All things must come to an end, and rental agreements are no exception. Whether you’re moving across the country, buying your first home, or simply looking for more space, you’ll need to follow a few steps before your lease ends. And sending your landlord a notice to vacate letter is one of those steps.
Outlined below are all the key details you need to know about submitting a written notice to vacate, including why it’s important and what it should include. From protecting your security deposit to keeping a good relationship with your landlord, we’ve got tips and tricks to keep your move-out easy. Plus, we’ve provided a simple template to make it even easier for you to check this off your to-do list.
What is a notice to vacate letter?
A notice to vacate letter (aka lease termination letter) is a formal letter a tenant writes to their landlord or property manager to end their lease agreement. It’s an important legal document that protects the tenant and serves as proof that they sent their notice within the required time frame. It also gives the landlord ample notice and enough time to find a new tenant or make other plans for their rental property.
The tenant should include their contact information, intent to end the lease, and the date they wish to vacate. In most cases, a landlord or property managers require a notice to vacate letter from their departing tenants. But even when not needed, it’s a good idea to send one anyway.
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Is a notice to vacate the same as an eviction?
Confusingly, an eviction notice is sometimes called a “notice to vacate.” But generally, a notice to vacate letter is sent from a tenant to a landlord, whereas a landlord can send an eviction notice to a tenant if they violate the terms of the lease agreement.
Do you need to give a 60 or 30-day notice to vacate?
“Most landlords require some form of notice before you move out, often in writing. These days, most landlords accept notice by email, but always check your lease. If you do email, be sure to get a written confirmation from your landlord so you have proof.
The required notice period depends on your lease and local laws. Thirty days is common for long-term leases, though some landlords require 60. In certain cities, the timeline is shorter—Seattle, WA, requires only 14 days, and Raleigh, NC, just 7. Check both your lease and local regulations to make sure you follow the correct process.”
Notice to vacate letter template (tenant to landlord)
You can use the template below as a guideline when writing your formal notice to vacate. Keep in mind that the “reason for leaving” section is optional. If your reason for leaving has nothing to do with your landlord, it’s nice for them to know. For example, if you currently live in an apartment in Seattle, WA, and are moving out-of-state, you can consider saying, “I’m not renewing my lease, because I’m moving to Boston, MA, for my new job.”
If there was an issue with the apartment, this isn’t the best place to bring it up for the first time. You can include information about an ongoing problem if you want to, but it’s not required.
Below is a sample letter template for a 30 or 60 notice to vacate:
Subject: Notice to Vacate – [Your Apartment Address]
Dear [Landlord/Property Manager’s Name],
I’m writing to provide [number of days] notice that I will be moving out of [Rental Property Address, Apt #] on [Move-Out Date].
(Optional) I am not renewing my lease because [reason for leaving].
Please contact me at [phone/email] to arrange the final inspection. I request that my security deposit of $[amount] be sent to the following address:
[Forwarding Address]
If deductions are necessary under our lease agreement, please provide an itemized list.
Thank you,
[Your Full Name]
[Phone Number] | [Email Address]
How to send your written notice to vacate letter
Email is the most convenient way to send your notice to vacate letter, but you can also fill in a professional lease terminaton notice form or hand over a physical copy or mail it to their preferred address. If you want to be extra diligent when handing in your letter, you can ask your landlord to sign a receipt of notice. It’s a great idea to send a follow-up email to your landlord a week or two after sending your lease termination letter, especially if you haven’t heard from them regarding the inspection.
6 tips to consider when writing your intent to vacate letter
1. Read your lease agreement again
There’s likely a paragraph or two about the proper way to notify your landlord about moving out. Sometimes an email is acceptable, or your landlord has a preferred template. You’ll also want to note your security deposit amount and any special terms in the agreement.
2. Include the date
Whether you use this template or a template provided by your landlord, the date is very important. That’s what proves you met the requirements for adequate notice — the 30 or 60 days required by your lease.
3. Be kind and straightforward
Consider your letter a professional courtesy and a future investment. If you continue to rent, you may need a landlord recommendation or two in the future. This is an opportunity to continue to stand out as an excellent renter.
4. Make your new address and contact information prominent
You want to make things as easy as possible for your landlord to return your security deposit. Be sure to make your new address legible and prominent for your landlord in your letter.
5. Make scheduling the walkthrough easy
If there’s an issue with the condition of your apartment, your landlord or property manager will point it out during the final move-out walkthrough. And you want to be present to make sure you know what your landlord is noting.
6. Know the rules for breaking your lease early
If you’re breaking your lease, you’ll likely have to pay an additional fee. Sometimes you have the right to terminate early, like for medical reasons or military deployment. Follow the rules, document everything, and work with your local tenant’s rights office for guidance.
What if I change my mind about moving?
If you change your mind, you can reach back out to your landlord or property manager to see if you can still renew your lease. Just know that you don’t have the right to renew your lease after you’ve sent your letter (unless local laws allow it).
But that’s no reason not to ask your landlord or property manager if your current apartment is still available to rent again. Most of the time, it’s easier and cheaper to keep a renter in place rather than find a new one. And many landlords are happy to keep a good tenant around.
What are the next steps after sending the notice to your landlord?
After sending a proper notice to vacate to your landlord and establishing your move-out date, here are the next major steps:
- Anticipate the unit being shown to prospective tenants
- Schedule your move-out inspection
- Move into your next place
- Receive your security deposit back
How much notice do you need to give for a short-term lease?
A short-term lease, sometimes called a tenancy-at-will agreement, follows similar rules. Generally, tenants should provide notice of at least one billable period before they wish to vacate. So in a month-to-month lease, you would need to provide one month’s or 30 days’ notice. In a week-to-week lease, seven days notice is usually enough.
