Agree to nullify an existing lease: Agreement to Cancel Lease

An Agreement to Cancel Lease is a contract that allows for canceling a lease or rental agreement before the original term ends. This agreement can apply to commercial and residential leases and is sometimes referred to as a Cash for Keys Agreement. It is a useful tool for landlords or property managers to reach an amicable agreement with a tenant who needs to vacate a property.

The Agreement to Cancel Lease should only be used when both the landlord and tenant agree to alter the original lease term's ending date. This agreement is not designed for situations where one party seeks to unilaterally end the rental relationship, such as when a landlord tries to evict a tenant for non-payment of rent. To be legally effective, both parties must sign the agreement.

An Agreement to Cancel Lease should include details such as the rental property's address, the landlord and tenant's contact information, the end date of the original lease, the new lease termination date, and when both parties will sign the cancellation agreement. Depending on the lease's original conditions, there may be a penalty for canceling it, but parties may waive additional fees by mutual agreement.

Whether you're a landlord or tenant, there may be times when you need to terminate a lease before its original term ends. An Agreement to Cancel Lease, signed by both parties, dissolves the landlord-tenant relationship and allows parties to find new rental situations that suit their needs.

• Both parties have agreed that a lease agreement will terminate on a date different from the date specified in the original lease.
• You are a landlord who wants to end a lease early so that you can renovate or sell the property.
• You are a landlord who wants to avoid going through the eviction process and is willing to compensate the persons occupying the property to vacate.
• You are a tenant who needs to move before the end of your lease.

Whether you're preparing your Agreement to Cancel Lease, reviewing one someone sent you, or just want to understand it better, here's how to get help.

• Understand what it says or review it. Use our AI legal assistant to ask questions about your Agreement to Cancel Lease, understand what it says, and spot anything that may need a closer look.
• Ask an attorney a question. Connect with an attorney for legal information, with a written answer within one business day or a live consultation.
• Get advice on what to do. For privileged, confidential advice about your specific circumstances and next steps, book a Legal Advice Session with an attorney.