Download our free, customizable 60 Day Notice Template to request timely notice of lease renewal or non-renewal.
When a tenant plans to move out, the difference between a smooth turnover and a costly scramble often comes down to timing. Requiring 60 days' notice gives landlords and property managers the lead time needed to market the unit, schedule maintenance, coordinate showings, and protect rental income—while keeping expectations clear for tenants.
- Understanding the basics of non-renewal notices
- How to write a non-renewal clause in a lease agreement
- Benefits of a 60-day non-renewal notice
- How to remind tenants of the 60-day notice period
- State-by-state guide to notice to terminate lease notice period requirements
- How guaranteed and automatic renewals work
- Penalties for not giving a 60-day notice
- How to improve tenant retention to avoid non-renewals
What Is a 60-Day Notice to Terminate a Lease?
A 60-day notice to terminate a lease, also known as a notice to vacate, is written notice that ends a rental agreement on a specific date, delivered at least 60 days in advance.
For fixed-term leases, it commonly functions as a notice of non-renewal. For some month-to-month tenancies, it may be used as a termination notice, depending on your lease terms and local requirements.
A strong 60-day notice policy (and lease clause) typically spells out:
- Who must give notice (tenant, landlord, or both)
- How notice must be delivered (email, certified mail, online portal, etc.)
- The deadline (at least 60 days before the lease end date)
- The move-out date and any move-out instructions (keys, inspection, cleaning expectations)
- What happens if notice is late or not provided (only where allowed by law and clearly stated in the lease)
If you include the requirement in writing and communicate it consistently, you’ll reduce last-minute move-outs and create a more predictable leasing calendar.
How to Require 60 Days' Notice in Your Lease Agreement
The easiest way to enforce a 60 days’ notice requirement is to spell it out in the lease agreement in plain language. Include the deadline, acceptable delivery methods, and what happens if notice is late—then follow a consistent reminder process as the lease end approaches.
Examples of 60-day clauses in a lease agreement:
RENEWAL AND NOTICE OF NON-RENEWAL. This Lease does not automatically renew for an additional fixed term. If Tenant wishes to renew, Tenant must notify Landlord in writing, and the parties must sign a new lease or written renewal agreement.
NOTICE TO VACATE / NON-RENEWAL. If Tenant intends to terminate the Lease at the end of the current term and vacate the Premises, Tenant must provide Landlord with at least sixty (60) days’ written notice before the lease end date (the “Notice Period”).
LATE NOTICE. If Tenant fails to provide the required sixty (60) days’ notice, Tenant will remain responsible for rent through the Notice Period (or until the end of the Lease term, whichever is later), to the extent permitted by applicable law.
Including a non-renewal clause in your lease agreement sets clear expectations and responsibilities for both you and your tenant. If you create your lease with Apartments.com, you can customize your lease to include a non-renewal clause.
Additionally, you can take advantage of our state-specific leasing templates, ensuring your lease is compliant with state law and jurisdiction requirements.
Why Is a 60-Day Notice Beneficial for Landlords?
Unexpected move-outs can disrupt your leasing plan and cash flow—whether a tenant ends the lease early or a non-renewal comes with too little lead time to re-lease the unit. Requiring 60 days’ notice (or a 60-day notice period) comes with several benefits, including:
1. Provides time for tenant turnover
Tenant turnover can be stressful. Between cleaning the unit, making repairs, marketing the rental, scheduling showings, and covering costs during any vacancy, the process can put pressure on both your timeline and your budget.
The good news is that turnover is far more manageable when you have enough lead time. Requiring 60 days’ notice gives you space to complete your turnover checklist in an organized way—plan repairs, coordinate vendors, list the unit, and line up your next tenant with fewer surprises.
2. Reduces financial loss
Receiving timely notice from a tenant makes financial planning much easier. When you know a vacancy is coming, you can forecast cash flow, schedule turnover costs, and take steps to reduce rental income loss.
For example, you can begin marketing the unit as soon as you receive notice and start screening applicants right away. With enough lead time, you may be able to secure a qualified tenant and schedule a move-in shortly after the current lease ends—minimizing downtime between tenancies.
3. Promotes good relationships with tenants
Requiring a 60-day notice of non-renewal creates open communication between you and your renters. This promotes trust and transparency, shows that you value each other’s time, and overall fosters a positive relationship between both parties.
