An oral lease is easier to terminate, as the initial terms are hard to prove. Usually a 30-day notice in writing can terminate an oral lease, either by the landlord or by the tenant. Written leases are binding for the whole duration specified on the contract. If several tenants sign a lease together they are jointly and individually responsible for the fulfillment of all terms. If a roommate leaves earlier or does not pay rent the landlord can pursue the remaining tenant for the entire rent.
Most leases renew automatically for a period of one more year or one more month.
The end of term notice included in the lease specifies the amount of notice required in order to terminate lease on the stated date or to change terms of the lease. In most cases the notification time is 60 days, but some leases require 90 or even 180 days notice. The notice must be given by the 1st day of the month. If you want to terminate your lease you must give proper notice in writing, usually by certified mail, return receipt requested. If you fail to do so you may find yourself legally bound for another lease term.