Hey all… I run a small cafe in SF and our lease is ending soon. The lease says we gotta notify the landlords no later than 6 months before the end if we wanna extend. We’ve done that, but now I’m wondering… is there a deadline they have to respond by? Or can they just ignore it? Also, can they say no for literally any reason?
If your lease doesn’t have a built-in option to extend, the landlord can pretty much say no for any reason. Sucks but that’s usually how it goes.
Pace said:
If your lease doesn’t have a built-in option to extend, the landlord can pretty much say no for any reason. Sucks but that’s usually how it goes.
Wait what’s a ‘built-in option’? Like something that forces the landlord to let you extend?
@TonieMontana
Yeah basically—some leases have a clause that gives you the right to extend, like it’s guaranteed if you follow the steps. If yours doesn’t have that, they don’t have to say yes.
As far as I know, there’s no rule that says they have to respond within X days or anything. They could drag their feet unfortunately.
Kai said:
As far as I know, there’s no rule that says they have to respond within X days or anything. They could drag their feet unfortunately.
Ugh that’s what I was worried about. We gave our notice early but haven’t heard back. No clue if they’re just ghosting or what.
That 6 month notice thing is probably there to give both sides time to plan in case the lease isn’t gonna be renewed. So yeah, they can say no and you’ll have time to move out or make other plans.
Val said:
That 6 month notice thing is probably there to give both sides time to plan in case the lease isn’t gonna be renewed. So yeah, they can say no and you’ll have time to move out or make other plans.
That makes sense… I thought it was more to lock things in early but maybe it’s really just a heads-up clause.
Honestly, I’d still try to talk to them directly. Sometimes landlords just drag on stuff unless you keep nudging them. Could be a simple delay on their side.
Blake said:
Honestly, I’d still try to talk to them directly. Sometimes landlords just drag on stuff unless you keep nudging them. Could be a simple delay on their side.
Yeah we’re trying to be chill but also lowkey stressed about planning ahead. Might have to poke them again lol.
I had a similar thing with a shop I leased… no auto-renew option, sent my notice on time, but they still turned me down. Said they had another tenant lined up. So yeah, they don’t need a reason technically.
@Reagan
Dang, that’s rough. Did you have any recourse?
Rohan said:
@Reagan
Dang, that’s rough. Did you have any recourse?
Nah not really. Without that option clause in the lease, you’re kinda at their mercy. Just had to move the biz elsewhere.