How to Renew an Apartment Lease

Renew leases early to prevent missing the renewal deadline

Apartment leases provide the property manager and apartment tenant with a binding agreement in the form of a contract. The lease outlines rules of the property, payment information and lease length. Most property managers provide a lease length of one year to tenants. A renter choosing to renew an apartment lease should take action to renew prior to the lease agreement expiration date.

Instructions

1. Review the existing lease and read the lease renewal procedure. This information will vary depending on the property. Pay close attention to renewal deadlines and rent price changes.

2. Identify any requests or changes needed to the apartment you want to include in the new lease terms. This could consist of extending the lease period or rent payment.

3. Notify the property manager of your desire to renew the lease. Write a letter to provide a written notification or visit the rental office. The property manager will draw up the new lease.

4. Review and sign the new lease. This should happen only after you and the property manager reach an agreement on the terms of the lease.

Tips & Warnings

• Read the lease terms carefully prior to signing a new lease.

• The property manager has the ability to deny a lease renewal request, so make other arrangements to move to another apartment or house should this occur.

References

• Georgia Department of Community Affairs: Lease Termination and Renewal
• University of Pittsburgh: Apartment Lease Guide