ...
  • Avoiding Moving Costs. ...
  • Limited Housing Options. ...
  • Market Trends Favoring Renewal. ...
  • What factors influence tenants' decisions to renew their leases?

How much is it to renew a lease?

The cost. The costs of extending your lease is called 'the premium'. An average premium with approximately 80 to 90 years left on the lease, can cost £2500 to £6500. The exact valuation is calculated at the time of request and the premium is based on the remainder of the lease term and the property value.

What is the 90% rule in leasing?

The 90% rule in leasing, primarily under U.S. GAAP, is an accounting guideline to classify a lease as a finance lease (like a purchase) versus an operating lease, stating that if the Net Present Value (NPV) of lease payments is 90% or more of the asset's Fair Market Value, it's treated as a finance lease, reflecting that the lessee essentially buys the asset over the lease term. It's one of several criteria, but it remains a commonly used benchmark for "substantially all" of the asset's value, even with newer standards.
 

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 length of lease is a problem?

However, you should be aware that leases lose significant value when they fall below 80 years. Leaseholders can also find it harder to mortgage or sell properties with leases below this length, which is why it is important to consider extending them before they fall below this length.

How far in advance do you renew a lease?

You should typically expect or initiate lease renewal discussions 60 to 90 days before your lease ends, as this is the standard timeframe for landlords to provide official offers and for tenants to plan, with local laws often dictating precise notice periods (like 60 days in California or 90 days in New York for longer tenancies). Check your lease and local regulations, as some areas or leases require specific notices, while some might automatically switch to month-to-month if no action is taken. 

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.

When a lease ends, what happens?

At the end of a lease (especially a car lease), you typically have options: return the vehicle, buy it out, trade it in for a new lease/purchase, or sometimes extend the current lease, but you must account for mileage, wear-and-tear fees, and disposition fees if returning, plus ensure personal data is wiped clean. For property leases, the end involves either moving out, signing a new agreement (like month-to-month), or fulfilling "make good" clauses to restore the property.