Notice to vacate letter
Find out when to give notice, and get the letter for your landlord
1Your move
The last day you'll live there.
2For the letter (optional)
Where your deposit should go.
Send it by
Nov 20
30 days' notice.
Your letter
November 5, 2026 [Landlord / Property Manager] [Landlord address] Re: Notice of intent to vacate - [property address] Dear [Landlord / Property Manager], This letter is my formal written notice that I will vacate the rental unit at [property address] on December 20, 2026. Please treat this as my written notice under my month-to-month tenancy. I will leave the unit clean and in good condition, normal wear and tear excepted, and will return all keys on or before the move-out date. I would appreciate the opportunity to do a walk-through inspection together before I leave. Please return my security deposit to the forwarding address I will provide, within the deadline set by state law, along with an itemized statement for any deductions. Please confirm receipt of this notice in writing. I am keeping a dated copy for my records. Sincerely, [Your name] [property address] [Your phone / email]
Send it in writing and keep a dated copy. Not legal advice.
Send it by
Nov 20
Educational information, not legal advice - figures are general and laws change. How we keep this accurate & where to verify → · Spot an error? Tell us →
You found the new place. The keys are Friday. You tell your landlord the good news.
You give 30 days, like everyone does. The lease says 60. It's on page 9.
So you pay a month of rent for an apartment you don't live in.
Moving is expensive enough without paying for two homes at once.
Know your date before you tell them. Then say it in writing.
Four things
- 1
Send the notice
In writing, dated, before your rent due date to be safe.
- 2
Document the place
Photos and video of every room, the day you leave.
- 3
Settle the last month
Leaving mid-month? Your last rent may be partial.
- 4
Get your deposit back
Give a forwarding address. Then know your state's deadline.
Good to know
How much notice do I need to give?+
Month to month, usually 30 days in writing, and 60 in a few states. On a lease, check the lease; many ask for 30 to 60 days.
Does it have to be in writing?+
Yes. A spoken heads-up is easy to dispute. Written notice starts the clock and protects your deposit.
What if I give too little notice?+
You can owe rent for the days you skipped. If you're already late, send it now; it usually limits what you owe.
When does the clock start?+
Usually when the landlord gets it. In many states it ends with a full rental period, so send it before rent is due.