How to Go Month-to-Month at the End of Your Lease

If you'd like to stay on at your rental when your current lease expires, but don't want to make another long-term commitment, negotiate a month-to-month rental agreement with your landlord.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Rental Agreements
• Pens

1. Obtain your landlord's written consent to stay in your rental unit on a month-to-month basis - under the same terms as your expiring lease - or negotiate a new month-to-month rental agreement with your landlord.
2. Read and understand the terms of your month-to-month agreement before signing any documents; seek legal counsel if necessary, especially in states with rent control laws.
3. Realize your landlord can increase the rent or change other terms in your month-to-month rental agreement, with proper advance notification (usually 30 days), subject to any local rent control laws.

Tips & Warnings

• Try to negotiate more favorable terms in your month-to-month agreement than you had in your expiring lease.
• Understand that a month-to-month agreement is usually automatically renewed every month, unless you or the landlord ends the agreement with proper advance notification (usually 30 days).
• Landlord-tenant laws can be confusing and complex; consult an attorney to protect your rental rights when negotiating any rental lease or agreement.