What Is a Notice to Vacate Letter?
A notice to vacate letter informs one party in a lease of the other’s intent to end the agreement. Either the landlord or the tenant can send a notice to vacate letter to the other. This form serves as the required advance notice for a compliant and effective termination of the lease.
Legal Templates’s free notice to vacate letter template includes the necessary formatting and information. Use our free form to notify the affected parties when you plan to vacate a rental property.
Required Notice to Vacate Period by State
The amount of notice required depends on your lease agreement and state laws. Most tenants are required to provide either a 30-day or 60-day notice to vacate, depending on the type of rental agreement they have. To avoid penalties or confusion, it’s best to submit your move-out notice as soon as your plans are confirmed. Refer to the table below for state-specific notice period regulations.
| 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
Writing a notice to vacate letter requires understanding the terms of the original agreement and the termination procedures outlined in the contract or state laws. Use the steps below to draft a clear and adequate notice to vacate letter for a landlord or tenant.
1. Record Landlord and Tenant Information
Begin by identifying each party affected by the notice, such as the landlord and tenant. Include each person’s full name and contact information as they appear on the original lease. Ensure you distinguish between the landlord and the tenant, and include all tenants who are listed on the current agreement.
2. Identify the Original Agreement
The notice to vacate needs to clearly reference the original lease agreement being terminated. Refer to the rental property address, the type of agreement, and the start and end dates of the lease.
3. Add the Tenant’s Forwarding Address
Record the tenant’s forwarding address to send the security deposit return letter or other necessary documents. Any returns, claims, or follow-up paperwork will be sent to the forwarding address to ensure the tenant receives them.
4. Include the Reason for Vacating
If applicable, provide a brief description of your reason for vacating. This can be especially helpful if you want to pursue an early lease termination or break the lease. Common reasons include the lease ending, the tenant relocating for work, military relocation, or uninhabitable conditions. Providing a reason can help determine the necessary procedures, timelines, or fees. It may also serve as evidence in the event of a dispute.
5. Date and Deliver the Letter
Sign and complete your notice to vacate letter by including the date on which you wrote it and the desired lease termination date. Then deliver it to the intended recipient. Note whether the letter will be delivered via personal, substituted, or posted delivery or via first class, registered, or certified mail. Also note whether to include proof of delivery and receipt.
Landlords may consider using an eviction notice to remove tenants due to a breach of lease terms.
Sample Notice to Vacate Letter
Legal Templates’s free notice to vacate letter displays the proper content, structure, and considerations you need to communicate the end of your lease. Use our template, available in both PDF and Word formats, to notify the affected party of your intention to vacate.
