How Much Notice Do I Need to Give Before Moving Out?

Most renters must give at least 30 days’ written notice before moving out, though your lease or state law may require 60 or even 90 days.

Whether you’re relocating for a new job, moving to a bigger apartment, or simply changing neighborhoods for a shorter commute or better schools, giving proper notice is one of the most important steps in the move-out process.

Here, we break down notice rules, state requirements, and lease fine print so you can move out smoothly and protect your security deposit.

Not sure when you can commit to your next place? Here’s what to know about rental notice periods, plus tips to avoid last-minute headaches with your landlord—and a handy notice-to-vacate letter template to make the process easier.

How Much Notice Do I Need to Give Before Moving Out?

The standard is 30 days' notice, but your lease or state law might require 60 or even 90 days. Always check your lease first, as some landlords now include automatic renewal clauses or longer notice periods, especially in competitive rental markets.

What Are the Different Rental Notice Periods?

Your required notice period should be outlined in your lease agreement. If your lease doesn't clearly outline a timeline for your notice-to-vacate letter, you should contact your landlord for clarification.

Common timelines include:

What Is a Longer Notice Period Clause?

In popular rental markets like New York, San Francisco, and Austin, some landlords have 60- to 90-day notice periods for fixed-term leases, which can surprise renters who are used to a standard 30-day notice period. Always confirm your building’s policy before signing the lease.

What Is an Automatic Lease Renewal Clause?

Some leases have an automatic lease renewal clause that requires a tenant to give written notice by a set date—sometimes as early as 60 or 90 days—before the tenancy term ends. If you miss this window, you might be locked into the specified term or face penalty fees for breaking it early.

How Much Notice Do You Need to Give in Each State?

While a 30-day notice period is common, there are some exceptions, such as Washington, which requires 20 days, and North Carolina, which requires only seven days' notice. Here’s a quick look at how notice periods vary in states.

What Is a Notice-to-Vacate Letter?

A notice to vacate is a written statement given by a tenant to a landlord stating the intent to move out when the lease ends. A notice to vacate can be given for any lease length, from month-to-month leases to traditional one-year leases.

How to Write a Notice-to-Vacate Letter

When you’re ready to give notice, keep it clear and formal. Your letter should include:

• Your current address.
• Your landlord’s name and address.
• The required notice period and intended move-out date.
• A forwarding address for your deposit.
• Your contact information.

Note: If you do not have a forwarding address when your notice to vacate is due, be sure to send an email or certified letter informing your landlord, and then provide your forwarding address as soon as you have one (again, by email or certified mail).

What Are Some Tips for Writing a Notice-to-Vacate Letter?

Here are some tips to write a notice-to-vacate letter that helps end things seamlessly with your current landlord.

• Keep it simple: Write clearly and provide only the details your landlord needs.
• Refer to your lease: Include the exact terms for moving out, and state whether you’re breaking the lease.
• Add contact and forwarding information: List your new address and contact information so your security deposit can be returned.
• Include the date: Make sure your notice is delivered within the required time frame in your lease.
• Be polite and professional: A respectful tone helps maintain a good relationship with your landlord, who may serve as a reference for future apartment applications.

When it’s time to go, go out on a high note. A thoughtful notice can help you leave on good terms and move on without stress.

Notice-to-Vacate Letter Template

[Your phone number]

[Your current address]

[City, state, ZIP code]

[Landlord's name or property management company’s name]

[Landlord's/property management company’s address as stated on your lease]

[City, state, ZIP code]

Re: Notice of Intent to Vacate

Dear [Landlord's name/property manager's name/apartment manager's name],

As per my rental agreement, I am providing this letter as a [#]-day notice that I will be moving out of my rental unit on [date], ending my lease that began on [date]. This letter shall serve as my written notice of intent to vacate the premises.

[In case you are breaking the lease because there are issues with the apartment, state them here.] Please contact me at [phone number] to schedule a walk-through inspection. I expect my security deposit of [$] to be refunded in full as my apartment is being left in good condition. Please send my deposit to my forwarding address: [new address].

If any other issues or questions arise after I move, I can be reached at [phone number] or [email].

Sincerely,

[Your name]

Download the notice-to-vacate template here.

What Is the Best Way to Send a Notice-to-Vacate Letter?

A notice to vacate is usually a requirement of your lease, so you should always submit your notice as a letter and in an easily traceable form.

