A rental contract may be terminated before its natural expiry date by either the tenant or the landlord
Either party is able to end the contract
A tenancy agreement may be terminated before its natural expiry date by either the tenant or the landlord. canva.com

The minimum duration of a rental contract depends on the type of contract agreed. However, it is possible to terminate any type of lease so long as the rules set out in the current legislation are respected.

Types of rental contracts

There are four different types of rental contract and for each one the tenant's minimum length of stay varies. The following types of contracts are provided for under the current law:

  • a free rental contract has a minimum duration of 4 years, after which it is automatically renewed for another 4 years;
  • an agreed rental contract has a minimum duration of 3 years, after which it can be renewed for 2 or 3 years;
  • a rental contract for transitional use has a minimum duration of between 1 and 18 months. These are often used for university students.

How does early termination of a lease work?

If the tenant wishes to leave the rented flat before the natural expiry date of the contract, they must notify the landlord in writing by registered letter or certified mail (PEC) at least six months before the day on which he intends to leave the flat.

However, early termination of the rental contract is only permitted if there is a termination clause in the agreement, regardless of the type of agreement. If it has not been provided for when the contract was signed, the termination of the lease will simply cancel the automatic renewal at the end of the minimum term, in accordance with Law 431 of 9 December 1998.

Cases for termination of the lease

There are various cases for the termination of the lease that differ according to the will, joint or otherwise, of the two parties involved:

  • Termination by mutual consent is the case where both parties involved agree to terminate the contract;
  • the termination of the lease by the landlord must precede the natural end of the contract by 6 months in the case of premises for residential use. Otherwise, 12 or 18 months are required;
  • Termination of the lease by the tenant can take place at any time thanks to the cancellation clause in the lease. The only requirement is that the tenant notifies the landlord 6 months in advance. If this is not done, the tenant must pay the 6 months' rent corresponding to the lack of notice and must compensate the landlord for the damage caused by the early termination.

It should be noted that if the termination of the lease does not take place, the contract will be renewed, according to the agreements, at the natural end of the lease.

How do I terminate a rental contract with a flat rate?

The termination of the rental contract must be communicated at least six months before the natural end of the contract by registered letter with acknowledgement of receipt.

What should be written in the rental termination notice?

You must enter your personal details, the details of the termination request and of the rental contract, the reason for the request and, finally, the timeframe for vacating the premises.

How to terminate a lease in advance?

To terminate a lease in advance, it is necessary to notify the parties involved by registered letter with acknowledgement of receipt at least six months before the end of the lease.

Who has to notify the Inland Revenue of the termination of the rental contract?

In order to terminate the rental contract, it is necessary to complete the necessary paperwork at the Inland Revenue Office.