Lease Termination: What Landlord and Tenant Should Do

Lease Termination: clear practical steps ⚖️

Ending a lease happens for many reasons: relocation, non-payment, repairs, or sale of the property. Acting calmly and documenting every step reduces risks and speeds up the process. This guide explains what landlords and tenants should do, with practical tips for avoiding disputes.

1. Start with the lease agreement 📄

• Read the contract carefully: look for termination clauses, notification procedures, deposit terms and liability for damages.
• Note whether the agreement is written or verbal. If it’s verbal, keep messages and witnesses as records.
• If the lease mentions mediation or a specific notice format, follow it.

2. Common grounds for termination 🔍

• Non-payment or repeated late payments by the tenant.
• Serious breaches of the rules (unauthorized alterations, persistent nuisance, prohibited pets).
• Owner’s need to renovate, use, or sell the property.
• Mutual agreement — often the simplest and least costly path.

Important: avoid self-help evictions. Always use written notice and formal procedures.

3. How to give notice properly 📝

• Use written notice: email with read receipt, registered mail, or hand-delivered letter with a signed acknowledgement.
• State the reason, the requested vacate date and instructions for returning keys and property condition.
• Propose a meeting for inspection and handover; don’t rely on verbal promises.

4. Inspection and handover checklist 🔑📋

• Inspect the property together and document its condition with photos or video: note damage, meter readings and remaining items.
• Prepare a signed handover report listing any defects and the state of utilities.
• Documentation will help resolve disputes about the deposit and repairs.

5. Deposit and final accounting 💶

• Agree on what the deposit covers: unpaid bills, repairs beyond normal wear and tear, cleaning.
• Provide a clear breakdown of deductions with receipts or repair estimates where possible.
• If there’s disagreement, suggest an independent assessment or mediation.

6. If a dispute arises — practical options 💬

• Try negotiation first: settlements are usually faster and cheaper than court.
• Use mediation to involve a neutral professional.
• If needed, seek legal assistance from a lawyer experienced in Georgian tenancy practice.

7. Tips for landlords

• Put all key terms in writing and keep check-in/check-out inventories.
• Keep photographic records and copies of payments and communications.
• Consider insurance or a clear deposit policy to mitigate risk.

8. Tips for tenants

• Keep receipts for rent and utilities, save messages and agree on any changes in writing.
• Before moving out, address minor repairs and clean the property to maximize deposit return.
• If you need to leave early, offer a replacement tenant or reasonable compensation — owners often accept this.

9. Practical examples

• Mutual termination: sign a simple agreement specifying move-out date and deposit settlement.
• Handover act: create a checklist with signatures and photos to avoid later disputes.
• Formal notice: send registered notice with a proposal for an inspection date.

Final thoughts and support 🤝

Termination of a lease can be straightforward if you keep records, communicate clearly and aim for a fair settlement. If you need help preparing documents, assessing damages, or finding a new property in Georgia, we're ready to assist.

Looking for a new place? Browse our listings or use the property search: https://buyhome.ge/en/search

Contact BuyHome — we’ll help you choose the right property and support the process every step of the way.