What are the exceptions?
If you live in public housing or most subsidized housing and pay reduced rent, your landlord must renew your lease when it runs out unless they have a good legal reason. If you get a letter saying they won't renew your lease, go to Fight my eviction to find out what you can do.
- If you pay rent with a Housing Choice (Section 8) Voucher, your landlord does not have to renew your lease when it runs out.
If you live in a Low Income Housing Tax Credit property, your landlord must renew your lease when it runs out unless they have a good legal reason. Check online to see if you live in one of those Tax Credit properties.
If you rent a lot in a mobile home community, your landlord must renew your lease each year with few exceptions. They can only refuse to renew it if you did something they could evict you for. And they must give you written notice of non-renewal 90 days before the end of your lease term.
In any kind of housing, your landlord can’t refuse to renew your lease because of discrimination or retaliation against you. Learn more about these protections.
Keep in mind
- If you believe your landlord is ending your lease without a good reason, contact your local Legal Aid to see if an attorney can advise you.
Take action
Learn what you can do to try to stay in your home and avoid eviction.
Sometimes, you can't avoid eviction if your landlord wants you out. But it is always good to learn how the law can protect you and what you can do about your situation.