Figuring out the best ways to give 30 days’ notice to your landlord can be difficult. It is considered to be a topic that many people deal with but not too many people discuss often. Everyone has to tell their landlord at some point that they will be moving out and we are here to provide a few steps on the best ways to let your landlord know you will be leaving!
The main things to focus on when communicating with your landlord is exactly what you want to say and how you want to say it. When writing your 30 days’ notice letter it is important to follow these specific guidelines.
- Address the Letter to Your Landlord
When you are writing your termination letter to your landlord, you need to address the letter properly. Make sure you have the correct address for your landlord. If you can’t find it in your lease, reach out to your landlord via phone call.
- Date Your Notice Letter
Either before or after your landlord’s address, make sure to include the date. This shows your landlord exactly when you 30-day notice will be going into effect. This written documentation is extremely important as you need to make sure your landlord is fully aware you will be leaving 30 days from the date written in your letter. If there is any issue with your landlord, you can reference the date you wrote your letter so that there is no issue or question.
- State The Purpose
In the first paragraph of your letter, state your purpose. It is always best to get to the point. Do not write any fluff at the beginning before you get to the reason you are writing. Always make sure to include the reason you are writing first.
You can write something as simple as, “I, Caroline Smith, live at [address]. I am writing to notify you of my intent to terminate the lease agreement between myself and you. I am providing the required 30 days’ notice, which will start from the day this letter is dated.” Make sure to include the date you will be vacating the premise as well.
- Ask for Any Refundable to Be Returned to You
Ideally, you will be receiving your entire security deposit back. Unfortunately, that is not always the case. I have always been taught to “leave something better than the way you found it”. All you can do is make sure everything is clean and looking better than how you found it. Don’t forget to give your landlord your new address so that you can receive your deposit. Make sure to also sign your letter as well.
- Make Copies
Making copies is the best way to cover yourself. If your landlord doesn’t receive, or if there is some sort of dispute about the notice, it is best to have something to look at too.
30 Days’ Notice Template
[Your name]
[Your current address]
[Today’s date]
[Your landlord’s name / Management Company / Property Manager]
[Landlord’s or property management company’s address]
Re: Notice to Vacate / Notice to End Lease and Tenancy
Dear [insert landlord’s name]
I am writing to give you notice that I am ending our lease and tenancy for the rental property at: [Address of rental property].
I’m ending the lease at the end of the [Insert month and year] rent period.
My forwarding address will be [insert address] and if any issues or concerns come up, I can be reached at [insert phone number and email address].
My security deposit of [insert amount] should be refunded in full due to the fact that my apartment has been left in good condition. The deposit can be sent to [insert address].
Thank you,
[insert your name]
Some tips when giving your notice
- Don’t Be Late
The first rule is to try and not wait too late! We all know life can be busy and hectic but the one thing that you cannot do is wait too late. Speak with your roommates and make sure everyone is on the same page before deciding how to approach your landlord.
- Communication
Whatever way you and your landlord have communicated prior is probably the best way to reach him. Email is usually the best way to communicate with your landlord so you can write down exactly what you’d like to say.
- Be Clear
Be very clear with your landlord. Clarifying exactly when you will be moving out and the steps you need to make to do so. Clarity is always the best policy. Moving out can be hectic so it’s important to get all of your ducks in a row before you have to start packing.
Making sure you are on top of things when it comes to giving your 30 days’ notice is extremely important. Following these steps to writing your notice letter will make your life easier and will benefit you as you make your move!
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