Free Download

Lease Renewal Agreement Template – Free Download 2026

Download a professional lease renewal agreement template. Customizable for all 50 states, available in PDF and DOCX formats. Attorney-verified and ready to use.

Get Attorney-Drafted VersionDownload Free Template
E-Signature

Lease Renewal Agreement Template Preview

View the full template with all standard sections, state-specific clauses, and professional formatting. Free to view, no signup required.

Attorney-verified template · Free to view

When Do You Need a Lease Renewal Agreement?

A residential lease is approaching its expiration date and both the landlord and tenant want to extend the tenancy for another fixed term with updated rent and terms rather than allowing the lease to convert to a month-to-month tenancy.

The landlord wants to implement a rent escalation at the time of renewal and needs a formal document that modifies the monthly rent amount while keeping all other original lease agreement terms in effect.

A commercial tenant has negotiated updated lease terms including new rent, modified operating expense pass-throughs, or additional space, and both parties need a renewal agreement that replaces the expiring term with a new lease period.

The original lease contains an automatic renewal clause that requires one party to send a notice of non-renewal by a specific date, and the landlord needs to send the renewal documents before the deadline passes.

A holdover tenant has continued occupying the property after the lease expired, and the landlord wants to formalize the arrangement with a new fixed-term renewal rather than allowing the implied month-to-month tenancy to continue indefinitely.

The tenant is requesting improvements, repairs, or concessions as a condition of renewal, and both parties need a written agreement documenting the negotiated terms and the landlord's commitments before the new term begins.

What Should a Lease Renewal Agreement Include?

Reference to Original Lease

Identify the original lease by date, parties, and property address. State that the renewal agreement extends or replaces the original lease term and that all terms and conditions of the original lease remain in effect except as specifically modified by the renewal agreement.

New Lease Term and Dates

Specify the start date and end date of the renewal term. State whether the renewal is for another fixed term (6 months, 12 months, etc.) or converting to a month-to-month tenancy. If additional renewal options exist, describe the process for exercising them.

Updated Rent and Payment Terms

State the new monthly rent amount effective as of the renewal start date. If a rent escalation applies, show both the current rent and the new rent. Include any changes to payment methods, late fees, or grace periods that differ from the original lease.

Modified Terms and Conditions

List any terms that are being changed from the original lease, such as pet policies, parking assignments, storage, maintenance responsibilities, or utility allocations. Any term not specifically modified in the renewal agreement remains governed by the original lease.

Landlord Concessions or Improvements

If the landlord has agreed to make repairs, improvements, or provide concessions (such as a free month of rent or new appliances) as part of the renewal negotiation, document these commitments with specific timelines and descriptions.

Signatures and Effective Date

Include signature blocks for the landlord (or authorized agent) and all tenants listed on the original lease. State that the renewal agreement is effective as of the renewal start date and that both parties acknowledge receiving a copy of the signed document.

Signature Requirements

E-Signature

Lease renewal agreements are fully valid with electronic signatures under the ESIGN Act and UETA. Both the landlord (or authorized property manager) and all tenants named in the original lease must sign the renewal agreement. No notarization or witnesses are required.

How to Fill Out a Lease Renewal Agreement

1

Reference the Original Lease

Enter the date of the original lease, the names of all parties, and the property address. If the original lease has been previously renewed or amended, reference those documents as well to maintain a clear chain of lease history.

2

Set the New Lease Term

Enter the start date and end date of the renewal period. The start date should be the day after the current lease expires to avoid any gap in the tenancy. If converting to month-to-month, state that the renewed term is a periodic tenancy with the applicable notice requirements.

3

Enter the Updated Rent Amount

Fill in the new monthly rent. If a rent escalation applies, show the calculation (previous rent plus the increase percentage or dollar amount). Verify that the increase complies with any rent control ordinances in your jurisdiction.

4

Document Any Changed Terms

Review the original lease and list any provisions that are being modified for the renewal term. Be specific about what is changing. Any term not listed as modified continues under the original lease terms, so only changes need to be documented.

5

Record Any Landlord Commitments

If the landlord has promised repairs, upgrades, or concessions, describe each commitment in detail, including the scope of work, deadline for completion, and any conditions. Written documentation prevents disputes about what was promised during renewal negotiations.

6

Execute and Distribute

Both the landlord and all tenants sign the renewal agreement. Provide each party with a signed copy. Attach the renewal agreement to the original lease file. If your state requires updated disclosures at renewal (lead paint, mold, etc.), include those as attachments.

