If you get paid in 5 days, then respond and say it, that gives the commish more info, which is what you are lacking right now.  IF he doesn't respon, thats his fault.  I'd start to find replacements, asking them to take other teams in the league first, but would not make that a rule, and would give his team away if someone else wants it...

I have only one other opening this upcoming roll, and it's accounted for.  I have a taker for this team already, but what I'm asking is if I should give my 12 year vet a chance to renew after the roll or not, and if so how long?  I agree with the people here saying to not hold up the roll for him, since the guy has had all season to re-up, and a simple reply to my many trade chats would be enough to get me to hold it for him.

I would wait for the guy. He's been there for 12 seasons. He hasn't said he's NOT coming back. That said, he should have the courtesy to answer you. Since you have been commish all along, you would know if the guy has be a plus or a minus as a league owner. If he's been a good owner otherwise, then wait. If he's a guy you've been looking to get rid of, then don't. As taz said, he's been here a long time and will probably continue. I'd rather wait an extra day or 2 to roll and have a solid owner than take a chance on an unknown quantity.

Good points.  This is the thing.  This happens every season.  He doesn't renew early, and he never, ever lets me know if he's returning or not, but he's usually not the last one in after we roll.  Overall, he's an ok, albeit quiet owner.  He's always been cooperative, and has never caused any controversy.
     I wouldn't worry about it so much if my world had any openings that weren't "pre-accounted" for.  Besides him, we only have the one confirmed opening (taken), and the rest have confirmed through trade chat or have reupped already.  This one person could be holding up the whole world, and all the guy needs to do is simply return a trade chat or sitemail.
     Am I asking too much?

It's all moot now.  He re-upped.  Thanks for your thoughts though.