Landlord Only Gives 11 Days Notice That He Won’t Renew the Lease, Leaving Tenant to Scramble for a New Place

Author image for JR Atkinson
JR Atkinson • Writer and Editor
Jul 11, 2026 9:00 PM EDT

Have you ever dealt with an unreasonable landlord? 

If you've lived in an apartment, then the answer to that question is probably yes. Landlords tend not to abide by the same rules that the rest of us do, in terms of decency and respect. They know they can get away with a lot, so they do. The ultimate way you can get back at them, though, is if you know your rights. These types of interactions can be difficult to understand, and they're banking on you having less information than they do. But if you're armed with knowledge, then there isn't a lot they can do to get you down. This is why the internet is helpful. We can all come together to teach each other what we can about dealing with landlords, and we all come out better for it. That's what was happening in this story that was shared to the r/Tenant subreddit. 

Add as a preferred
source on Google
Advertisement

  • This tenant wasn't quite sure what to do when they got a text from their landlord that seemed out of the blue. Looking for a new place to live is no small deal. Moving is one of the most stressful things we have to do as humans, so it's best to avoid it at all costs. On short notice, no less. It's never easy to find somewhere to live that's in your price range, nice, and in a good location. Those types of places tend to go pretty fast, too, so you have to be able to strike quickly. When you're strapped for cash (and who isn't), then this can be a huge emotional and logistical burden. So you hope that your landlord shows enough goodwill to at least let you know as quickly as possible that they need you to move. Less than two weeks is hardly enough notice, and might even be against the law. But that's what this tenant was up against, and they needed to know just how to deal with it. Keep reading for the full story here and see what commenters had to say.

  • NOTICE OF EVICTION Court Case Number: 493-An
    via Allan Vega

    A notice for eviction peeking out of a white envelope

  • Landlord give 11 days notice to end contract.

    Hi Today Today 0 After much consideration, I have decided not to extend the rental lease once the contract ends on 21st July. Kindly please look out for new place. We will proceed with the exit clearance on 21st. Thank you. Message 3:15 pm
    via sartsoupli

  • Commenters had questions and advice for this tenant.

    SoloSeasoned What does the lease say about notice of non-renewal and conversion to month-to- month? It is common that the landlord must provide at least 30 days notice of non- renewal or the lease automatically converts to month to month.
    via SoloSeasoned
  • Read you lease, then contact the landlord. Let them know that they missed the deadline for notice of non-renewal and that the earliest they can ask you to move out if August 21.
    via SoloSeasoned
  • goat20202020 What state are you in, how long was the lease term, and what does your lease say about termination vs renewal? Very likely they have to give you at least 30 days notice.
    via goat20202020
  • Unconscious The only instance where a notice that short is acceptable is "week to week" leases, and that is here in California. Week to week leases are almost unheard of, so we can't really offer much assistance when you provide no details. If your lease is fixed term or month to month, you need at least 30 days notice.
    via Unconscious
  • Solid_Assumption 7160 They have ro give you 30 day notice... Take them to court and push back while looking for another place and buy yourself some Time
    via Solid_Assumption7160
  • Cheezburger Image 10646337792
    via Unsplash+ (Getty Images)

    A young couple looks stressed, reading an eviction notice in their hands

  • grumpyoldman10 Landlord here. Am I understanding correctly that you had a fixed term lease? If so, I would argue that you have had 344 days notice. I know this stinks, but I'm having a hard time understanding why this is the landlord's fault and not both of yours equally?
    via grumpyoldman10
  • Atticus1354 If youre a landlord you should have a local lawyer answer that question so you dont find yourself in trouble in the future.
    via Atticus1354
  • Unconscious This is the most outrageous thing I've ever seen on this sub. Are you sure you're a landlord? Because you don't sound like one given the fact that you don't even know what a notice to vacate is.
    via Unconscious
  • Copper0721 This. I'd always get nervous if I didn't have a renewal offer/confirmation by 60 days before my lease ended. I could never just assume I'd be able to stay.
    via Copper0721
  • grumpyoldman10 Yes, exactly. If I don't have a renewal from my tenant 60 days before, I'm already making plans to list it for rent.
    via grumpyoldman10
  • Partridgeln Disguise Unless you're in Illinois or Missouri, every other state automatically becomes a month-to-month lease if a lease isn't renewed. Why on earth would you be worried and making plans?
    via PartridgelnDisguise
  • Calm-Song-8543 In many states a lease automatically converts to month to month without a written notice (typically 30 days). When I realize a tenant hasn't signed a new lease, I provide a written notice at least 30 days in advance and more than 30 days in advance if possible.
    via Calm-Song-8543
  • This post (and arguably your defense of it) are examples of landlords who can't get out of their own way. It is unreasonable to expect someone to move in 11 days so why invite the fight? Just give them a proper notice and let them vacate the property without the fight. Because things like this always cost money.
    via Calm-Song-8543

Want More? Follow Us and Add Us as a Preferred Source on Google.

Tags

landlord tenants lease month to month tenant landlords bad landlord
Scroll Down For The Next Article