1. Email: Fast, traceable, and easy to store.
2. Certified mail: Provides proof of delivery.
3. In-person delivery: Hand over your letter and get a signed receipt.

What Happens After You Send a Notice-to-Vacate Letter?

Once you send your notice, your landlord should confirm they’ve received it, either in writing, by email, or in person. If they don’t, keep proof of delivery, such as a sent email or certified mail receipt, to avoid disputes. After you move out, your landlord must return your security deposit within the time frame set by your state (usually 14 to 60 days), minus any allowable deductions.

What Happens if I Don’t Give Proper Notice?

If you don’t give proper notice in accordance with your lease, you could face various consequences, depending on the stipulations of your lease.

• You may owe another month’s rent (for month-to-month leases).
• Your security deposit could be withheld.
• Your rental history might be harmed, affecting future applications.

What If My Landlord Gave Me a Notice-to-Vacate Form?

If your landlord gave you a form to fill out, you can submit that in lieu of a notice-to-vacate letter. This is often easier for both parties because it enumerates all the necessary information, such as the date and your forwarding address. As with a notice-to-vacate letter, be sure to keep a record of your submission. Required notice periods for landlords also vary by state and lease type.

What Is a Notice to Vacate from a Landlord?

A notice to vacate from a landlord is a written lease termination letter informing a tenant they must move out by a specific date. Landlords typically issue this notice in three situations:

• Before a lease ends, if they do not plan to renew it.
• To end a month-to-month (periodic) tenancy.
• To remove a holdover tenant who remains in the unit after the lease has expired.

How Much Notice Must a Landlord Give a Tenant?

The required notice period depends on state law, the lease type, and the reason for ending the tenancy.

• 30-day notice: Standard in most states for ending a month-to-month or fixed-term lease.
• 60-day notice: Required in states like Georgia and Maryland. It is also required in California if the tenant has lived in the unit for at least one year.
• 90-day notice: Required in California for tenants in subsidized housing; must include a valid reason.
• Three-day notice: Used for lease violations such as unpaid rent or unauthorized pets.

Ready to Move?

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Frequently Asked Questions About Notice to Vacate Letters and Rules

Is a notice to vacate the same as an eviction?

Not always. A notice to vacate is simply a written request for you to move out by a certain date. Evictions are typically issued for serious issues such as unpaid rent, illegal activity, or other significant lease violations.

Can I use a notice to vacate to end my lease early?

No, a notice to vacate is not the same as breaking a lease. It only applies when you’re ending your tenancy at the contractual end of your lease or during a month-to-month rental.

If you want to move out before your lease ends, and your landlord is not in violation of the lease, you’ll need to negotiate an early lease termination with your landlord. In some cases, you may be able to pay a fee to terminate your lease early per your rental agreement.

How much notice do I need to give before moving out?

Most renters must give 30 days’ written notice, but your lease or state law may require 60 or even 90 days. Always check your lease.

Can a notice-to-vacate letter affect my security deposit?

Yes. If you don’t give notice as required by your lease, or you fail to provide a forwarding address, your landlord may delay returning your security deposit or withhold it entirely. Always check your lease well before your move-out date.

What are the different rental notice periods?

Common timelines: 30 days for month-to-month, 30 to 60 days for fixed-term, and 60 days for long-term tenancies in some states.

What is an automatic lease renewal or longer-notice clause?

Some leases automatically renew unless you give written notice, sometimes 60 to 90 days before your term ends. Missing the deadline could lock you into another lease or trigger penalties.

How much notice do I need to give in my state?

It varies. For example, Washington requires 20 days, Florida requires 15 to 30 days, and North Carolina requires seven to 30 days, depending on the lease type.

What is a notice-to-vacate letter, and how do I write one?

A notice-to-vacate letter is a written statement to your landlord about moving out. Include your address, your landlord’s details, your move-out date, the required notice period, your forwarding address, and your contact information.

What’s the best way to send a notice-to-vacate letter?

Use a trackable method: email, certified mail, or delivered in person with a signed receipt.

What happens after I send my notice to vacate?

Your landlord should confirm receipt. Keep proof of delivery. Security deposits are usually returned within 14 to 60 days, per state law.

What happens if I don’t give proper notice?

You could owe another month’s rent, lose your deposit, or hurt your rental history.