No. An extension continues the existing lease. A renewal creates a new lease, usually with renegotiated terms. Both agreements are formal documents with the same legal enforceability power. In case of disputes in the court, neither has more power than the other, as enforceability depends on the validity of the document, the clarity of its terms, and proper execution by the parties.
Lease Extension Agreement
Use this template to extend an existing lease without drafting a new agreement. Get your free, printable lease extension agreement that perfectly reflects all your updated rental terms.
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About This Template
Lease Extension Agreement templates lets tenants and landlords extend their present lease agreement instead of creating an entirely new contract.
- Unlike a lease renewal agreement, this template does not create a new lease.
- Extends your current lease without interruption.
- Follows most of the original terms and updates things like rent or the new expiration date.
- Works for residential properties, commercial spaces, and short-term rental agreements.
Save yourself the hassle of drafting, negotiating, and signing a completely new lease. The template is free to customize and use in Word or PDF format before signing.
Who it's for
A Lease Extension Agreement template is used when you’ve agreed to continue the existing lease but want to update rent conditions. These conditions are usually minor changes that should not affect the entire lease agreement, e.g., when you want to extend your lease periods or set new rent prices. The template is suitable for:
- Residential landlords and tenants
- Commercial property owners and business tenants
- Property managers
- Short-term rental hosts
- Companies leasing office, retail, or warehouse space
When to use this template
This lease extension agreement template let you cover the following rent-lease scenarios: The tenant needs more time which will extend his present tenancy duration.
- A landlord wants to keep a good tenant around
- A homebuyer experiences a house closing process delay.
- A business is relocating but the new space isn't ready yet
- You want to prevent any period when your rental property remains unoccupied by tenants.
- You want to convert your present fixed lease into a month-to-month agreement.
What's in the template
The lease extension is a formal document that must include certain details. Aside from naming all parties to the agreement, the lease extension addendum should also reference the earlier agreement that is being extended. Here’s what the lease extension agreement sample covers:
Extension details
- New lease start and end dates
- Whether it's fixed-term (like 6 months) or periodic (month-to-month)
- Rent amount, how and when to pay it
- First payment date under the extension
Legal terms
- Confirmation that original lease terms still apply
- How defaults and late payments are handled (per the original lease)
- All the amendments that you're making
Basic info
The basic information stays the same as in the original agreement. The lease extension should duplicate the landlord and tenant names, company details (if it’s a commercial lease), and the property address.
The same people should sign the lease extension agreement; otherwise, it won’t be legally enforceable.
Notice requirements
The typical notice period is 28 days, but this is flexible.
Signatures
Signature lines for all parties Date of execution Clause binding successors and assigns
How to write your lease extension agreement
1. Review your current lease contract
Begin by examining the complete version of your lease agreement carefully. All elements within the document including rent clauses, maintenance duties, notice periods, penalty provisions, and other lease terms will remain active in the extension unless you make specific modifications. You need to understand which extension you are working with.
2. Pick your extension type
Decide if this is:
- Fixed term (e.g., 6 months with a hard end date), or
- Periodic (month-to-month with ongoing flexibility)
With periodic rentals tenants have greater freedom yet it creates uncertainty about landlord income streams.
3. Adjust the rent if needed
Check if local rent control laws limit how much you can increase it. You may also compare current market rates against the value of keeping this tenant
4. Review time-limited clauses
The original lease usually contains specific time-limited provisions which include promotional discounts, parking rights, and utility consumption limits. Decide which agreements should remain active or need to expire.
5. Get clear on notice
The notice period needs to extend for the same amount of time as the extension period while following all rules which govern tenancies in the area.
6. Confirm maintenance responsibilities
The agreement needs to establish which party will execute maintenance tasks and handle property damage when the tenant decides to stay longer.
7. Get everyone to sign
If multiple landlords or tenants signed the original lease, all of them need to sign the extension. The document becomes difficult to enforce when law enforcement agencies need to verify signatures because they are missing from the document.
The document needs a specific date for return to avoid any possible confusion which could transform the lease into a month-to-month agreement.
Once all the original parties sign this Lease Extension Agreement template, it's legally binding.
FAQ
Yes, if both sides agree. Local rent control laws may limit the increase amount.
Depends on local law and your lease terms. You might automatically convert to month-to-month, or you might need to give formal notice to vacate.
Absolutely. You can amend anything both parties agree to including utilities, parking, or maintenance responsibilities. You cannot contract away basic legal protections, like habitability or anti-retaliation. If an extension tries to limit these, that language likely won’t hold up.
Usually no. In most places, signatures from all parties are enough. Check local laws to be sure.
