How to Write a Notice to Vacate Letter (Free Template)

There will come a day when it’s time to move on in your renter journey, perhaps for a new job or a change of scenery. If you're on the fence about moving out of your home, it may be helpful to ask your landlord or property manager if they have any other properties for rent that you may be interested in. But before you make any moves, be sure that you give your current landlord or property manager proper notice that you intend to move out, as is required in your lease. This is called either a notice to vacate or a lease termination letter.

In this article:

• What Is a Notice to Vacate?
• When Should I Write My Notice to Vacate?
• How Do I Write a Notice to Vacate?
• Free Template of a Notice to Vacate Letter
• How to Send Your Notice to Vacate Letter
• Tips For Your Notice to Vacate Letter

What Is a Notice to Vacate?

A notice to vacate is a written statement by either the tenant or the landlord to inform the other party that the lease term is ending. A notice to vacate is also known as a lease termination letter. The purpose of this written notice, referred to as a notice to vacate letter, is to inform your landlord or tenant that the lease will not renew and that you intend to move out of the residence.                   

When Should I Write My Notice to Vacate?

To ensure a smooth transition when moving out of your home, it is important to submit a notice to vacate letter within the specified timeframe mentioned in your lease agreement. Since lease agreements vary, it is crucial to review your specific agreement for the designated deadline. Generally, a 60-day notice is customary, but depending on your landlord or property manager, this timeframe may range from 30 to 90 days. By adhering to this requirement, you can avoid any lease violations and ensure a hassle-free exit from your current residence.

How Do I Write a Notice to Vacate?

If you’re not sure where to start, we’ve got you covered! Below is a template you can use when writing your notice to vacate letter. Simply copy and paste this sample letter or, then fill in the fields with your information, and send your notice to vacate. This is a formality that's required in most leases, and it gives the property manager or landlord appropriate notice to list the property as available and look for a new tenant.

[Today’s Date]

[Your Name]

[Street Address, Apartment Number]

[City/State/Zip]

[Your Phone Number]

[Your Email Address]

Dear [Landlord’s Name],

Please accept this letter as written notice of my intention to vacate my apartment at [Apartment Community Name] on [Date of Planned Move]. Per the lease agreement, this letter fulfills the [Number of Days to Vacate]-day notice requirement.

I would like to schedule a move-out walkthrough in the week prior to my move for an inspection of my apartment. Please contact me at [Your Phone Number] to schedule the walkthrough. I believe that the apartment is in good condition and my security deposit of $_____ should be refunded in full. Please send my security deposit to my new address.

My forwarding address will be: [Your New Street Address, Apartment Number] [City/State/Zip]

Thank you for your time and consideration on the above matter.

Sincerely,

[Your Signature]

[Your Full Name]

How To Send Your Notice to Vacate Letter

Properly sending your notice to vacate letter is just as important as writing it correctly. These formal letters of intent can be mailed, physically handed to your landlord, or emailed to them. Ask your landlord which method they prefer or check your lease to see if there is a specific way the letter must be sent. Once you decide how you will send your notice to vacate letter, have your landlord verify their mailing or email address to ensure you’re sending it to the right place.

No matter which way you send your letter, it’s essential to get a receipt verifying you sent the letter. Mail gets lost, people misplace things, and emails get deleted, so you must have a paper trail. If you decide to send your letter via regular mail, consider sending it through certified mail with a return receipt requested. If you’re handing the letter directly to your landlord, ask them to provide a written statement stating they received it. For those emailing the letter, ask your landlord to respond to the email stating that it was received. Then, screenshot and save the emails. 

Tips For Your Notice to Vacate Letter

• Check your lease to see if you need to send a formal letter. For some landlords and property managers, a simple email with all of the necessary information will do the trick.
• Keep your written notice simple and polite. Your notice to vacate letter is not the place to raise complaints or settle past issues with your landlord, property manager, or leasing staff. The only purpose this letter serves is to terminate your lease and provide a record for your landlord or property manager that you have decided to vacate the unit.
• Don’t forget to include the date on your letter. The date will prove that you have met the notice period according to your lease.
• Include your forwarding address. In many cases, this is where your landlord will find your new address to send your security deposit check back to you. If you haven’t found your new apartment by the time you send your notice, you may follow up with your landlord or property manager by phone, email, or letter when you move out to let them know your new address.
• If you are breaking the terms of your lease by vacating the unit before the end of your lease period, be sure that you’re willing to deal with the repercussions. To break your lease, you may be liable for paying one month’s rent (or more), you likely won’t get your security deposit back, and it may leave a mark on your rental history.