Even if your tenant chooses not to renew, this notice period gives you time to thank them for their tenancy and address any outstanding issues before they depart.
How to Remind Tenants to Give 60 Days' Notice
Even with a clear lease clause, not every tenant will remember the 60-day notice requirement—especially first-time renters or tenants juggling a move. To avoid last-minute surprises, it’s smart to send a proactive reminder as the deadline approaches.
A good rule of thumb is to remind tenants about the 60-day notice period 70–75 days before the lease end date. That gives them roughly two weeks to decide whether they plan to renew or move out—and to notify you on time.
Here’s a sample message you can send to remind your tenant about the 60-day notice requirement:
Hello [Tenant Name],
I just wanted to send a friendly reminder that your lease ends on [Date], and your lease states that you need to give written notice at least 60 days before your lease ends if you don’t intend to renew the lease.
I’d love for you to continue your tenancy and sign for another term. If you are interested in renewing your lease, please let me know of your decision by [Date]. I’m available by phone or email if you have any questions.
Regards, [Landlord Name]
State-by-State Guide to Notice to Terminate Lease Notice Period Requirements
Notice requirements can vary by state and may depend on the length of the tenancy. The table below focuses on fixed-term leases, so verify state law for week-to-week and month-to-month lease notice rules. Leases may also require more notice than the state minimum, and local governments may add their own requirements. In most cases, a fixed-term lease ends on the date listed in the agreement, and the lease’s notice-to-vacate terms control.
Many states also have holdover laws for tenants who stay in the rental after the lease ends. Depending on the state and the lease terms, a landlord may be able to pursue eviction, charge a higher rent, or treat the tenancy as renewed on a month-to-month basis.
|
State |
Fixed Term (Landlord to Tenant) |
Fixed Term (Tenant to Landlord) |
Notes |
|
Alabama |
Not specified |
Not specified |
|
|
Alaska |
Not specified |
Not specified |
|
|
Arizona |
No notice period required — AZ Rev Stat § 33-341 |
No notice period required — AZ Rev Stat § 33-341 |
|
|
Arkansas |
Not specified |
Not specified |
|
|
California |
Not specified |
Not specified |
After tenant has been in rental for 12 months, landlords cannot terminate a tenancy without cause — CA Civ Pro Code § 1946.2 |
|
Colorado |
Landlords cannot refuse to renew a lease without a good cause — CO Rev Stat § 38-12-1303 (1)
No notice period required — CO Rev Stat § 13-40-107 (4) |
No notice period required — CO Rev Stat § 13-40-107 (4) |
|
|
Connecticut |
3 days – CT Gen Stat § 47a-23 |
Not specified |
The notice period can be waived if written in the lease — CT Gen Stat § 47a-25 |
|
Delaware |
60 days — 25 DE Code § 5106 (c) |
60 days — 25 DE Code § 5106 (c) |
There are rules regarding renewals of leases with modifications — 25 DE Code § 5107 |
|
Florida |
Yes (conditional): if lease has a tenant-notice clause, landlord must notify within the same period — FL Stat § 83.575(1) |
Lease may require tenant notice only if reciprocal notice is provided. Rental agreement may not require less than 30 days’ notice or more than 60 days’ notice from either the tenant or landlord — FL Stat § 83.575(1) |
Law doesn’t require a notice-period clause, if there is no clause then lease just ends
Florida has termination laws for rental agreements without specific term in FL Stat § 83.57 |
|
Georgia |
Not specified |
Not specified |
|
|
Hawaii |
Not specified |
Not specified |
|
|
Idaho |
Not specified |
Not specified |
|
|
Illinois |
No notice period required — 735 ILCS 5/9-213 |
Not specified |
|
|
Indiana |
No notice period required — IN Code § 32-31-1-8 |
No notice period required — IN Code § 32-31-1-8 |
|
|
Iowa |
30 days — IA Code § 562A.34 (3) |
30 days — IA Code § 562A.34 (3) |
|
|
Kansas |
No notice period required — KS Stat § 58-2509 |
No notice period required (when termination time is specified in contract) — KS Stat § 58-2509 |
|
|
Kentucky |
Not specified |
Not specified |
|
|
Louisiana |
No notice period required — LA Civ Code Art. 2720 |
No notice period required — LA Civ Code Art. 2720 |
If the lease is reconducted or extended, then requirements could change |
|
Maine |
Not specified |
Not specified |
|
|
Maryland |
60 days — MD Real Property Code § 8-402 (c)(2)(i) |
