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The Playbook / Love It or Leave It / Secondly — Deciding to Leave

Lease break vs. natural expiration.

Two very different paths — but both usually require written notice. Start here to figure out which one applies to you.

What's Normal

Natural expiration means your lease is reaching its scheduled end date. Even if it's obvious you're leaving, most leases still require formal written notice — otherwise you can be charged rent into a holdover or month-to-month period.

Breaking your lease mid-term is a different workflow entirely — governed by the break-fee, reletting, and buyout clauses in your lease.

The Common Thread — Notice Matters

Whether you're leaving at expiration or breaking early:

  • Check your lease for the required notice period (30, 60, or even 90 days).
  • Submit notice in writing — email, portal, or the form your lease requires.
  • Confirm receipt. Don't assume it was seen.
  • Document everything. Keep copies for your records.
Noon Knows tip
Think of notice as your official "I'm out" timestamp. Without it, you may still be considered on the hook for rent — even if you've already packed the moving truck. Worth confirming against your lease and local law.
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