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Reviewed by Casa Academy and updated July 29, 2026 using the current DBPR checklist and Pearson VUE scheduling guidance.

Lease Termination

Lease termination is the early or mutual ending of a lease before its stated expiration, through surrender, breach remedy, constructive eviction, or agreement, releasing or adjusting the parties' obligations according to contract and state landlord-tenant law.

Exam context

Match termination to ending before expiration date. Expiration is automatic at term end. Eviction is court process after breach, not synonymous with mutual termination.

Mutual and voluntary termination

Landlords and tenants may sign a termination agreement releasing each other from remaining rent in exchange for keys, cleaning, or a fee. Without writing, disputes arise over whether the tenant surrendered or wrongfully abandoned. Prorated rent and security deposit handling should be documented at move-out.

Termination for cause

Material lease violations such as nonpayment or illegal activity may allow termination after proper notice and cure periods. Constructive eviction due to uninhabitable conditions may let tenants terminate without further rent in some states. Military orders trigger federal lease termination rights for qualifying service members.

Examples

  • Early release fee

    A tenant needs to relocate for work mid-lease. The landlord agrees to terminate in writing in exchange for two months' rent and forfeiture of the deposit per the lease break clause.

  • Nonpayment notice

    After a 3-day pay-or-quit notice and failure to cure, the landlord terminates the tenancy and files eviction rather than waiting for natural expiration.

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