ClauseryFree lease termination agreement template (Word)
A signed agreement between landlord and tenant to end a lease early on agreed terms — move-out date, rent owed, security deposit handling, and mutual release.
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A lease termination agreement (or mutual move-out agreement) lets a landlord and tenant end a fixed-term lease early by mutual consent instead of eviction or abandonment. It sets the final move-out date, who pays what, and releases both sides from further obligations.
Use this when the tenant wants to leave early and the landlord agrees, or when both sides want a clean break. It is cleaner than breaking the lease unilaterally because it waives future rent claims in writing.
What to include#
- Parties and property. Landlord and tenant names, property address, original lease start and end dates.
- Termination date. The agreed date the tenancy ends and keys are returned.
- Final rent and fees. How much rent is owed through termination, any early-termination fee (where legal), and when it is paid.
- Security deposit. How the deposit will be handled, itemised deductions, timeline for return per local law.
- Mutual release. Language releasing both parties from future claims under the lease, except for post-move-out damages not covered here.
How to fill it in#
Step 1: Agree on terms verbally
Discuss move-out date, final rent and deposit disposition before drafting.
Step 2: Put it in writing
Use the agreement to capture dates, amounts and release terms.
Step 3: Sign and date
Both landlord and tenant sign; each gets a copy.
Step 4: Complete move-out
Tenant vacates, returns keys, and completes a walkthrough inspection on or before the termination date.
Step 5: Return the deposit
Landlord returns deposit less lawful deductions within the statutory window (commonly 21-30 days).
Related templates and guides
Questions
Do I have to sign a termination agreement?
No — if both sides do not agree, the lease terms and local law govern how either party can end it.
Can the landlord keep the deposit?
Only for lawful deductions (unpaid rent, damage beyond normal wear) within the statutory timeframe.
Does it waive back rent?
That depends on what you write in the agreement. It can release past unpaid rent or require payment.
Is an early-termination fee legal?
Generally yes if it is a reasonable estimate of losses — some states cap fees or require specific language.
What if the tenant does not move out on the agreed date?
The agreement is breached — you would typically proceed with eviction per local law.
These are general templates, not legal or tax advice. Have anything unusual reviewed for your jurisdiction.