- What Is a Notice to Vacate?
- Reasons for Sending a Notice to Vacate Letter
- How Much Notice Does a Tenant Have to Give?
- Am I Breaking My Lease by Giving a Notice to Vacate?
- How to Write a Notice to Vacate Letter
- What Comes After Writing a Notice to Vacate Letter?
- Notice to Vacate Letter Sample
- Ready to Send Your Notice?
- Frequently Asked Questions
What Is a Notice to Vacate?
A notice to vacate letter is a written document tenants use to inform their landlord that they’re leaving the rental property. Whether your lease is ending or you’re moving out early, sending this letter is a key step in wrapping up your lease responsibly.
With Legal Templates, you can create a compliant, easy-to-complete notice to vacate form that covers all the necessary legal details—no guesswork required.
If you’re a landlord or property manager looking to notify tenants of lease violations they must resolve or face eviction (made to vacate the property), send an eviction notice instead.
Reasons for Sending a Notice to Vacate Letter
You might send a tenant vacate notice if you are:
- moving out after your lease ends
- ending a month-to-month or periodic lease
- relocating for work, school, or military service
- experiencing financial hardship
- leaving due to unaddressed repair issues
- responding to illegal or broken lease terms
How Much Notice Does a Tenant Have to Give?
The amount of notice you need to give depends on your lease agreement and state laws. Most tenants are required to give either a 30-day or 60-day notice to vacate, depending on the rental type. To avoid penalties or confusion, it’s best to submit your move-out notice as soon as your plans are confirmed.
View the state-specific guidelines below for your required notice period:
| State | Tenants' Required Notice to Landlord: Month-to-Month Leases | Laws |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 30 days | AL Code § 35-9A-441 |
| Alaska | 30 days | AK Stat. § 34.03.290 |
| Arizona | 30 days | AZ Rev. Stat. § 33-1375 |
| Arkansas | 30 days | AR Code § 18-17-704 |
| California | 30 days | CA Civ. Code § 1946 |
Am I Breaking My Lease by Giving a Notice to Vacate?
If you’re moving out at the end of your lease and giving the right amount of notice, you’re not breaking the lease. But if you’re leaving early, you may face fees or penalties unless your state law or lease provides an exception—such as military relocation or serious landlord violations.
Make sure you check your lease terms to avoid potential penalties. In some states, penalties can include a requirement to pay out the rest of the lease if the landlord cannot find another tenant.
How to Write a Notice to Vacate Letter
To write a notice to vacate letter, include key information like your lease details, move-out date, and reason for leaving. Legal Templates’ notice to vacate letter builder walks you through every step, ensuring your rental property vacate letter is accurate and compliant with your lease and state laws.
1. Give Party Details
Include your name and current address, along with the landlord’s full name and address. If more than one tenant is listed on the lease, our notice to vacate template lets you add everyone—so your move-out notice represents all parties clearly.
2. Name the Original Lease
Reference your original lease by listing the lease start and end dates, the type of lease (fixed-term or periodic), and the property’s full address. Our template makes it easy to include these details and even gives you the option to attach a copy of the lease agreement.
3. List Your Forwarding Address
Sharing your new address helps your landlord return your security deposit or contact you after you’ve moved out. This step protects you in case of follow-up questions or unresolved issues.
4. Explain the Termination Reason
State why you’re ending the lease. If you’re leaving at the end of the term, a simple note will do. If you’re ending the lease early, briefly explain—especially if it involves legal protections like military relocation or uninhabitable conditions.
5. Provide Delivery Method & Proof of Service
While not always required, including how you delivered your notice—by email, certified mail, or in person—can help prove that you followed proper procedures. Our notice to vacate letter template includes space for this if you choose to add it.
What Comes After Writing a Notice to Vacate Letter?
After completing your notice to vacate, make sure you send it using the method outlined in your lease (mail, email, or hand delivery).
Next, complete these steps:
- Confirm whether your final rent will be prorated or full-month
- Clean and repair the unit (as outlined in your lease)
- Schedule a move-out inspection
- Return all keys
- Provide a forwarding address for your deposit
Notice to Vacate Letter Sample
Below is an example of a notice to vacate letter so you can learn its structure. When you’re ready, fill out your own using our notice to vacate letter template.
Ready to Send Your Notice?
Legal Templates makes it easy to create a professional notice to vacate letter that meets your needs and follows the terms of your lease. Just fill out our step-by-step template, download your completed document, and send it to your landlord with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I rescind a notice to vacate letter?
You generally can’t rescind a notice to vacate once it’s been delivered—unless your landlord agrees to void it. That decision is up to them, so make sure your plans are finalized before sending a move-out notice or using a notice to vacate template.
Is a notice to vacate letter an eviction notice?
No, a tenant’s notice to vacate is not the same as an eviction notice. A notice to vacate letter is voluntarily sent by the tenant, while an eviction notice is issued by the landlord to remove a tenant from the property.
Can my notice to vacate letter affect my security deposit?
Yes. If you break your lease early, your landlord may be able to deduct unpaid rent or damages from your security deposit. A proper rental property vacate letter helps document your intent and compliance with lease terms.
