When Do Apartments Send Renewal Notices?
Whether you have lived in your current home for years or you just moved in this year, there are certain rules when it comes to renewing your lease. For most, the standard is to give at least 30 days of notice to a landlord. The landlord can then either decide to renew your lease, find a new tenant, or refuse to renew. It is also possible to extend your lease, but you should never agree to a new lease until you are completely sure you want to stay in the apartment.
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If you are a rent-stabilized tenant, you must be offered a one-year lease renewal. You are also allowed to request a longer lease period, but you should only do this if you have been living in the apartment for at least two years. If you don’t, your lease will automatically renew at the same rate.
If your landlord is planning to increase your rent, you will also need to give notice of this increase. The rent increase must be in writing and signed by both the tenant and landlord. Rent increases cannot be more than the amount approved by the Rent Guidelines Board. If you are unsure of whether your landlord has plans to increase the rent, it is best to ask a property manager.
If your lease has been a month-to-month lease, you will need to give a notice of non-renewal. You can do this in person, by mail, or by email. Your notice will include instructions on where to return your security deposit. It is important to write a notice that is detailed and does not contain discriminatory reasons. Failure to do so can lead to legal trouble.
If you are renting a fixed-term apartment, you should renew your lease within 60 days of its expiration date. Your landlord may also reach out to you before the lease expires to prepare for a new tenant. When the tenant moves out, it will be your responsibility to pay rent until a new tenant is found. Often, lease non-renewals can help parties separate on reasonable terms.
If you have a market rate lease, you may not have a 60-day response period. However, you should always check the terms of your lease before you sign it, as well as the expiration date.
In some states, such as California, there is a specific notice period. If you are unsure when to renew your lease, it is best to consult an experienced landlord and tenant lawyer. Depending on the state, you may need to give at least 30 days’ notice. If you have a rent-stabilized lease, you must offer a one-year lease renewal or a two-year lease renewal.
The most important thing to remember when it comes to a lease non-renewal is to give the notice in writing. This is the only way to ensure that the notice is effective. In some states, you must also provide a just cause for the non-renewal.
