You found a new place. It’s closer to work, it has a dishwasher, and the lease starts on the first of next month. Now you have to tell your current landlord, and you want to do it right, because the last thing you need is a surprise month of rent or a fight over your deposit.
A short, clear notice to vacate letter handles that. It tells your landlord the date you’re leaving, gives your forwarding address, and starts the move-out process on the right foot. Here’s how much notice you usually need, what to include, and three templates.
Quick note: This guide is general information, not legal advice. Notice rules come from your lease and your state or city law. Read your lease first.
How Much Notice Do You Need to Give?
Start with your lease. It usually says how much notice is required and how to deliver it. Then check your state’s rules.
- Month-to-month leases: 30 days’ written notice is the most common requirement. Some places require more, and some require notice to line up with the rental period (for example, notice given by the 1st to move out by the end of the following month).
- Fixed-term leases ending: some leases renew automatically or switch to month-to-month unless you give notice, often 30 to 60 days before the end date.
- Breaking a lease early: you may owe rent until the unit is re-rented or the lease ends. In many states, landlords have a duty to make reasonable efforts to re-rent. Some leases include an early termination fee instead.
Some laws also let tenants end a lease early in special situations, such as active-duty military orders under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act. Check what applies to you.
What to Include in a Notice to Vacate Letter
- Your name and the rental address.
- The date you’re giving notice.
- Your move-out date.
- Your forwarding address for the deposit.
- A request for a move-out inspection, if your state allows one (some, like California, give tenants this right).
- How to reach you to schedule showings or the inspection.
A Worked Example
Sam rents month-to-month and pays on the 1st. His lease requires 30 days’ written notice. His new lease starts December 1. On October 30, he emails and mails a notice to vacate letter (Template 1), giving November 30 as his move-out date, which gives the landlord a full month. He includes his new address and asks for a walk-through on November 28. When the deposit arrives three weeks after he leaves, there’s no question about where to send it.
Template 1: Month-to-Month Notice
[Your Full Name]
[Rental Address, Unit #]
[Phone] | [Email][Date]
[Landlord or Property Manager Name]
[Address]Re: Notice to vacate, [Rental Address, Unit #]
Dear [Name],
This letter is my [30]-day written notice that I will be moving out of [rental address]. My last day in the unit will be [date].
Please send my security deposit, and any itemized deductions, to my forwarding address:
[New Address]I would like to schedule a move-out inspection on or around [date]. I’m also happy to coordinate showings with reasonable notice.
Thank you for being my landlord. Please contact me at [phone] or [email] with any questions.
Sincerely,
[Name]
Template 2: Not Renewing a Fixed-Term Lease
Re: Notice of non-renewal, [Rental Address, Unit #]
Dear [Name],
My lease for [rental address] ends on [date]. This letter is my written notice that I will not be renewing, and I will move out on or before [date].
My forwarding address for the security deposit is:
[New Address]Please let me know a convenient time for a move-out inspection and how you would like me to return the keys.
Sincerely,
[Name]
Template 3: Breaking the Lease Early
Re: Request for early lease termination, [Rental Address, Unit #]
Dear [Name],
I am writing to let you know that I need to move out of [rental address] before my lease ends on [date], because [brief reason, e.g., I have accepted a job in another state]. I plan to move out on [date].
[If your lease has an early termination clause: Under section [X] of the lease, I understand I may end the lease early by giving [X] days’ notice and paying [fee]. Please confirm the amount.]
[If not: I’d like to work with you to minimize any cost to you. I’m happy to help find a qualified replacement tenant, keep the unit clean and ready for showings, and pay rent through my move-out date.]
My forwarding address is [address]. Please let me know how you’d like to proceed.
Sincerely,
[Name]
Before You Hand Over the Keys
- Take photos and video of every room after cleaning.
- Return all keys and get a written receipt.
- Cancel or transfer utilities in your name.
- Update your address with USPS mail forwarding.
- Keep a copy of your notice and proof of when it was delivered.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I give notice by email or text?
Only if your lease or local law allows it. Many leases require notice in writing, delivered in a specific way. Sending both a mailed letter and an email is the safe route.
What if I give less notice than required?
You may owe rent for the rest of the notice period. Talk to your landlord. Some will agree to a shorter notice if the unit re-rents quickly.
Do I have to let the landlord show the apartment?
Usually yes, with proper advance notice, which is often 24 hours depending on your state.
Related Guides
Official Resources
Last reviewed: November 5, 2026 by the PerfectWordNow Editorial Team.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and is not legal advice. Check your lease and local law before giving notice.