What is the term for an agreement where a tenant voluntarily terminates a lease and returns the property to the landlord?

The term "surrender" refers to a voluntary agreement in which a tenant relinquishes their lease and hands back possession of the property to the landlord. This process involves the tenant consciously deciding to terminate the lease before its official expiration, usually through a mutual agreement or through a formalized process set out in the lease agreement itself.

In a surrender scenario, both the landlord and tenant typically agree on the terms under which the lease will end, allowing the landlord to regain possession of their property without pursuing overdue rent or other legal implications that might arise in a different termination type. This agreement must be clear and communicated effectively to protect the rights of both parties involved.

Other terms may describe different scenarios or processes. "Termination" is a more general term that could imply the end of a lease but does not necessarily indicate that it is done voluntarily by the tenant. "Release" usually pertains to the landlord releasing the tenant from further obligations, which may not imply the act of returning the property. "Abandonment" indicates that a tenant has left the property without notifying the landlord, which could have different legal implications and does not involve an agreement between both parties. Thus, "surrender" is the most accurate term for the voluntary return of the property by the tenant