How to Write a 30-Day Notice to Your Landlord: Essential Tips, Common Mistakes, and Customizable Templates

If you’re getting ready to move out of your current apartment, you want to make sure you provide your landlord with adequate notice before vacating. Just as a landlord must supply an eviction notice before evicting a tenant, a tenant must provide their landlord with their intent to leave. In many instances, you can provide your landlord with a 30-day notice to vacate.

We’re going to cover all you need to know about providing a 30-day notice, as well as offer a customizable template.

What Is a 30-day Notice Letter?

A 30-day notice letter is a letter – or email – that serves as formal written notice to your landlord that you intend to vacate your home. Most leases require 30 days’ notice. Check your lease to make sure that you aren’t required to give more notice. Some lease agreements require 60 or even 90 days’ notice when a tenant intends to vacate.

Even though we are well into the Internet age, some processes still rely on paper documents. If you signed a physical lease instead of submitting an eDoc, you likely need to notify your landlord when you are ready to move on.

Why Is It Important To Write a 30-day Notice Letter?

You may be questioning whether you really need to write a letter. Can’t you just SMS or phone your landlord? Unfortunately, the answer is no. This letter will safeguard you in the unusual occasion that your landlord tries to screw with you. If you fail to provide your landlord 30 days’ notice, he or she may be able to demand more rent. They may easily delete the text you sent or “forget” that you called to notify them.

Landlords can even keep your security deposit if you fail to write a 30-day notice letter. The reason for writing the letter is twofold. Yes, you want to politely inform your landlord you are leaving. But this letter also serves as proof that you gave your landlord notice.

Here are a few reasons why you must write a 30-day notice letter before vacating the property.

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1. It protects your reputation

Politeness is essential in a civil society. This is especially true when you consider who you and your landlord may have in common. If you fail to give notice, your landlord may complain about you. In the best-case situation, they vent to a friend or spouse.

Writing a 30-day notice letter to your landlord safeguards your reputation and prepares the groundwork for future apartment rentals. After all, landlords network with one another!

A 30-day notice letter not only protects your reputation but also helps you watch your back. In the unusual event that your landlord attempts to sue you or reclaim your security deposit, the letter will protect you.

When sending the notice, using registered mail, in which the recipient signs for the letter, is much more effective protection.

If you’re sending your 30-day notice letter, include a Cc to a friend or family member to add a third party to the discussion. (But don’t Cc your lawyer just yet!) Your landlord may regard such a move as hostile.)

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How Much Notice Do I Need To Provide Before Moving Out?

Landlords often want 30 or 60 days’ notice, however alternative periods are available.

When it is time to move out of your residence, you must give adequate notice. If you do not comply, you may be held accountable for future rent payments.

Refer to your lease agreement to find out how much notice you must provide your landlord before vacating.

For set-term leases of 6 months or a year, your lease may contain a section regarding early termination. Some landlords allow you to end your lease early, as long as you provide proper notice. Other landlords may require you to provide notice and pay a fee if you wish to move out before your lease is up. 

When in doubt, talk to your landlord about your situation as soon as you can. The more time you give your landlord to find a new tenant, the more likely they will allow you out of the lease.

How To Write A 30-day Notice To Landlord

Writing a 30-day notice to vacate is relatively simple. Follow these steps to ensure your notice is clear, concise, and includes all the necessary information:

  • Sign the letter and provide your current contact information.
  • Begin with the date at the top of the letter.
  • Address the letter to your landlord or property manager, using their name and official title (if applicable).
  • State your intention to vacate the rental unit, clearly mentioning the address of the property.
  • Specify the date you intend to move out, ensuring it is at least 30 days from the date of the letter.
  • If applicable, mention your reason for moving out (e.g., job relocation, buying a home).
  • Request the return of your security deposit, providing instructions on how and where to send it.
  • Thank your landlord for the opportunity to rent the property.

Since this is a legal document, you want to make sure your 30-day notice to your landlord has all the right information. Focus on the specifics of your move with special attention to the dates.

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What To Mention In Your Notice?

Here are a few things you must include in your 30-day notice to landlord letter.

• Your name
• Your rental unit address
• The date your lease ends
• The date you will move out
• Your phone number
• Your email address

What You Should Not Mention in Your 30-Day Notice

As previously stated, not all 30-day notice letters are the same. You must provide all of the information listed above. However, several issues are unclear. Your landlord does not need to know every detail of your relocation.

Your 30-day notice letter to your landlord should be concise and to the point.

Depending on your situation, you may wish to include the following details in your letter.

• How utilities will be handled
• Your new address, for the return of your security deposit
• Your reason for moving out
• Damages you caused to the apartment
• Whether you want to request a walkthrough inspection from the landlord

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How Should I Tender My Notice To My Landlord?

Some leases contain information regarding how you should send this notice.

If your lease does not stipulate how you should deliver the notice to your landlord, send both an electronic and paper copy. You may hand your landlord the physical copy or send it to them in the mail.

No matter how you send your notice, ensure you keep a copy for your records.

What Happens if You Don’t Provide Enough Notice to Your Landlord?

Failing to provide sufficient notice to your landlord can lead to several consequences:

  • You may be obligated to pay rent even after moving out until the mandatory notice time expires.
  • Your landlord may remove money from your security deposit to cover rent for the remainder of the notice period.
  • In rare situations, your landlord may pursue legal action against you for breaching the lease agreement.

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Template: 30-Day Notice to Vacate 

If you need to provide a 30-day notice to your landlord, follow this template. All you need to do is customize it with your personal information.

[Today’s date]
[Your Name]
[Your Address]

Dear [your landlord or property manager’s name],

I am writing to inform you I will be vacating my rental unit on [date you intend to vacate]. This letter meets the 30-day notice requirement outlined in my lease agreement.

I will return my keys to [property manager’s office or other address] on [date you intend to vacate]. 

Please send my security deposit within [x days listed in the lease] to [your new address].

If you have any questions please contact me at [your phone number] or [your email address].

Thank you.

Sincerely, 

[Your name]
[Your signature]

FAQs On How to Write a 30-Day Notice to Your Landlord

Do I have to pay full rent for the month I move out?

This depends on your lease terms as well as state and local laws. Some landlords will offer prorated rent, which means they will calculate your rent based on the number of days you’ll be residing in your unit. To see if prorated rent may be an option, check your lease agreement and talk to your landlord.

How Should I Tender My Notice To My Landlord?

If your lease does not stipulate how you should deliver the notice to your landlord, send both an electronic and paper copy. You may hand your landlord the physical copy or send it to them in the mail.

How Much Notice Do I Need To Provide Before Moving Out?

Landlords often want 30 or 60 days’ notice, however alternative periods are available.

Conclusion

A 30-day notice to your landlord is an important step in terminating your tenancy on good terms and safeguarding your rights. You may confidently handle the procedure if you understand the criteria, write a clear and effective notification letter, and are aware of your tenant rights.

References

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