It is normal to write a letter to your landlord alerting them of your choice to leave an apartment or other rental unit. It’s not simply a nice gesture that landlords appreciate; it’s also a necessary precaution that protects landlords and tenants.
This article contains everything you need to know on how to write a 30-day notice letter to your landlord. Carefully read through!
Table of contents
- What Is A 30-day Notice?
- Why You Should Send In A 30-day Notice To Your Landlord
- What You Should Do Before Giving Notice
- How Much Notice Are You Expected To Give Your Landlord?
- How To Write A 30-day Notice To A Landlord
- What To Say When Writing Your 30-day Notice
- 1. The date
- 2. Your personal information
- 3. Your landlord’s name
- 4. Your intention to vacate
- 5. A statement of compliance
- 6. Instructions for security deposit
- 7. Your contact information
- Are There Things You Should Not Say In Your 30-day Notice Letter To Your Landlord?
- Sample Of 30-day Notice Letter To A Landlord
- What Will Happen After Your Letter Of Notice To Vacate Has Been Submitted?
- What Will Happen If I Don’t Give A 30-day Notice To My Landlord?
- Do I Need To Wait For My Lease To Expire before I Send In The Notice Letter?
- Other Information To Be Considered In Your Lease
- FAQs On How To Write A 30-Day Notice Letter To A Landlord
- Conclusion
- References
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What Is A 30-day Notice?
A 30-day notice is a formal document written by or on behalf of a tenant informing the landlord or leasing agency of the tenant’s decision to depart the leased premises.
Notices vary based on specific lease situations, but generally, a 30-day notice includes information like:
- The date you want to move-out
- Address of property to vacate
- Forwarding address for the tenant
Tendering your notice letter to your landlord is as beneficial for you as it is for them. Here are a few ways it benefits you:
1. It protects your reputation
Future landlords will evaluate your suitability as a prospective tenant based on your credit score. Another factor is your renting history. Knowing that you would not abandon them with an unrented unit or unpaid rent boosts your chances of securing your new apartment.
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2. It protects you legally
If you fail to provide sufficient notice of your intention to vacate the property, your landlord may be able to charge you various costs up to and including the cost of rent, depending on the terms of your rental agreement.
Why You Should Send In A 30-day Notice To Your Landlord
Informing your landlord that you’re leaving is something you ought to do. They require this information as soon as possible so that they may prepare to rent the house to the next tenant.
With proper notice, they can list the home while you’re still living there, shortening the time between when you move out and when someone else comes in. They could also wish to start looking for a new tenant before you leave.
According to SFGate, “your landlord has the right to display the house while you’re still living in it,” but most states require them to give you notice before entering the home and only come during regular business hours.
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What You Should Do Before Giving Notice
Before you even consider giving your landlord official, written notice, there are a few things you should do as a tenant. Because your notification letter is an official document with legal implications, you should approach it with the same attention and preparation as any other legal matter.
The first thing you should do is go through your lease agreement. If you’re like most tenants, you’ve probably forgotten about it and stashed it in a drawer. It’s an excellent opportunity to pull it out and review some details.
How Much Notice Are You Expected To Give Your Landlord?
Whether you rent on a month-to-month basis or have signed a lease or rental agreement for a fixed period, there’s a condition in your lease detailing how the duration of notice your landlord demands before tenants vacate the property.
In most circumstances, a landlord will require 30 days’ notice, while it is not uncommon for select landlords to require 60 days’ notice or more. Failure to submit sufficient information as specified in your lease may result in fees unrelated to lease termination.
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How To Write A 30-day Notice To A Landlord
After thoroughly examining your lease terms and securing your new residence, you may begin preparing your 30-day notice letter. It’s normal to be concerned, but preparing your notice letter doesn’t have to be complicated.
Here’s what you should and shouldn’t include in your notice:
What To Say When Writing Your 30-day Notice
When it comes to your notice, make it brief, sweet, and to the point. Consider it in terms of function: the information is intended to tell your landlord of your plan to depart and the logistical aspects surrounding your move.
Here’s what to include:
1. The date
At the very top of your notice letter, write the date the letter was drafted. Remember, the date should meet your landlord’s notice requirement window from your rental agreement.
Do you know you can negotiate your rent with your landlord? See How to Negotiate your Rent in 2023.
2. Your personal information
Next, insert personal and identifying information such as your name, address, and property number you wish to leave.
3. Your landlord’s name
Your 30-day notice letter should be addressed to your landlord. If you are unsure of his name, you can handle the letter to the company managing the house.
4. Your intention to vacate
When it comes to the choice of words and use of language, keep it short and to the point. “This letter acts as official notice of my intention to depart the property at [your address] effective [the date you intend to move out],” for example.
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5. A statement of compliance
Ensure you state that your notice letter satisfies the requirements of the lease. You can also say when you intend to return the keys.
