Start talking about renewal about two to three months before the lease ends, so both landlord and tenant still have time to look for alternatives if they cannot agree. A renewal does not automatically keep every term unchanged: the rent, the deposit, the condition of the apartment and the early-termination terms all need to be reviewed and put in writing.
When to start the conversation
If the contract requires notice before termination, read that clause first and count backwards. A tenant who talks early has more time to compare market rents; a landlord who talks early avoids a vacant month and the cost of finding a new tenant. Both sides benefit from settling at least one month before the end date.
Four items to review
| 1 | New start date and term Define when the new period starts and how long it lasts, leaving no gap between the two periods. |
| 2 | Rent State whether the rent stays the same or rises, by how much and from which month. For multi-year terms, agree on how rent is adjusted each year. |
| 3 | Deposit Confirm that the deposit currently held carries over to the new term, with no extra payment or refund unless both sides agree otherwise. |
| 4 | Condition of the apartment Check equipment, air conditioners and kitchen appliances, and repair any damage before renewing to avoid arguments at move-out. |
Addendum or a new contract
When only the term and the rent change, a short addendum stating that the original contract remains in force is enough. If many terms change, such as the number of occupants, pet rules or the name of the tenant, sign a new contract so that all terms sit in one document. The addendum should be signed by both sides and dated.
| Warning: renewing only by word of mouth or message • Many disputes start when both sides agree verbally and the tenant stays after the end date with nothing in writing. • If rent, deposit or move-out date are understood differently, it is very hard to prove without a signed addendum. |
Negotiating the rent at renewal
Tenants should prepare the rents of a few similar units in the same building and mention their record of paying on time and looking after the apartment. Landlords should remember that a stable tenant saves vacant months, refurbishment and agent fees. A reasonable increase that is explained clearly is usually accepted more easily than a figure announced suddenly.
| Do this • Talk early and settle in writing signed by both sides. • Review rent, deposit, apartment condition and early-termination terms. • Use an addendum when only term and rent change; sign a new contract when many terms change. |
This article is general information only. For high-value leases or special terms, have a lawyer review the documents before signing.
