30-Day Notice to Landlord

You’ve found your next place, packed your boxes, and started picturing life in your new home. But before you hand over the keys, there’s one last step. You’ll need to notify your landlord that you’re moving out.

A 30-day notice to your landlord isn’t just a formality. It protects your security deposit, prevents additional rent charges, and ensures a smooth move-out.

If you don’t give the rental owner proper warning, your lease may automatically convert to a month-to-month agreement at expiration. You could then face penalty fees, additional rent payments, and lose your security deposit.

Here’s a state-by-state look at your 30-day notice to landlord requirements so you can focus on settling into your new space.

Did you know? Certain states require renters to give property owners more than 30 days’ notice. Read on to learn about each state’s legal requirements.

Is 30 days’ notice sufficient to end a lease?

Sometimes you can’t commit to another year because of work, family, or unexpected life events. Whatever the case, both landlords and tenants must give notice of non-renewal if they don’t plan to re-sign the rental contract.

Notifying the other party allows them to pivot and prepare. For renters, that’s finding a new place to live. For property owners, it’s finding another tenant to fill the vacancy. The minimum time requirement for notifying the other party varies depending on:

• • The terms of the rental agreement: Check the fine print to see if any specific clauses dictate the required period.

• State law: Some states require property owners and tenants to give more than 30 days, so always check your area’s legal guidelines before taking action. 

Here’s what you need to know:

Notice Requirements Outlined in Lease Agreement

Most fixed-term leases specify the amount of notice tenants must give landlords before the lease ends. While most rental agreements require 30 days, others call for 60–90 days. However, some rental owners omit this clause altogether, especially in month-to-month contracts resulting from an expired fixed-term lease.

Know Your Local Laws: How State Notice Rules Work

Across the U.S., 30 days’ notice is the norm. But every state sets its own legal timeframe. For example, Colorado only requires 21 days’ notice, while Delaware requires 60 days.

Before you move out, always check both your contract and local rental laws to understand your specific requirements. Failing to do so can lead to penalties, fees, and even the forfeiture of your security deposit.

Lease Termination Notice Requirements by State

Here’s a helpful table outlining the standards for notifying your rental owner in all 50 states, plus Washington, D.C.

Legal Consequences for Providing Insufficient Notice to a Landlord

If a tenant doesn’t provide the property manager with a lawful notice of termination, there could be legal and financial ramifications. Depending on your state, you could be responsible for: 

• Paying additional rent or penalty fees listed in your lease
• Losing all or part of your security deposit, or receiving it late 
• Reimbursing rental owners for re-rental costs 

Some states allow owners to sue for unpaid rent when tenants leave without giving them proper notice, but others limit penalties to the deposit. 

To avoid these repercussions, check both your lease and the state’s legal requirements before moving out early. 

Should tenants give extra notice to their landlord? 

Most renters give property managers more notice than legally required. It’s strictly optional, but alerting them early benefits both parties by:

• Giving property owners ample time to secure a new tenant helps them avoid any gaps in rental income or property management vacancy fees. 
• Maintaining a good relationship between rental owners and tenants.
• Establishing a clear timeline for the manager and tenant to plan for the move-out. 
• Proving the tenant communicated on time, covering them in case the rental’s owner files a legal claim. 
• Protecting the tenant’s reputation (and helping them secure a positive rental reference from their landlord). 

We recommend giving the property manager as much notice as possible to keep your relationship in good standing and avoid last-minute disputes. 

When can you give less than 30 days’ notice? 

Laws usually allow tenants to give less than the required notice in certain situations. Here are a few examples of how it works on the state level: 

California: Tenants who are domestic violence victims can end their rental contract early if they provide a written letter and documentation (Cal. Civ. Code § 1946.7).

Illinois: If the property becomes uninhabitable and the owner fails to fix the issue, tenants can terminate their agreement early (735 Ill. Comp. Stat. 5/9-210).

Maryland: Renters can exit their lease early due to certain medical or mental health conditions (Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8-212-2).

Texas: Active-duty military members can end their lease with written notice under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA).

We recommend checking your state’s laws to determine whether any circumstances allow you to skip the standard period.

How to Write a 30-Day Notice Letter to a Landlord

If you’re preparing to move out and are ready to alert your rental owner, here’s what your 30-day notice letter should include to ensure it’s complete and legally compliant: 

• • The date you’re sending the letter
  • Tenant’s name and contact information
  • Property owner’s name and contact information
  • Rental property address (including unit number, if applicable)
  • A copy of the current lease 

• Expiration date of the current lease

• • Proposed move-out date
  • Reference to the state’s lease notice requirement

• Specific steps the tenant will take when moving out

• Tenant’s new address

• Instructions for the rental manager to send the security deposit

• Tenant’s signature

• Property owner’s acknowledgment

When writing your letter, experts recommend excluding your reason for moving, complaints or issues, and statements about the property’s condition. Tenants should document any problems, but including the above details in your letter could provoke unnecessary disputes with the property owner. 

How to Send a 30-Day Notice Letter to a Landlord 

Check your lease for specific delivery instructions. If the rental agreement doesn’t cover it, choose a delivery method that requires the landlord’s signature, such as certified mail. 

Pro Tip: Always retain a copy for your files, and note the delivery method and postmark date. 

After Sending Your 30-Day Notice: What Happens Next

Once your rental owner receives your letter and acknowledges it in writing, prepare for move-out. Here’s what you can expect: 

1. Review Your Lease and Move-Out Checklist

Lease agreements usually outline move-out protocols, including: 

• Cleaning the unit and appliances. 
• Returning the keys to the property manager.
• The final move-out inspection.
• Instructions for the property owner on returning the security deposit to the tenant. 

If your property manager hasn’t provided a move-out checklist, request one so you can best prepare for inspection day. 

2. Schedule Your Move-Out Inspection 

In the days leading up to your move, coordinate a walkthrough with your property manager. Make sure you take photos and videos to document the rental’s condition, especially if you’ve cleaned and made any repairs. 

3. Return Keys and Provide Your Forwarding Address

On or before your move-out day, hand over the keys and any other access tools you have. Don’t forget to give your rental owner your new forwarding address so they can return your security deposit as soon as possible. 

4. Check Up On Your Security Deposit 

Most states require property managers to return renters’ deposits within 14–16 days. If you don’t get the funds in time, reach out to your property manager.

Pro tip: Store copies of every document related to your move-out process, including messages, inspection reports, and receipts. You’ll need them if there’s a dispute over charges, responsibilities, or deductions from your deposit. 

What to Avoid: 30-Day Notice to Landlord Example Mistakes

Don’t let a minor error get in the way of preparing for your next move. Watch out for these oversights tenants often make: 

• Missing the required period and sending your letter too late
• Not following the delivery protocols outlined in the lease
• Failing to specify your move-out date
• Forgetting to include your new address (rental managers need it to return your security deposit)
• Not confirming if the property owner received the letter

Ending a lease doesn’t have to be stressful; it just takes planning, documentation, and understanding your state’s rules. Giving proper warning not only protects your finances but also helps preserve your positive rental history. 

When you’re applying for future rental applications, you’ll be glad you followed this guide. 

30-Day Notice to Landlord FAQs

How do you write a notice that you’re moving out?

Find a helpful step-by-step guide to writing a move-out letter above. 

What is the shortest notice a landlord can give?

Because circumstances vary, property owners must check state and local laws and speak with a trusted legal professional. 

Can you email a 30-day notice to a landlord?

Some leases permit tenants to send emails, but it’s a best practice to use certified mail. 

How do I write a one-month notice?

Simplify the process by using our free template at the top of this article!