6. Instructions for security deposit
If applicable, let your landlord know how and where you want your security deposit returned.
7. Your contact information
At the close of your letter, include your current contact information, such as your phone number and forwarding address. Don’t forget to end with an appreciation.
Are There Things You Should Not Say In Your 30-day Notice Letter To Your Landlord?
Whatever the reasons for your relocation, your notice is not an occasion to evaluate your rental experience. Resist the urge to explain because this is a strictly utilitarian document that communicates extremely precise information.
Here are a few things you should not say in your 30-day notice letter to your landlord:
- Don’t explain your reasons for moving.
- Try not to refer to any complaints from the issues you experienced in the house.
- Don’t make qualifying statements about the property or its condition.
Your letter should be kind and professional yet brief and to the point. You should type your letter and hand it over to your landlord. You can send it regularly or be certified, but dropping it off in person ensures it reaches your landlord’s desk.
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Sample Of 30-day Notice Letter To A Landlord
Here’s a good example of a 30-day notice letter to a landlord:
[Date] [Your name] [Your address and unit number]To [landlord’s name],
This letter is a formal notice of my intent to depart the property at [your address] on [the date you intend to move out]. As per the conditions of my lease, I am giving [number of days] advance notice. Unless otherwise instructed, I intend to return my keys to your office by 2023.
You can repay my security deposit to [new address]—you can send mail to this address {the email address}.
Please let me know if you have any questions or if there is anything else I can do to help you get this process started. Thank you very much!
[Your name]What Will Happen After Your Letter Of Notice To Vacate Has Been Submitted?
After you’ve submitted your official letter, reach out to your landlord and communicate your plans informally. You can also let them know your letter is on its way and answer any queries they may have without having to wait.
The next stage is to plan your move. Start looking for a new location to live if you haven’t already. You may also wish to schedule movers now that you’ve specified your move-out date with your landlord’s 30-day notice letter.
What Will Happen If I Don’t Give A 30-day Notice To My Landlord?
Failure to provide proper notice, especially if required under your lease, frequently results in penalties. This could mean paying more monthly or longer rent depending on whether your lease automatically renews.
Fees are usually lower on a month-to-month lease, but if your lease is renewed for another year, you may face serious problems. As an extra cost, your landlord may keep your entire security deposit.
If you know ahead of time that you will be unable to provide 30-days’ notice, notify your landlord. Explain your case in detail and see what they reply. Because of the timing, offering a shorter notice may still work for them.
Do I Need To Wait For My Lease To Expire before I Send In The Notice Letter?
If you’re thinking about moving, you’ll need to know when your current lease term ends. Most leases are signed for a set period of time, and breaking it before that time is up can be costly. If you break your lease early, you may be able to:
- Lose your security deposit
- You will be held responsible for the remaining rent
- Lastly, you risk incurring additional fees and penalties
However, some landlords are prepared to negotiate with renters who need to vacate before their lease expires. If this is the case, be prepared to explore your choices with your property manager.
Other Information To Be Considered In Your Lease
Your lease usually contains additional information that you should consider before submitting your notice, such as:
1. Information about your security deposit
If you paid a security deposit when you moved in, you may be entitled to all or a part of that money when you move out—especially if you aren’t breaking the lease early. This can be as much as a month’s rent in some situations, so double-check.
2. Details of any fees you could incur
If your landlord has a policy of charging fees or penalties for early lease termination, failure to provide notice, or issues with the property’s condition, those fees should be clearly specified in your lease agreement. Knowing what they are in advance can help you avoid paying them later.
3. Clear instructions on how to deliver your notice
A “delivery clause” is usually included in many leases. This section offers all of the information you need to know about where and how to give your landlord notice.
FAQs On How To Write A 30-Day Notice Letter To A Landlord
It solely depends on your lease agreement and the laws guiding the locality. Some house owners will offer prorated rent, simply a calculation of your rent based on the number of days you will stay in the unit.
If your lease terms do not spell how you should deliver the notice to your landlord, you can send both an electronic and paper copy.
While it’s very customary to provide 30 days’ notice of your intention to leave, not every lease specifies the same number of days. Some landlords may want additional notice, extending your 30-day notice letter to 45 or 60 days.
You may be liable for additional expenses and fees if you do not provide a formal notice of intent to vacate. Without written notice, your lease will most likely be renewed month-to-month with a higher monthly rate. To avoid penalties, understand how much notice you must provide.
Conclusion
I hope this article on how to write a 30-day notice letter satisfies your search intent. You are also advised to seek financial and legal advice if necessary.
References
- rent.com – How To Write a 30-Day Notice Letter To Your Landlord
- rentals.com – How to Write a 30-Day Notice to Your Landlord + Template
- rentredi.com – 30-Day Notice To Landlord
- zumper.com – How to Write a 30-Day Notice to Vacate Letter (with template)
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