How To Give Notice to Your Landlord Before Moving Out

Written by Shane Sentelle Updated 04/09/2024

Whether you’re planning to move due to rent increases, a new job, or another reason, it’s important to provide your landlord with a written notice of intent before moving out. A letter helps ensure a smooth transition and increases the odds of reclaiming your deposit, which you can put toward professional movers, new furniture, or your new lease. Here’s how to give proper notice to your landlord before moving out.

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.

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.

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.

If you mail your notice, use certified mail and keep the tracking number for future reference.

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.

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.

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.

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.

FAQ About Moving Out of a Rental Unit

How do I find my state’s regulations on giving a notice to vacate?

Follow these steps to find your state’s regulations on giving notice to vacate:

Reach out to a local housing authority or tenant advocacy organization with questions.

Visit the official website of your state government.
Look for a section or department related to housing, rental laws, or tenant rights.
Browse the available resources or perform a keyword search.
Pay close attention to any guidelines related to the notice period and other requirements.

Can I move out without giving a notice?

You can technically move out of your space without giving notice. However, your landlord may retain some or all of your security deposit for the rent you would have paid during the notice period. Alternatively, they may sue you in small claims or housing court for unpaid rent and other damages.

Can I pay money to break my lease?

Some leases specify the amount of money you can pay to break your lease. If your lease does not have an early termination clause, ask if your landlord is willing to negotiate a mutually acceptable solution, such as paying a fee or finding a replacement tenant.

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