Lease deadline tracker — never miss a move-out or renewal date
4 min read · Updated May 1, 2026
Generate the complete calendar of every date that matters in your US lease. Renewal notices, security deposit return windows by state.
The lease has six dates that matter. Miss any of them and you can easily lose your deposit, get auto-renewed at a higher rent, or forfeit your right to sue if the landlord cheats you. Use the tracker to generate the calendar.
Lease deadline tracker
Generates the calendar of every date you must not miss.
Lease starts
Move in. Take photos of every wall, appliance, and fixture for the deposit return record.
Mon, May 4, 2026
30-day post-move-in inventory due
Email the landlord any pre-existing damage you missed. Save the email — it's your security deposit insurance.
Wed, Jun 3, 2026
Mid-lease renewal opens
Most landlords start asking about renewal. If you want to leave, you can usually start saying so now.
Sat, Oct 31, 2026
Renewal notice deadline (60 days)
Last day to give written notice if you DO NOT want to renew. Miss this and many leases auto-renew month-to-month at higher rent.
Fri, Mar 5, 2027
Lease ends
Move out. Take photos and video of every room before turning in keys.
Tue, May 4, 2027
Security deposit return deadline (IL law: 45 days)
Your landlord must return the deposit (or itemize deductions) by this date under IL law. After this, you can sue in small claims court.
Fri, Jun 18, 2027
What each date means in plain English
1. Lease starts (move-in)
Take photos and video of every wall, appliance, fixture, and floor before you place a single box. Email them to yourself the same day. This is the #1 way international students lose their deposit — they don't document pre-existing damage.
2. 30-day post-move-in inventory
Most US landlords give you 5–30 days to report pre-existing damage in writing. Send a single email with the photos attached. Save the landlord's reply. This is your security deposit insurance.
3. Renewal notice deadline
Almost every US lease requires you to give 30, 60, or 90 days written notice if you do NOT want to renew. Miss this and the lease either auto-renews for a year or shifts to month-to-month at 10–25% higher rent. Calendar this with multiple reminders.
4. Lease ends (move-out)
Photo + video everything before you turn in keys. Get the landlord to sign a move-out inspection form if possible. Forward your mail with USPS (free for 12 months).
5. Security deposit return deadline
State law sets when the landlord must return your deposit (or itemize deductions). If they miss the deadline, you can usually sue in small claims court for 1–3× the deposit amount. Common windows:
- Illinois: 30–45 days
- California: 21 days
- New York: 14 days (under HSTPA 2019)
- Massachusetts: 30 days
- Washington: 21 days
- Pennsylvania: 30 days
- Texas: 30 days
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