The material in this letter provides a template for a basic situation – this is not legal advice. Each
individual’s situation is unique and may require more than what is provided in this template.
Speak with a licensed attorney before completing and sending this letter. It is always best to
consult with an attorney regarding your legal rights and responsibilities specific to your particular
situation before making a decision or taking action.
TEMPLATE LETTER FOR TERMINATION OF
RESIDENTIAL LEASE
Instructions
(1) Meet with a licensed attorney at an armed-service legal assistance office to discuss
your specific situation.
(2) Obtain a copy of your orders to deploy / PCS or a letter from your commanding
officer stating your pending deployment
(3) Replace the bolded portions in the template with the applicable information.
(4) Print and sign the letter.
(5) Attach a copy of your orders to deploy or a letter from your commanding officer
(6) Make at least one (1) copy of the letter with all attachments to keep for your own
records.
(7) Send the original letter via certified mail return receipt requested.
(8) Retain any written response from the landlord for your own records.
(9) Follow-up with a licensed attorney at an armed-service legal assistance office to
address any concerns.
Date
Rank and Full Name
Street Address
City, State Zip Code
Landlord’s Name
Street Address
City, State Zip Code
RE: Rank and Full Name’s Lease Agreement at Street Address, City, State Zip Code
Dear Landlord’s Name:
Pursuant to the Servicemembers’ Civil Relief Act (“SCRA”) 50 U.S.C. App. Section 535,
this letter is my formal written notice to terminate the lease agreement for the residential
property located at the above referenced address.
I am currently serving on active duty with the Branch of Armed Forces. I received
orders to deploy in support of Operation Name for 90 days or longer / I received orders for a
permanent change of station to New Duty Station. The SCRA states a servicemember may
terminate a residential lease 30 days after the first date of the next rental payment. My next
rental payment is due on Date; therefore, this lease shall terminate on Date + 30 Days.
Under the SCRA, all unpaid rental amounts for the period preceding the date of
termination shall be prorated. The SCRA prohibits any early lease termination charges or
penalties. All amounts held in security shall be returned according to the laws of this State.
You may forward my security deposit to Forwarding Address.
Please find the copy of My Orders to Deploy / PCS / Letter from CO.
If you have any questions or concerns, you may contact me at the above address, or my
commanding officer’s address on the attached letter.
Respectfully Submitted,
______________________
Rank and Full Name
Attachment(s):
Orders to Active Deploy / PCS
Commanding Officer’s Letter
