How To Give Notice to Your Landlord Before Moving Out

Moving from your apartment soon? Whether it’s because of a new job, skyrocketing rent, or just a change of scenery, you’ll want to give your landlord a formal heads-up before you move out. This advance notice helps your landlord find a new tenant and boosts your chances of getting your security deposit back, which can offset the cost of a moving company. Here’s a step-by-step guide on giving the proper notice to your landlord before moving out.

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What Is a Notice To Vacate?

A notice to vacate is a formal, written communication sent by the tenant to a landlord, or vice versa, that explicitly states an intention to end a tenancy. The document might also be called a move-out notice, a notice of intention to vacate (if sent by the tenant), or an eviction notice (if sent by the landlord).

As a tenant, it is important to understand that a notice to vacate is not just a formality. It is a crucial step in the process of ending your tenancy. You can deliver your notice to vacate to your landlord as a printed letter or email attachment. It should include your move-out date, your forwarding address, and any other relevant information required by your lease agreement or state law. Providing a notice to vacate sets the expectations for both you and your landlord, giving your landlord time to find a new tenant and initiating the process of returning your security deposit.

How Far in Advance Should I Send My Notice To Vacate?

You should send your notice to vacate 30–60 days before your move-out date. The exact requirements may vary depending on the type of lease, lease terms, and state or local law. For instance, month-to-month leases typically require a 30-day notice, while a fixed-term lease may specify a 60-day notice.

Check Your Lease Agreement

Review your lease agreement thoroughly to understand the specific terms and conditions related to moving out. Look for any clauses that outline the number of days’ notice you must give and procedures to follow when providing your landlord notice.

Research State Laws and Regulations

Each state has laws surrounding tenant rights and responsibilities, including the appropriate timeframe for providing a notice to vacate. Visit your state’s official government website or contact the local housing authority for more information.

Composing the Notice To Vacate

You can write your notice to vacate letter from scratch or use an online lease termination letter template as a starting point. Either way, make sure your letter includes the following components:

• Heading: Begin your notice with a clear heading that states “Notice of Intention To Vacate” or “Notice to Landlord for Moving Out.” This heading will help the landlord immediately understand the purpose and urgency of the letter.
• Date: Note the current date below the heading to serve as a reference for you and your landlord.
• Tenant information: In the letter, provide your full name, current address or apartment number, and new address. This information helps the landlord quickly identify you and opens a clear line of communication. Include your email address and phone number for a quicker response.
• Landlord information: Include the landlord’s name, address, and contact details below your information.
• Effective date: Specify your desired move-out date in the letter, and give sufficient notice based on your rental agreement or local laws.
• Expression of intent: Clearly state your intention to move out and terminate the lease agreement. Keep this section concise to avoid misunderstandings.
• Compliance with lease terms: Mention any obligations you need to fulfill before your departure, such as cleaning requirements or repairs, as stated in the lease agreement. This demonstrates your willingness to comply and ensures both parties are on the same page.
• Request for move-out inspection: Request a move-out inspection for a date after you expect to have removed your belongings from the unit but before the end of the lease to resolve any issues that might keep you from reclaiming your security deposit. The landlord can assess the property and identify damage during this final inspection.
• Inquiry about security deposit: Ask your landlord about the best way to reclaim your security deposit, when to collect it, information surrounding any deductions, and the landlord’s preferred refund method. This ensures transparency and helps you plan your moving budget accordingly.
• Closing: End your letter expressing gratitude for the opportunity to live in the rental property. Convey your willingness to cooperate during the move-out process if the landlord has any questions or concerns.
• Document Everything: Just as contractors include guarantees sections listing the name and address of every party involved in a project, your notice to vacate should create a similarly thorough paper trail. Send your letter via certified mail with return receipt requested, and keep a copy for your records. This gives you proof of both the content and the date your landlord received it — critical if there’s ever a dispute about whether you gave proper notice.

Reviewing the Notice To Vacate

Before sending your notice to vacate, proofread it to eliminate typos or grammatical mistakes. Avoid overly complicated language or slang and ensure the notice letter flows logically.

Include all necessary information. Reference the section above to confirm you have covered all the important details, including your contact information and move-out date. Request a move-out inspection, clarify your responsibilities per the lease agreement, and inquire about your security deposit.

Keep a copy of the signed and dated notice for your own records, and consider sending it via certified mail so you have proof of delivery. If you’re emailing it, request a read receipt. Documentation is your best protection — landlords deal with maintenance, emergency repairs, and tenant issues regularly, so a clear paper trail ensures your notice doesn’t get lost in the shuffle.

Sending the Notice To Vacate

Once your letter is ready to send, consider your delivery options and select a method that meets any requirements outlined in your rental agreement or local laws. Options may include email, certified mail, or hand delivery.

• Certified mail: If you mail your notice, use certified mail and keep the tracking number for future reference.
• Email: If your lease and local laws allow email, ensure you receive receipt confirmation. Both Google and Microsoft have settings that allow you to request a delivery receipt. Additionally, it’s best to send the letter as an attachment rather than copying and pasting the text into the email itself. If the landlord wants to print or save the letter, sending it as an attachment makes this easier.
• Hand delivery: If you hand-deliver your notice, obtain a signed receipt or have a witness present.

Retain physical and digital copies of the notice for your records. These copies can serve as proof that you provided notice within the required amount of time.

Don’t forget to update your mailing address at the same time you send your notice. The U.S. Postal Service allows you to change your address online, and doing so early ensures important mail — including any correspondence from your landlord about your security deposit — reaches you at your new home.

Following Up With Your Landlord

Give your landlord ample time to process and confirm receipt of your notice. It may take a few days or longer.

If you haven’t received any response or acknowledgment from your landlord within a reasonable time frame, you may need to initiate further communication. Consider sending a polite follow-up email or making a phone call to verify receipt of your notice. Take this opportunity to address any concerns or questions you or your landlord may have.

When following up, keep a written record of every interaction — save email confirmations, note the date and time of phone calls, and jot down what was discussed. This documentation can protect you if disputes arise over your security deposit or lease obligations after you move out.

Our Conclusion

Whether moving to a new state or just a new apartment nearby, it’s important to let your landlord know beforehand. By giving your landlord timely and clear notice of your intention to move out, you fulfill your contractual obligations and increase the likelihood of a smooth transition.

Keep in mind that landlords invest significant effort in finding and vetting good tenants — from conducting background and credit checks to contacting former landlords and employers. When you give proper notice, you give your landlord the time they need to repeat that process and find a qualified replacement, which also improves your chances of getting your full security deposit back.

FAQs About Giving Your Landlord Notice When Moving