FOOTPRINT

5 lease dates to put on your calendar

Scout's rule: deadlines matter more than clauses. Find each date in your lease, then add it to your calendar with a reminder 30 days before.

1. Lease expiration. The last day of your term. Everything else counts back from here.
2. Renewal option window. Many options must be exercised in writing within a set window (for example, "not less than 6 nor more than 9 months" before expiration). Calendar both the opening and closing dates.
3. Rent increase dates. When each annual escalation takes effect, so the new number is never a surprise.
4. CAM / operating expense reconciliation. If you pay NNN or a share of expenses, the landlord usually sends a year-end reconciliation. Some leases limit how long you have to question it. Note that deadline.
5. Insurance certificate renewal. Many leases require you to keep proof of insurance on file with the landlord. Calendar your policy renewal.

Bonus: if your lease has a termination option, early-out, or relocation clause, calendar any notice dates too.

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More reading: plain-English lease guides.

General info, not legal advice. Every lease is different; read your own document and consult a qualified professional for important decisions.