Lease Options for Renewal, Contracts

Lease contracts, whether they be residential or commercial, will often have an option provision where a tenant can automatically renew the lease-term for some period of time. Subject to the terms of the contract/lease, a tenant’s renewal must indicate a definite and unqualified determination to exercise the option. Behlman v. Weeks, 150 S.W.3d 153, 156 (Mo. Ct. App. 2004). Accordingly, if someone is intent on exercising an option under a lease, it is extremely important to do so in a legally correct manner. Failure to do so could result in the automatic termination of the lease, which is sometimes highly problematic with a business or residence.
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