If you’re nearing the end of a lease, you might be wondering: what happens at the end of a lease term? Whether you’re renting a home or leasing a car, understanding what to expect helps you avoid unexpected fees and make the best decision moving forward. Here’s a complete guide to what happens when your lease ends—and how to handle it smoothly.
A lease term is the specific period you agree to rent or use a property or vehicle. Once that term expires, certain steps follow depending on your agreement and whether you wish to renew, extend, or walk away.
A fixed-term lease ends on a specific date. Once that date arrives, your current obligations end, and you must decide whether to renew, extend, or vacate. Some renters become “holdover tenants” if they stay past the end date without a new agreement.
A periodic lease—such as a month-to-month arrangement—automatically renews until either party gives notice to end it.
When your lease ends, several things can happen. You may face fees or penalties for damage or extra mileage, depending on your lease type. You also gain options to renew, extend, buy, or return what you’ve leased. Knowing these possibilities ahead of time helps you avoid surprises.
For apartment or property leases, reaching the end of your term triggers a few important actions.
Most landlords require written notice before the lease ends—often 30 or 60 days in advance—if you don’t plan to renew. Failure to do so could result in extra fees or an automatic conversion to month-to-month tenancy.
Before moving out, schedule an inspection with your landlord or property manager. Document the property’s condition and handle any cleaning or repairs to avoid deductions. Depending on your state laws, your landlord must return your security deposit or provide an itemized list of deductions.
At the end of the term, you can choose to:
Renew the lease under new terms.
Extend the current lease for a short period.
Terminate and vacate the property.
If you stay without renewing, your lease may convert to a month-to-month tenancy, often with higher rent or different conditions.
When a vehicle lease ends, the process differs slightly from a property lease but follows the same principle—review your options and act before the term expires.
When your car lease ends, you can:
Return the vehicle and pay any fees for excess wear or mileage.
Purchase the vehicle at the agreed-upon buy-out price.
Extend or renew the lease if the lessor allows it.
Mileage limits: Exceeding the agreed mileage usually incurs extra fees.
Wear and tear: Charges apply for damage beyond normal use.
Disposition fee: A common fee when returning the car at lease end.
Residual value: The preset amount you can buy the car for when your lease ends.
A few months before your lease ends—typically 90 to 120 days—review your contract and schedule a final inspection. Decide whether you’ll return, buy, or extend the lease. When returning, bring all accessories such as keys, floor mats, and manuals.
Check your car’s market value before making a decision. If the vehicle’s market value is higher than your buy-out price, purchasing it could save you money. If not, returning it may be the better choice.
Both property and vehicle leases often come with end-of-term fees. Knowing what to expect can help you budget ahead of time.
Cleaning or repair costs beyond normal wear.
Fees for insufficient notice or late move-out.
Deductions from your security deposit for damages.
Disposition fee when returning the vehicle.
Excess mileage fees, typically between $0.15–$0.25 per mile.
Wear-and-tear charges for damage.
Sales tax or financing costs if you decide to buy.
To make your transition easy, follow these key steps when your lease term ends.
Steps to follow at lease end:
Review your lease agreement and note the end date.
Inspect for damage or maintenance needs.
Decide whether to renew, extend, return, or buy.
Give proper notice or schedule a return.
Settle any fees or charges.
Complete the final paperwork.
Transition to your next home, car, or lease.
A few simple actions can make your lease ending stress-free:
Start early—review your options a few months before the term ends.
Clean and repair before inspection to reduce charges.
Track mileage if it’s a car lease.
Document everything with photos or videos.
Compare values if considering a vehicle buy-out.
Know your rights regarding deposit returns and notice periods.
Negotiate where possible—landlords and dealers may be flexible.
Can I stay after my lease ends without renewing?
Yes, but your lease may switch to month-to-month, and you could face higher rent or stricter terms.
What happens if my car has damage when I return it?
You’ll likely owe for excessive wear and tear, depending on your lease agreement.
Am I required to buy my leased vehicle?
No, most leases allow you to simply return the car once you’ve met all conditions.
How much notice do I need to give before moving out?
Most leases require 30 to 60 days’ notice, but this can vary by state or contract.
When your lease ends, mistakes can cost you. Avoid:
Ignoring mileage or maintenance requirements.
Missing your notice period.
Buying a car for more than its current market value.
Failing to document property condition.
Staying past your lease end without permission.
Reaching the end of a lease term doesn’t have to be stressful. With preparation, you can renew, extend, buy, or move out with confidence. Review your agreement early, know your options, and document everything to protect yourself.