How Much Notice Do You Need to Give Your Landlord Before Moving Out?

How Much Notice Do You Have to Give a Landlord?

Many month-to-month leases require renters to give 30 days' notice before their intended move-out date. However, state laws and your lease agreement set how much notice you have to give. Rules can even vary between cities, so you should first verify your lease terms and then the rules where you live.

Required notice periods partly depend on your lease type. Below, we'll explore common notice requirements by type of tenancy.

Notice by Type of Tenancy

Depending on your tenancy type, your required notice period could range between 7 and 60 days.

The most common lease types and their usual notice periods are:

• Week-to-week: These leases often have short notice periods of around seven days.
• Month-to-month: 30 days is the most common notice period, usually before the start of the next rental period.
• Fixed-term lease: You may not be allowed to terminate a fixed-term lease before the end of the term. Depending on your lease agreement and rules in your area, you may be required to provide 30 to 60 days' notice before the end of the lease to confirm if you plan to leave or stay.

These timeframes are common norms and do not apply to every area or lease agreement. You should check your lease and state or local laws to ensure you provide the correct amount of notice.

How to Give Your Landlord Proper Notice

You should give notice to your landlord in the form of a dated letter, not just verbally. This is not just a preference or benefit for your landlord; it’s to protect your interests as well. When everything is in writing, you have a solid paper trail to reference in case anything goes wrong.

Here's how to give your landlord proper notice step-by-step:

1. Put it in writing: Include the date, your rental address, your name, and the date you plan to leave.
2. Deliver it to ensure receipt: Either send the letter via certified mail or deliver it in person and request a signed, dated copy to prove that your landlord received it.
3. Start your notice period: Your notice period starts from the date your landlord received notice, not from the date you mailed your letter. Allow a time buffer before your notice expires to ensure you're ready to move on time.
4. Update your records: Retain a copy of your notice letter and proof of delivery. Keeping these documents as part of your records can help you resolve potential disputes later.

Once you've submitted your notice, it's time to schedule movers to help you transport your belongings. HireAHelper helps connect you with vetted moving labor and movers nationwide.

What Happens If You Do Not Give Proper Notice?

If you don't give proper notice, you may have to pay additional rent and risk losing part or all of your deposit.

Failing to give notice, or giving notice too late, means that the tenancy may continue after your intended move-out date, potentially making you liable for the next month's rent. Your landlord may have grounds to withhold your deposit to cover any rent you owe.

To avoid penalties, give written notice on time. Your lease and local laws can provide more exact information about penalties incurred when you don't give the right amount of notice.

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HireAHelper is an online moving marketplace that helps you find trusted local moving labor and movers across the United States. With over 18 years of experience and more than a million moves completed, we're ready to connect you with the right movers for your circumstances. After giving notice, our moving resources can help you ensure a smooth move from start to finish.