Is "Option to Renew Lease" legally binding?

[katy-did]

I've been in an apartment for one year, paying my rent faithfully the first of every month. I've never caused a problem for my landlady. She had given me the option to renew my contract after one year, and when I sent her a letter last month to exercise that option, she sent a certified letter to me stating that she was not going to renew my lease, no reasons offered.
Do I just move now?
Thank you in advance for your help.
Kate

[grasmicc]

If the option exists in the contract, then yes, it is legally binding.

What do you do now? It depends - if you want to stay, then...

(1) Make sure the lease actually has an explicit option to renew and that you met with all the formalities.

(2) Send her a letter, certified mail, saying that the lease gives you an explicit option to renew and you are exercising it.

(3) Pay the rent on time and stay put.

[elklaw]

Well if she opted to not renew your lease, if there is no provision requireing her to renew the option if you paid rent on time, then the landlord can choose to not renew the lease. Sorry.

[grasmicc]

Elklaw - OP specifically stated that the lease has a renewal option in it.

[katy-did]

I appreciate your advice. Thank God for these forums and people who know what they're talking about. I can't afford to run to an attorney everytime I need my butt powdered. You're a life saver. Thanx again...Kate