How to Renew a Lease with a Tenant

When it comes time to renew a lease, there can be many questions first-time landlords have over how to exactly conduct the process. Fortunately, it is relatively easy to initiate the process if you and your renter have decided it’s in both parties best interest to re-sign a lease for another year, month, or 6-months—whatever you decided!

How to renew a lease as a landlord?

As a landlord, you have the option to re-sign a lease with a tenant if they’d like to stay in your rental. If you’ve both agreed that renewing a lease is the best choice, then check out the contract signing process outlined below.

When to renew a lease?

Leases are typically signed within 30-60 days. 

It’s important to stay organized and on top of your lease obligations so that you know when a lease expiration is up and coming. A property management site like RentRedi can show you at a glance if a lease is expiring or not, so you can have time to think over whether or not you’d like to renew a lease with a tenant. 

landlord property management software

​Does rent go up when you renew a lease?

This depends on your landlord and on the lease agreement signed between parties. Typically, a rent increase of 3-5% is standard.

If you are a landlord, you can notify the tenant of the changing rent with a rent increase letter.

However, a lease renewal does not always mean the rent will go up. In fact, some tenants may negotiate to keep their rent the same. You should ask yourself this question: Is it worth it for my revenue to maintain a good tenant who pays rent on time or risk losing them to a rent increase?

Can a landlord not renew a lease? 

A landlord can opt not to re-sign with tenants, as long as they provide the proper notice. Typically, this is done with a formal letter as proof of notice. They might choose not to renew a lease with a renter if the tenant didn’t pay rent on time, caused trouble, or broke other agreements in their lease.

On the other hand, a landlord might choose not to renew a lease for maintenance reasons. Perhaps they want to improve the condition of the property with construction, cleaning, upgrading appliances, or re-doing the flooring. 

Can a tenant not renew a lease?

Of course, a tenant can choose not to renew a lease as well. Sometimes they find a different apartment or have to move for work. 

If this is the case, your tenant should give you the required notice, which is usually 30 to 60 days. Even if they speak to you in person about not resigning a new lease, they should still write a formal 30 days notice or lease termination letter.

How to renew a lease

  • Confirm with the tenant they would like to renew the lease
  • Do this within your state’s time frame—typically 30 or 60 days
  • If you and your tenant decide to move forward with renewing the lease, get your new lease document in order
  • Once your lease is ready to go, meet with the tenant to go over and sign the lease
  • Or, utilize the benefits of e-lease signing so you and your tenant can sign a lease over an app like RentRedi

Done! You’ve now renewed their lease!

Note: This content is not intended to substitute, replace, or be construed as professional legal advice. It is for referential purposes only and not meant to replace the advice of your legal counsel, legal representation, and or lawyer. Please consult your professional legal representation or lawyer to ensure you are compliant with any local, state, and/or federal laws.

RentRedi Partners

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Easy, Affordable Insurance Solutions for Rental Property Owners

Steadily provides fast and convenient online quote estimates in minutes and connects with licensed landlord insurance experts. Get competitive rate options for many types of rental properties, which helps landlords access affordable coverage in 50 markets nationwide. Learn more.

Market Analysis Has Never Been Easier & More Affordable

BrightInvestor helps you find the best real estate markets, get MLS access, source off-market deals all in one place. Learn more.

Struggling To Find Good Landlord Insurance?

Honeycomb provides better coverage and clarity at a fraction of the cost. Get Property & Casualty insurance for landlords, PMs, & owners. Insurance reinvented! Learn more.

Protect Your Property—Without Increasing Operating Expenses

TheGuarantors provides two types of coverage in one simple solution: rent and deposit coverage which protects you from rent defaults, vacancies, lease breaks, damages, and more. Eliminate the need for co-signers and guarantors. TheGuarantors platform is free for landlords and affordable for renters! Learn more.

Easy, Affordable Insurance Solutions for Rental Property Owners

Steadily provides fast and convenient online quote estimates in minutes and connects with licensed landlord insurance experts. Learn more.

Market Analysis Has Never Been Easier & More Affordable

BrightInvestor helps you find the best real estate markets, get MLS access, source off-market deals all in one place. Learn more.

Struggling To Find Good Landlord Insurance?

Honeycomb provides better coverage and clarity at a fraction of the cost. Get Property & Casualty insurance for landlords. Learn more.

Protect Your Property—Without Increasing Operating Expenses

TheGuarantors provides rent and deposit coverage in one simple solution that protects you from rent defaults, lease breaks, and more. Learn more.