How To Write A Notice To Vacate Letter

A Notice to Vacate is a letter written from a tenant to a landlord letting the landlord know that you will be ending your lease agreement.  When writing a Notice to Vacate letter, you’ll want to be sure to include certain key pieces of information. Following a letter template can help ensure you don’t miss any important details. 

When you’ve decided that you want to move out of your apartment or house and will no longer be continuing your lease agreement, you’ll need to give your landlord a written Notice to Vacate, also known as a lease termination letter. It’s a good idea to check with the local and state laws in your area to see if there is a specific way you are supposed to send these letters; sometimes regular mail will do, but sometimes you will need to send the letter to the property manager via certified mail with a return receipt. Many times, you must provide a specific amount of advance notice. 

If you are not sure what to include in the letter to your landlord, we’ve created a guide on required information along with a sample lease termination letter to help you craft a letter that  contains all the necessary information. 

 

Tips For Writing A Letter To Vacate

While there is not a specific format that is required when writing a Notice to Vacate, there is certain key information that is legally required for you to include.

Information to include:

    • Date you will vacate the property: You’ll want to check your lease before choosing your move-out date. Your lease will most likely include information around how many days before your lease ends that you’ll need to give notice. Ensuring you inform your landlord in the appropriate amount of time will make sure your lease doesn’t auto renew. 
    • Date the letter is sent: The date the letter was sent should be included to prove you delivered your Notice to Vacate letter within the time frame specified by your Lease Agreement. 
  • Landlord’s address / property address: Where you send your rent checks to and your landlord’s address may not be the same. You’ll want to double check your lease to ensure you are sending the letter to the correct address. 
  • Final walkthrough request: Most landlords require a final walkthrough of the apartment once you’ve removed all your belongings. You should schedule this with your landlord at a time you’ll be free so you can ensure you receive your security deposit promptly. Pro tip: wait until moving day so your landlord can’t say your movers damaged something on the way out. 
  • Your forwarding address: This is where your landlord can send your security deposit and any other documents that may need to be shared with you after moving out. 

Other Expert Advice: 

  • Always Submit A Notice To Vacate: Even if your landlord doesn’t require this, you should submit it anyway because it will legally protect you. 
  • Type Your Letter To Vacate: This way you will be able to keep a copy for your records if you were to ever need one, and typed letters look more professional and business-like.
  • Check for fees: If you are breaking a lease, you might also want to see if there are any fees associated. In some cases, they can be pretty substantial. 

 

Notice To Vacate Example Letter

 

Luke Pelkie

3355 Brown Trout Road, Apt 55

Johns Island, SC 29455

 

Phone Number: 843-555-5555

Email: [email protected]

April 15th, 2022

Tucker Christian

1755 Pumpkin Seed Road

Johns Island, Sc 29455

Dear Mr. Christian,

Please accept this letter as written notice of my intention to vacate my residence located at 3355 Brown Trout Road, Apt 55, Johns Island, SC 29455 on June 1st, 2022 Per the lease agreement, this letter fulfills the 45-day notice requirement. 

I would like to schedule a move-out walkthrough on June 1st, 2022, as my apartment will be empty at that time.  Please contact me at 843 555 5555 with a time that would be convenient for you. I have maintained the residence in accordance with our lease agreement as well as fulfilled the minimum 12 month stay requirement.  Please forward my security deposit of $500.00 in full within 60 days to my new address listed below.  

Thank you, for your time and consideration, in helping to coordinate a smooth move out.

My forwarding address is:

[Street Address and apartment number if applicable]

[City/State/Zip]

Sincerely,

Luke Pelkie

Luke Pelkie

 

Notice To Vacate Template 

[Your Name]

[Current Street Address and apartment number if applicable]

[City/State/Zip]

 

[Phone Number] Your Number 

Email: [Your Email Address]

[Today’s Date]

[Owner of Property Manager’s name]

[Street Address and apartment number if applicable]

[City/State/Zip]

Dear [Landlord’s Name],

Please accept this letter as written notice of my intention to vacate my residence located at [Apartment Community Name or Street Address] 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 on [last date you will be in residence] as my apartment will be empty at that time.  Please contact me at [your phone number] with a time that would be convenient for you. I have maintained the residence in accordance with our lease agreement as well as fulfilled the minimum [length of contract] stay requirement.  Please forward my security deposit of [amount of deposit] in full within [length of time required by state law] to my new address listed below.  

Thank you, for your time and consideration, in helping to coordinate a smooth move out.

My forwarding address is:

[Street Address and apartment number if applicable]

[City/State/Zip]

Sincerely,

[Your Signature]

[Your Full Name]

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