So, you have found a new place to call home and want to move out of your rental. You can’t just leave, though – there are a lot of things to take care of before you can vacate the property and move to your new place.
You need to pack your belongings and organize your relocation, of course, but you also have to review your rental agreement and find out exactly what your tenant move out responsibilities are, fix any damage you may have caused to the property over your time there, pay off your bills, thoroughly clean the place, and arrange for move-out inspection.
You also need to inform your landlord you’re moving out – and you need to do it properly so you can leave on good terms and with your deposit back.
Here is everything you need to know about how to give a notice to vacate and ensure a smooth move out of your rental property.
What is a notice to vacate and why is it needed?
A notice to vacate, also known as a move out notice to landlord, is a written document given to the property owner or property manager to inform them that a tenant intends to end their lease and vacate the property within a specific amount of time.
You’re legally required to give your landlord an advance notice before moving out, so they have the time to find a new tenant. Having an early notice allows your landlord to list the property while you’re still living in it and minimize the time between your move-out date and a new tenant’s move-in date.
Good to know: What happens if you don’t give a move-out notice?
Failure to give move-out notice – or to give it within the required timeframe – usually leads to penalties. You may have to continue paying rent for the entire term of the rental agreement or your landlord may keep your full security deposit as an extra fee. (See also: How to get your security deposit back when moving out of rental property)
How far in advance should you notify your landlord of your move?
So, you’re obliged to give a move-out notice. But how much notice to give landlord when moving out?
The amount of notice required depends on the state law, the term of the lease, and the specific provisions of your rental agreement.
Generally, tenants must give a notice to vacate at least 30 days before the date when they intend to move out of the property. Some states, however, require more than a 30-day notice and some landlords demand to be notified 45, 60, or even 90 days before the move.
To find out the specific requirements that apply to you, you need to check your state’s landlord-tenant law and your lease agreement – there will be a section specifying how much notice is required before moving out and how your notice to your landlord must be delivered.
If you have a month-to-month lease, it will be usually enough to give a 30-day notice before your move – there shouldn’t be any issues or complications and you should be able to leave the property without a problem.
If you have a fixed-term lease and intend to vacate the property when the lease expires, you need to check the rental agreement to see how much advance notice is required – in general, the longer the lease term, the more notice you will have to give. Keep in mind that your lease won’t terminate automatically on the date specified in the contract – you need to give a notice to vacate in order to end the rental agreement.
If you have a fixed-term lease and want to move out before it expires, you’ll be breaking the lease and there will likely be financial repercussions, regardless of how much advance notice you give. Still, the earlier you tell your landlord of your plans to vacate the property, the better – there will be more time to look for a new renter and if a suitable new tenant is found before your planned move-out date, your landlord may agree to terminate your lease early without penalty.
Whatever the case, it is always advisable to give more than the minimum required notice – you don’t need to give your 30-day notice earlier than a month before your move, but doing so shows courtesy and makes things easier for your landlord, thus reducing the possibility of conflicts and facilitating the move-out process. If you’re giving your notice to vacate earlier than necessary, though, make sure your move-out date is clearly stated in order to avoid confusion.
How to write a moving out letter to your landlord?
Now that you know when you need to inform your landlord of your move, the next step is to find out how to write a notice to vacate correctly. A moving out letter to landlord is a legal document, so it needs to be formulated properly and to include all the necessary information:
- Your name and the full address of your rental unit;
- Your landlord’s name and address (or the name and address of the management company) – as printed on your lease;
- The date of the letter;
- A statement that you intend to vacate the property;
- The date when you intend to move out of the property;
- A statement that you’re submitting this letter 30 days out (or more), as per your lease agreement;
- A statement about the condition of the rental unit;
- A request that your security deposit is returned to you (ask to be informed if any part of your deposit will be deducted – how much, on what grounds, etc.);
- Your phone number and your new address;
- Your signature.
Keep your letter straightforward and polite. Once you have completed it, read it twice to check for mistakes and ensure you have followed the rules of your lease agreement. Be sure to make a copy for yourself before sending the letter.
How to deliver a notice to vacate
As already mentioned above, your lease may have a special clause that states the specific way your moving-out letter must be delivered to your landlord. You may be required to hand the notice in person or send it by certified mail. Or you may be able to simply email the letter.
If there is no delivery clause in your lease, you must consult the state laws. If there are no specific requirements in them either, it will be up to you to determine the best way to deliver your move out notice to your landlord.
Keep in mind that when giving a notice to vacate, it is crucial to have proof that your landlord received the notice:
- Your best option is to send your move-out letter by certified mail with delivery confirmation. If you’re sending the letter to an out-of-state address, be sure to allow an extra week or so for it to travel through the mail (if you need to give a 30-day notice to your landlord, send your moving out letter at least 40 days before the day when you intend to vacate the property);
- If you must (or prefer to) deliver your move-out notice in person, ask for a written confirmation of receipt (or take a dated photo);
- If you’re sending your letter by email, request a confirmation reply that it was received and read.
Knowing how to tell your landlord you’re moving out will help you end your lease properly and without trouble. If you follow the right steps, you will have one less thing to worry about when preparing for your upcoming move – and you will even be able to get a good referral in case you need it.
Must-read: Tenant move out checklist