Free Template vs Custom Lease Renewal Agreement

FeatureFree TemplateCustom (AI or Attorney)
Basic lease renewal structure
Rent escalation and term modification
State-specific renewal complianceRent control and notice requirements-
Commercial lease renewal provisions-
Attorney review and customization-
Digital download (PDF/Word)

Lease Renewal Agreement Template FAQ

What is a lease renewal agreement?
A lease renewal agreement is a legal document that extends an existing landlord-tenant relationship for a new term when the original lease is about to expire. The renewal agreement references the original lease, establishes a new lease period (start and end dates), updates the rent amount if applicable, and modifies any terms that the parties have renegotiated. All provisions from the original lease that are not specifically changed by the renewal agreement remain in full effect during the new term.
How do you write a lease renewal letter?
A lease renewal letter should identify the original lease by date and property address, state the proposed new lease term and start date, specify the new rent amount (if changing), note any other modified terms, and provide a deadline for the tenant to respond. The letter should be sent within the timeframe specified in the original lease or, if no timeline is stated, at least 60 to 90 days before the lease expiration. The letter serves as the opening of negotiations and leads to the formal renewal agreement once terms are accepted.
Can a landlord refuse to renew a lease?
In most states, a landlord has no legal obligation to renew a lease when it expires, and can allow the tenancy to end at the conclusion of the fixed term with proper notice. However, in rent control jurisdictions and cities with just cause eviction protections, the landlord may be required to renew or offer a renewal unless a legally recognized reason for non-renewal exists. A landlord also cannot refuse renewal for discriminatory reasons based on race, religion, national origin, disability, family status, or other protected classes under fair housing laws.
How far in advance should you renew a lease?
Landlords should initiate the renewal conversation 60 to 90 days before the current lease expires. This timeline allows enough time for both parties to negotiate terms, execute the renewal document, and avoid the lease lapsing into a month-to-month tenancy or the holdover tenant situation that occurs when the term expires without action. Some commercial leases require renewal notices 120 to 180 days in advance, and some original leases contain specific deadlines for exercising renewal options.
What is the difference between lease renewal and extension?
A lease renewal creates a new lease term, which may include updated rent, modified conditions, and a fresh lease period. A lease extension simply extends the existing lease for an additional period without creating a new agreement, keeping all original terms intact. In practice, the terms are often used interchangeably, but the legal distinction matters: a renewal may reset certain rights and obligations, while an extension continues the existing agreement. Both require written documentation signed by the landlord and tenant.
Can rent be increased at lease renewal?
Yes, the landlord can propose a rent escalation as part of the lease renewal. The new rent amount is a negotiable term, and the tenant can accept, negotiate, or decline the renewal. In rent control jurisdictions, rent increases at renewal are limited to the amounts permitted by the local ordinance (often a percentage tied to the Consumer Price Index). Outside rent control areas, there is no legal limit on the amount of a rent increase at renewal, though unreasonable increases may cause tenant turnover.
Does a lease automatically renew?
Whether a lease automatically renews depends on the terms of the original lease and state law. Many residential leases contain an automatic renewal clause that converts the fixed term to a month-to-month tenancy after expiration unless either party provides notice. Some commercial leases require affirmative action to renew, meaning the lease simply terminates at the end of the term if no renewal is executed. Several states have laws governing automatic renewal clauses, including requirements that the clause be conspicuously displayed in the lease.
What is a holdover tenant?
A holdover tenant is a tenant who remains in possession of the rental property after the lease term has expired without the landlord's express consent to continue the tenancy. In most states, the landlord can choose to either treat the holdover tenant as a trespasser and pursue eviction, or accept rent and create an implied month-to-month tenancy. Some states allow landlords to charge holdover tenants double rent or impose other penalties. The best way to avoid holdover situations is to initiate lease renewal discussions well before the current term expires.

More Free Templates

Power of Attorney Template

Estate Planning

Free Non-Disclosure Agreement Form

Contracts & Agreements

Bill of Sale Download

Contracts & Agreements

Printable Last Will and Testament

Estate Planning

Need a Customized Lease Renewal Agreement?

Most clients choose our attorney-drafted option for a lease renewal agreement fully personalized to their situation by a licensed attorney. Need it fast and affordable? Try our AI generator as a quick alternative.

Get Attorney-Drafted VersionQuick AI Generator
Attorney Drafting Services·AI Document Generators·Template Library·View Plans

Attorney-Verified Document: All Legal Tank templates are drafted and reviewed by licensed attorneys to ensure legal accuracy and compliance with current state and federal laws. While our templates meet professional legal standards, individual circumstances vary. We recommend consulting with a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for complex or high-stakes legal matters. Legal Tank is not a law firm and use of our platform does not create an attorney-client relationship.

Reviewed by licensed attorneys · Editorial policy · Last updated March 2026

Need this document customized for your situation?

Generate with AIGet Attorney-Drafted Version