Notice to Vacate Letter Template

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

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:

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.

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.

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

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.

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.