How Much Notice to Move Out? Things to Consider When Moving Out

Have you found a much better apartment to call your home? Or perhaps you’re changing cities, and it’s time to move on from your current place.

While you might find it exciting going to a new space, your current landlord expects one of two things from you as your rental term comes to an end: move out or sign a new lease.

Since moving out is your agenda, there are certain requirements expected of you — legally — before leaving. One of which is an early notice!

How much notice to move out do you need to give your landlord? How do you draft such a notice? What are some mistakes you should avoid to prevent legal implications?

Let’s get you some answers!

A Notice to Vacate: What is it?

A Notice to Vacate, a Lease Termination Letter, Termination of Tenancy, a Letter of Intent to Vacate — it’s all the same.

It all simply refers to a formal written letter from you (the tenant) to your landlord about your plans to move out of the rental property.

The documented notice shows the specified timeframe for your intent to vacate the property, which is usually in line with the lease agreement. Think of the letter as an official record of the initiation of you ending your tenancy — at least, from your landlord’s perspective.

Note:
A notice to vacate isn’t just a courtesy letter; it’s a legal requirement and should be treated as such. Providing one shows your commitment to the lease agreement signed when moving into the property.

When should you write one?

Once you’re certain about your relocation plans, your best bet is to let your landlord know at least 30 days before your move-out day — the standard time.

Do you have to give 30 days notice to move out? Well, yes and no. It depends on the lease term agreement you signed; this could either be less than 30 days or over.

Also, the precise location (city and state) of the residence might affect the timeframe you’re expected to serve such a notice.

For instance, Georgia follows the standard 30-day notice before the move-out date. Colorado, on the other hand, follows a 21-day rule for notices.

Note:
Month-to-month or yearly leasing agreements tend to have different notice to vacate policies. Ranging from 15 days for a monthly lease to 90 days (3 months) for yearly term agreements.

What’s included in the notice?

Knowing how much notice to move out you should give your landlord is not enough, having the right information put in the letter, is also of importance.

Of course, your landlord can’t exactly deny your request to vacate — unless there’s a breach of contract — but it’s best to include all important info before handing it over.

A good notice letter should contain:

• Submission date
• Your name
• Current address (and unit number)
• Your reason for moving out
• New address
• Your contact information
• Signature

Writing the Notice Letter: Things to Consider

Knowing how to tell landlord you’re moving out and drafting the letter is important, if you intend to leave in good spirits.

Here’s a guide on how to go about writing your notice to vacate:

Step #1: Read your rental agreement

Remember when you had to read through your rental agreement before you paid and signed? You will have to do the reading part again.

The truth is you have to go back to the agreement and understand every detail surrounding your move out. Details like how much notice to move out, who to provide the notice to, and how to do it.

If you signed a fixed-term agreement for a year and intend to move out a month or more to the end of the term, you might have to pay a penalty — specifically if your landlord cannot rent out the apartment to recoup the loss.

Note:
Should you consider moving out before the end of term, you can find a suitable replacement for the apartment to avoid paying off the extra months — besides, the landlord is only after the paycheck.

Step #2: Intent to paper: Drafting the write-up

Whether you have had physical talks with your landlord or perhaps the property manager about your intentions to move out, put them into writing.

Drafting a write-up of your Intent to vacate is necessary for legal documentation and to resolve any future disputes that may arise.

A sample of what a notice to vacate letter should look like:

[Today’s Date]

[Landlord/Property Manager/Rental Company Name]

[Address — City, State, ZIP]

Dear/Hello [Landlord/Property Manager/Rental Company Name],

This letter serves as my written [number of notice period per signed lease agreement]-day notice that I will vacate and terminate my lease at [rental address, including apartment unit number].

My move-out date is [exact day you intend to move]. Please let me know when you can schedule a walk-through inspection of the property close to that date.

I am leaving the apartment for [your personal reason] (be courteous even when your reason for moving out is due to an unresolvable dispute).

My forwarding address for returning the security deposit is [your new address—City, State, ZIP]. If you have any questions, you can reach me at [your phone number] or email [your email address].

Sincerely,

[Your Full Name]

[Your Signature]

Step #3: Delivery method

Once you’re done drafting the letter to landlord moving out, you want to ensure you deliver it on the date you marked as [Today’s Date].

The most common delivery methods include:

• In-person delivery:

It’s often the most direct approach. Simply hand it over to the landlord or authority for the property.

• Certified mail:

Using this approach puts a timestamp on the mail’s delivery, and it’s a preferred approach in case of disputes. Remember to request a return receipt. 

• Email:

If your tenancy agreement allows, you can send your notice directly to the landlord’s email address. However, it’s best to always have a hard copy and get a confirmation of receipt.

Note:
Whichever delivery method you opt for, ensure you keep a signed copy from your landlord for yourself — it’s important!

Failing to Give A Notice to Vacate: The Consequences

Can you vacate your current apartment without giving any notice to your landlord? Well, technically, yes.

But — of course, there’s a but — you risk facing legal and financial implications.

While there are instances when failing to give a notice could be waived, your landlord has just equal rights to take legal actions against you for a breach of agreement.

Some major consequences for moving out without notice can include:

• Withhold of your security deposit.
• Penalty fee for early termination of contract, as per the lease agreement.
• You may have to renew the lease for another term.
• An eviction or breach of contract could go on your record, making it difficult to find tenancy in the future.

Instances When A Notice to Vacate Might Be Unnecessary

While it’s mostly a requirement to give a notice, there are certain moments when you could go scot-free from any consequences.

Examples of such instances include:

• Early termination clause:

Some landlords can allow you to terminate your tenancy agreement if you’re unable to fund the place. Usually, it could be a clause added to the initial agreement.

• Uninhabitable conditions or landlord negligence:

Perhaps you have made complaints about maintenance issues or safety concerns (with proof), you could terminate your tenancy if the landlord neglects to attend to these problems.

• Military service and the SCRA:

Active military members are protected by the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act should an unexpected deployment or relocation order be issued on short notice.

Key Takeaway — How Much Notice to Move Out?

While you can move out of your apartment without notice as a tenant or lessee, it’s only right and expected of you to drop a notice to vacate letter with your landlord.

The precise answer to “How much notice to move out?” depends solely on the lease agreement signed and state laws.

However, based on standard operations and expert opinions, it’s best to always give at least a 30-day window between submitting your notice and moving out.