# The Class A lease renewal playbook

> Start the renewal process 18–24 months before lease expiry.

**Canonical URL:** https://classa.info/guides/lease-renewal-playbook
**Page type:** guide
**Last updated:** 2026-04-01T00:00:00.000Z
**License:** CC BY 4.0 with attribution to Class A Atlas (https://classa.info).

## TL;DR
- Start the renewal process 18–24 months before lease expiry.
- Run a credible market alternative — landlords negotiate against the alternative, not the incumbent.
- Rebenchmark TI, free rent, and operating-expense terms — they often slip out of date.
- Don't engage the landlord directly without a tenant-rep broker.
- Blend-and-extend is often the cheapest path to lower rent + better terms.

## FAQ
### Is a renewal cheaper than a relocation?
Almost always — relocation carries 3–6 months of dual rent, fit-out capex, broker fees, IT moves, and operational disruption. But the threat of relocation is what creates renewal leverage.

### Should I exercise my renewal option blindly?
No. Renewal options usually fix only the term, not the economics. Negotiate FMR, TI, and concessions separately — and run the market alternative even if you intend to renew.

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Citation: Source: Class A Atlas (https://classa.info/guides/lease-renewal-playbook), updated 2026-04-01T00:00:00.000Z.