A notice to vacate letter is a written notice a tenant gives to a landlord, indicating the intent to leave the rental property by a specified date. This date must be in accordance with the terms and conditions of your lease agreement and relevant local or state laws.
You should send a notice to vacate letter to your landlord. Hence, the property owner understands your plans to vacate the premises soon, which allows them to plan future tenancies accordingly.
Alternative Form
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.
What Is a Notice to Vacate?
A tenant notice to vacate letter is a legal document a tenant sends to a landlord to inform of a plan to move out of an apartment, condo, house, or another rental residence.
Tenants typically send this notice of their intent to vacate to property managers 30, 60, or 90 days before the intended move-out date, depending on the requirements of the lease and state laws.
Unlike an eviction notice, a tenant delivers it rather than a landlord. The notice of intent to vacate is also voluntary, unlike the mandated eviction that an eviction notice requires.
When to Use a Notice to Vacate Letter
It’s a good idea to write a notice to vacate letter in the following situations:
- Your lease automatically renews, and you don’t wish to renew. For example, Kevin has been renting a house on a month-to-month lease. He recently found a new job in a different state. He sends a 30-day notice to vacate letter before the end of the current month to give his landlord adequate notice. This way, he won’t have to pay for a place he’s not living in.
- Your lease is ending, and you don’t wish to renew. For example, Spencer has been living in his current apartment for nine months, knowing that his year-long lease will expire at the end of 12 months. To give his landlord plenty of notice that he won’t be renewing, he sends a 90-day notice to vacate letter to his landlord.
- You’ve had a contentious relationship with your landlord. For example, Anya has had several instances where her landlord didn’t address maintenance issues. She wishes to move out when her lease ends. She sends a formal 60-day notice to vacate, keeping copies and proof of delivery in her records in case the landlord tries to claim she didn’t give them proper notice.
If you need to break your lease early, you can use a notice to vacate letter to inform your landlord. Be aware that additional fees may apply. You may also not get your security deposit back (check your state’s rental laws).
How to Provide Move-Out Notice
Legally protect yourself by providing proper move-out notice:
Step 1 – Review Your Lease’s Terms
Review your original lease agreement to ensure you comply with its terms as you prepare to provide a move-out notice. You can also check your state’s laws regarding how much notice you must give.
Step 2 – Write and Send Your Letter
Write and send your letter to your landlord. Obtain receipt of delivery to ensure they got your notice on time. Once your landlord knows your intent to move, you can proceed with the final step.
Step 3 – Complete Move-Out Procedures
Complete other move-out tasks to ensure you get your security deposit back and avoid legal trouble, including:
- Paying final utility bills
- Returning your keys
- Performing necessary repairs
- Cleaning your space
How Much Notice Does a Tenant Have to Give?
Many state laws require tenants to deliver proper notice when vacating a property after a month-to-month lease. 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 |
How to Write a Notice to Vacate Letter
Before filling out a notice to vacate letter, write your state at the top of your form. Additionally, date the document with the month, day, and year you fill out the form.
Step 1 – Provide a Delivery Method
1. Delivery Method
Choose the method of delivery of this notice to the landlord, including:
- Personal delivery
- Substituted delivery
- Posted delivery
- First-class mail
- Registered mail
- Certified mail
Consider using a proof of service as evidence of the date and delivery method for your notice to vacate letter to the landlord. An affidavit of service will verify when and how the notice arrived in your landlord’s possession.
Step 2 – Fill in the Landlord’s Details
2. Landlord Name. Write the full name of the landlord, who is the party who owns the property you’re renting or leasing.
3. Landlord Address. Enter the landlord’s current mailing address.
Step 3 – Identify the Lease Agreement’s Details
4. Lease Agreement Title. Provide the full name/title of the original lease or rental agreement you entered with the landlord.
5. Lease Agreement Date. Fill in the date you entered into the original lease or rental agreement.
6. Property Address. Write the street (physical) address of the property you’re leasing or renting. Include any unit or apartment number, if applicable.
Step 4 – Enter Vacate Details
7. Vacate Date. Enter the date you plan to vacate or leave the property, and indicate whether that date is before or at the end of the lease term.
8. Vacate Reason. You can provide the reason for terminating the lease or rental agreement. Providing a basis is helpful if you want to terminate the lease before the end of the lease term.
Step 5 – Fill Out Security Deposit and Notices Information
9. Where to Forward Security Deposit. Provide the full name and address where the landlord should forward any security deposit and notices.
Notice to Vacate Letter Sample
Download a notice to vacate letter template as a PDF or Word file below:
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a notice to vacate letter be handwritten?
You can write the letter by hand, but typing or printing it looks more professional.
Is a notice to vacate the same as an eviction?
No. A notice to vacate is an announcement that a tenant will leave the property. Eviction is a legal process in which the landlord involuntarily removes the tenant.
Can my notice letter affect my security deposit?
Yes, it can. Your landlord may withhold part or all of your security deposit if your notice to vacate letter violates the terms of your current lease.
Can I change my mind and take back my notice to vacate?
You might be able to take back your notice to vacate letter depending on several factors. Review your lease agreement to learn if it has guidelines regarding notices to vacate. You can also contact your landlord and acquire their permission to take back your move-out notice.
What happens if I don’t send a notice to vacate letter?
You don’t need to write a notice to vacate unless your lease requires one.
However, it’s always a good idea to write this notice, as it ensures you and your landlord are on the same page about your plans. Ensure you follow all the guidelines in your lease agreement and document each part of the process.
Can I state my complaints about building management in the notice to vacate the property?
No, you shouldn’t include any complaints about the building management in a notice to vacate letter since it’s a formal document that records your intent to leave the property.
You can contact your landlord or building manager about your concerns if necessary.