Not specified, but there is a law about verbal notices: If the tenant gives the landlord verbal notice at least 30 days before the lease ends, the landlord does not have to give written notice. — MD Real Property Code § 8-402 (c)(3) |
|
|
Massachusetts |
Not specified |
Not specified |
|
|
Michigan |
Not specified |
Not specified |
|
|
Minnesota |
Not specified |
Not specified |
Automatic lease renewals are allowed, but with some restrictions — MN Stat § 504B.145 |
|
Mississippi |
No notice period required — MS Code § 89-7-23 |
No notice period required — MS Code § 89-7-23 |
|
|
Missouri |
No notice period required — MO Rev Stat § 441.070 |
No notice period required (from or to) — MO Rev Stat § 441.070 |
|
|
Montana |
Not specified |
Not specified |
|
|
Nebraska |
Not specified |
Not specified |
|
|
Nevada |
30 days — NV Rev Stat § 40.251(1)(b) |
Not specified |
|
|
New Hampshire |
30 days for nonrestricted properties (as defined in NH Rev Stat § 540:1-a) — NH Rev Stat § 540:2 |
30 days, same manner as landlord — NH Rev Stat § 540:11 |
60 days required for restricted property (all other rented properties except for nonrestricted properties) as long as lease term was 12 months or longer or for a lease which was less than 12 months but renewed for a total period of 12 months or longer — NH Rev Stat § 540:2 (II)(i)(1) as of July 1, 2026 |
|
New Jersey |
Landlords cannot refuse to renew a lease without a good cause — NJ Rev Stat § 2A:18-61.3 |
Not specified |
|
|
New Mexico |
Not specified |
Not specified |
|
|
New York |
Dependent on cumulative amount of time tenant has occupied or length of tenancy in each lease, whichever is longer:
|
No notice period required — NY Real Prop L § 232-B |
|
|
North Carolina |
Not specified |
Not specified |
|
|
North Dakota |
No notice period required — ND Century Code 47-16-14 |
No notice period required — ND Century Code 47-16-14 |
|
|
Ohio |
Not specified |
Not specified |
|
|
Oklahoma |
No notice period required — 41 OK Stat § 8 |
No notice period required (when termination time is specified in contract) — 41 OK Stat § 8 |
|
|
Oregon |
Must follow certain laws: landlords can only terminate fixed-term leases for cause and with notice — ORS 90.427
Landlords can terminate within the first year of occupancy without cause by giving tenant written notice 30 days before end date. |
No notice period required — ORS 91.080
30 days prior to specified ending date (to prevent conversion to month-to-month when end date falls after the first year) — ORS 90.427(4)(c)(B). |
Different requirements apply for tenancies within the same building/property as the landlord’s primary residence and it contains no more than two units — ORS 90.427 (8) |
|
Pennsylvania |
Yes, 30 days for more than one year, 15 days for one year or less or an indeterminate time — 68 P.S. § 250.501(a)-(b) |
Not specified |
The notice period can be shorter or waived entirely as long as it is in the lease. |
|
Rhode Island |
Not specified |
Not specified |
|
|
South Carolina |
Not specified |
Not specified |
|
|
South Dakota |
No notice period required — SD Codified L § 43-32-22 |
No notice period required — SD Codified L § 43-32-22 |
|
|
Tennessee |
Not specified |
Not specified |
|
|
Texas |
Not specified |
Not specified |
|
|
Utah |
No notice period required — UT Code § 78B-6-802 |
No notice period required — UT Code § 78B-6-802 |
|
|
Vermont |
Lease requirements supersedes but state minimum is based on tenancy length:
|
Lease supersedes but otherwise one rental payment period prior — 9 VT Stats § 4456 (d) |
Also has law for termination for no cause without rental agreement — 9 VT Stats § 4467 (c) |
|
Virginia |
Not specified |
Not specified |
|
|
Washington |
Landlords usually cannot refuse to continue a tenancy without cause. Landlords can terminate a lease without cause if:
|
20 days or more before end of lease — RCW 59.18.650 (1)(f)
|
No notice is required if the lease is for a term under RCW 59.18.220 and RCW 59.04.030 |
|
Washington, D.C. |
No notice period required — D.C. Code § 42-3201 |
Leases cannot require notice to vacate from tenants over 30 days unless the lease requires the landlord to give the tenant a written notice of rent increases that is at least 30 days more than the time period of notice to vacate stipulation – D.C. Code § 42-3505.54 |
Notice to vacate from tenant to landlord after expiration of signed lease term, renewal, or extension term law found at D.C. Code § 42-3505.53 |
|
West Virginia |
No notice period required — WV Code § 37-6-5 |
No notice period required — WV Code § 37-6-5 |
|
|
Wisconsin |
Not specified |
Not specified |
|
|
Wyoming |
Not specified |
Not specified |
|
Should I Guarantee Renewals or Set Up Automatic Renewals?
