New York Lease Termination Letter (Ending a Lease Early)

A free New York lease termination letter (ending a lease early) that follows New York law. Fill in the boxes, check the rules below, then print or copy it. Keep a copy and proof of how you sent it.

What New York law says

Ending a lease: military, medical, death	Seniors (62+) and people with disabilities: a tenant may end the lease if a physician certifies the tenant can no longer live independently and the tenant is moving in with family, or if the tenant is admitted to an adult care facility, residential health care facility, or subsidized or senior housing. The notice must include the physician's certification or admission documents, plus a notarized family-member statement when moving in with family. Termination takes effect no earlier than 30 days after the next rent due date. Military: a tenant who enters military service after signing the lease may end it by written notice delivered or mailed. For monthly-rent leases, termination is effective 30 days after the next rent due date. Tenant death: the estate may ask the landlord to consent to assignment or sublet. If the landlord terminates or unreasonably refuses, the estate is released from liability as of the end of that month. Source: N.Y. Real Prop. Law § 227-a; N.Y. Military Law § 310; N.Y. Real Prop. Law § 236
Ending a lease: domestic violence	A tenant may end the lease if the tenant or a household member is a domestic violence victim (as defined in Social Services Law § 459-a) and reasonably fears staying. The tenant gives written notice to the landlord or agent, and to any co-tenants other than the abuser. The notice must state that the tenant or household member experienced domestic violence and cannot safely remain, and give a termination date at least 30 days after delivery. Mailed notice counts as delivered 5 days after mailing. Within 25 days of the notice, the tenant provides documentation: an order of protection, a police record or report, a health care record, or a sworn or notarized verification from a qualified third party (such as police, court staff, attorney, doctor, social worker, therapist, DV agency staff, or clergy). Rent is owed pro rata only up to the termination date. Prepaid rent is refunded within 10 days. The landlord may not withhold the deposit because of the early termination. Source: N.Y. Real Prop. Law § 227-c

Ending a lease: military, medical, death

Seniors (62+) and people with disabilities: a tenant may end the lease if a physician certifies the tenant can no longer live independently and the tenant is moving in with family, or if the tenant is admitted to an adult care facility, residential health care facility, or subsidized or senior housing. The notice must include the physician's certification or admission documents, plus a notarized family-member statement when moving in with family. Termination takes effect no earlier than 30 days after the next rent due date. Military: a tenant who enters military service after signing the lease may end it by written notice delivered or mailed. For monthly-rent leases, termination is effective 30 days after the next rent due date. Tenant death: the estate may ask the landlord to consent to assignment or sublet. If the landlord terminates or unreasonably refuses, the estate is released from liability as of the end of that month.

Source: N.Y. Real Prop. Law § 227-a; N.Y. Military Law § 310; N.Y. Real Prop. Law § 236

Ending a lease: domestic violence

A tenant may end the lease if the tenant or a household member is a domestic violence victim (as defined in Social Services Law § 459-a) and reasonably fears staying. The tenant gives written notice to the landlord or agent, and to any co-tenants other than the abuser. The notice must state that the tenant or household member experienced domestic violence and cannot safely remain, and give a termination date at least 30 days after delivery. Mailed notice counts as delivered 5 days after mailing. Within 25 days of the notice, the tenant provides documentation: an order of protection, a police record or report, a health care record, or a sworn or notarized verification from a qualified third party (such as police, court staff, attorney, doctor, social worker, therapist, DV agency staff, or clergy). Rent is owed pro rata only up to the termination date. Prepaid rent is refunded within 10 days. The landlord may not withhold the deposit because of the early termination.

Source: N.Y. Real Prop. Law § 227-c

Fill in your letter

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To: [landlord or manager name], [landlord address]

From: [your name], tenant at [rental address]

I am ending my lease early under N.Y. Real Prop. Law § 227-a; N.Y. Military Law § 310; N.Y. Real Prop. Law § 236 for this reason: [the reason the law allows, e.g. active military orders].

I have attached [the documents the law requires, e.g. a copy of the orders].

My termination date is [termination date], and I will return the keys by [key return date].

Please return my security deposit, less only lawful deductions, to [forwarding address].

Date: [today's date]
Tenant: [your name]
Signature: ____________________

How to send it: use a method you can prove — certified mail with return receipt, or email/text if your lease allows notices that way. Write down the date.

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General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.