If you’re planning to move out, your property manager is one of the people you must notify. How much notice to give is a question everyone faces when deciding to move. Whatever your reason for leaving your home or apartment, giving enough notice is essential. Here’s everything you need to know about how much notice a renter has to give a property owner when moving out.
Many standard lease agreements require 30 days’ notice if you plan to move out, regardless of whether your lease term is ending. Other lease agreements may require 60 days’ notice. When a renter gives notice of moving out, the property manager begins the process of filling the vacant unit and making any necessary repairs prior to the new residents moving in. Review your lease to determine how much notice you have to give a property manager.
Your lease agreement is your source of truth when it comes to moving out and notifying the property owner. The answers to most of your moving questions will be on the pages of the contract you and the property manager signed when you first moved in. Review your lease in full to determine what notice you need to provide. Some leases have an expiration date when you must either move out or renew your lease. If you’re not leaving and prefer to stay in your unit, read up on how to renew your lease. Other leases automatically move to a month-to-month lease at the end of your current term. If your lease has an expiration date, it likely states that you must take action when it ends, rather than wait for it to convert. There are typically two options for renewal if you don’t plan to sign another 12-month lease:
If your lease becomes month-to-month when your current term expires, assume your property manager requires you to pay the next month’s rent. Keep in mind that you could pay a higher monthly rent when your lease becomes month-to-month. Your property manager will likely send you a list of renewal options at least 90 days before the end of your lease, including the month-to-month rent price. Renters who choose to continue with a month-to-month lease, generally have to give the property manager at least 30 days written notice before their move-out date. For example, let’s say you pay rent on the first of every month. You’ve found a new apartment and are ready to move in on May 1. You must give 30 days’ notice to the property manager by April 1 at the latest to avoid paying another month of rent for your current unit. Plan ahead so you won’t have to pay rent for two apartments.
If your lease automatically renews, it’s likely a fixed-term lease. Make sure you give your property manager at least 30 days written notice that you intend to leave (unless your lease states you must give more). For example, if your lease is up on August 1, date your letter and deliver it to your property manager no later than July 1. If your lease automatically renews, but you didn’t know you had a fixed-term lease, check your state laws. These will tell you which kind of clause needs to be in your lease for automatic renewal. Next, check that the clause is present in your lease and written correctly. If it’s not, your lease isn’t fixed term. However, if you have a fixed-term lease and need to break it, make sure you follow the necessary steps to avoid any legal repercussions.
If you fail to give proper notice of moving out to your property manager, your lease might require you to pay rent for another month or the length of your lease if it renews automatically. However, if you find yourself in a situation where you must move out immediately, you can sublet your apartment if the property owner or lease allows it. Most property managers want to know that someone will pay the rent, so subletting to another renter might be a good option if you haven’t given notice in time but don’t want to continue paying rent.
Most property managers require 30-60 days’ notice if you plan to move out. Check your lease and state laws to ensure you allow the correct number of days to give the property manager enough notice. In some states, leases could have different laws or requirements. Always make sure you follow your lease’s terms carefully before moving out.
Knowing your state’s specific laws regarding providing notice to your property manager is important. Here are some state-specific laws you need to know:
California requires renters to provide a written notice of at least 30 days before moving out. However, if you’ve lived in the rental property for more than one year, you need to provide at least 60 days’ notice.
Texas requires renters to provide a written notice of at least 30 days. However, the lease agreement may require a longer notice period.
New York requires renters to provide a written notice of at least 30 days. However, if you have lived in your unit for over two years, you may need to provide up to 90 days’ notice.
In Florida, renters must provide a written notice of at least 15 days before moving out. However, the lease agreement may require a longer notice period.
Illinois requires renters to provide a written notice of at least 30 days if they pay rent monthly. However, the lease agreement may require a longer notice period.
In Pennsylvania, there is no minimum notice period. However, the lease agreement may state a notice period.
Ohio requires renters to provide a written notice of at least 30 days. However, the lease agreement may require a longer notice period.
In Georgia, you must provide a written notice of at least 30 days. However, the lease agreement may require a longer notice period.
North Carolina renters must provide a written notice of at least seven days. However, the lease agreement may require a longer notice period.
Michigan requires renters to provide a written notice of at least 30 days. However, the lease agreement may require a longer notice period.
These laws may change, so it’s always a good idea to check state and local laws before providing notice to your property manager.
Renters have the right to give notice that they’re vacating a property without explaining why. As long as you give notice within the required period your rental agreement specifies, you have every right to move out and discontinue paying rent on that property. Knowing how to write an effective letter to a property manager about moving out can help you obey the law and the lease terms. You also have the right to expect the return of your security deposit if you leave the property in good condition.
Refer to the lease agreement, check with the local housing authority, or consult with an attorney specializing in property manager-renter laws to gain a better understanding of notice requirements specific to your location.
The best way to notify your property manager that you’re not renewing your lease is in writing. Written documents create a paper trail and can serve as proof that you met the requirements of your lease. You can provide written notice through email or a formal letter to your property manager.
How can I find out how much notice I need to provide when moving out?The best thing to do if you’re unsure of how much notice to provide is to reference your lease agreement. The lease will detail how much notice of moving out a renter has to give a property manager. If you have any questions or if the notice period is unclear, reach out to your property manager directly.
What should I do if the property manager doesn’t respond to my notice?If you haven’t heard back within one week of submitting your notice to vacate, follow up with your property manager as soon as possible. They may have overlooked the notice and verifying that they received it is important to avoid penalties.
Is it possible to give more than 30 or 60 days notice?Absolutely. If you know you won’t renew your lease, you can let your property manager know at any time, provided you give them the required amount of notice.
Can I move out before the lease term ends?Yes, renters can move out before the lease term ends, but you typically need to provide notice as the lease agreement or local laws specify. Breaking your lease early may result in financial consequences, so understanding its terms is essential.
Is a written notice necessary, or can a verbal notice suffice?While verbal notice might be acceptable in some situations, providing written notice to the property manager is preferable. Written notice provides documentation and avoids potential misunderstandings or disputes.
Are there any exceptions to the notice requirement?Certain circumstances, such as domestic violence situations or uninhabitable living conditions, may allow for an expedited move-out without providing a notice period. Familiarize yourself with local laws or seek legal advice to understand potential exceptions.
Can a property manager require a longer notice period?In some cases, property managers may include longer notice periods in the lease agreement. Carefully reviewing your lease is crucial to understanding any specific notice requirements the property owner imposes.
Where can I find more information about notice requirements?You can refer to their lease agreement, local housing authority, or consult with an attorney specializing in landlord-tenant laws to gain a better understanding of notice requirements specific to their location.
Once you’ve given notice, you’re ready to search thousands of apartments on Zumper to find your perfect match.
Julie is an avid sports enthusiast, beer drinker, city runner, and non-fiction reader. She's been a renter for 10 years, and has learned a thing or two in the process.