Some landlords use automatic renewal clauses, meaning the lease renews unless the tenant gives written notice by a deadline. This can help reduce surprise vacancies, but it may also limit your flexibility to update terms or address tenant issues at lease end.
If you want more control, consider requiring 60 days’ notice for renewal or non-renewal instead of relying on automatic renewals.
What Happens if a Tenant Does Not Provide a 60-Day Notice?
Sometimes a tenant will miss the notice deadline—even if you’ve sent reminders and your lease is clear. What you can do next depends on your lease terms and local rules.
If your lease allows it, you may be able to charge rent through the notice period or apply another stated fee. If not, consider negotiating a move-out timeline that reduces vacancy risk.
Avoid withholding a security deposit for lack of notice unless your lease and state/local laws specifically allow it.
How to Improve Tenant Retention to Avoid Non-Renewals
Tenant retention goes hand-in-hand with fewer non-renewals. Keeping good tenants longer can reduce turnover costs and help stabilize rental income, but it takes consistent effort. To improve renewals, invest in both your property and the landlord-tenant relationship by focusing on the following:
1. Foster positive communication and relationships
Tenants are more likely to renew when they feel respected and supported by management. You don’t need to be friends, but you should invest in the landlord-tenant relationship through clear communication, reasonable flexibility, and consistent professionalism.
Give advance notice for inspections, provide timely updates on maintenance requests, and be upfront about expectations from the start.
2. Offer competitive rental incentives
Offering rental incentives (rent concessions) can be an effective way to retain good tenants. Options like a discounted upgrade, a prorated month of rent, or waiving a fee (such as a pet fee) can make tenants feel valued and give them an extra reason to renew. It’s also a practical way to recognize reliable tenants while reducing the cost of turnover.
3. Conduct regular maintenance and prompt repairs
Delayed maintenance and repairs are a common reason tenants choose not to renew. Issues like broken appliances or faulty air conditioning can quickly become major inconveniences, especially when they linger.
To reduce move-outs, respond to maintenance requests promptly and communicate clear timelines—protecting habitability and safety, two priorities that strongly influence renewal decisions.
Manage Your Lease with Apartments.com
Clear communication is the foundation of a smooth lease transition. By requiring 60 days’ notice for renewal or non-renewal in your lease agreement, you set expectations early, reduce misunderstandings, and give yourself time to plan for turnover or re-leasing.
With Apartments.com, you can create a comprehensive lease agreement using state-specific templates and digital tools designed to support consistent lease workflows. Manage renewal deadlines more easily and streamline your leasing process with Rental Tools—get started today.
FAQs
Can a tenant negotiate the terms of a non-renewal clause?
A tenant can ask to adjust the notice period or delivery method, but whether you agree depends on your policies and market conditions. If you make changes, document them in writing and ensure the final lease language remains clear and enforceable.
What should I do if a tenant remains in the property after the non-renewal period?
Start by communicating in writing and confirming the move-out plan. If the tenant won’t vacate, follow your local legal process for regaining possession (which may require formal notices and court procedures).
How can I attract long-term tenants?
Maintain a safe, well-kept property, respond quickly to maintenance requests, and keep communication professional and consistent. Competitive pricing and renewal incentives can also reduce turnover.
This article was originally published on May 8, 2020, by Megan Bullock and has been updated.
