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Notice of Intent to Vacate
Work, rent increase, and among others, tenants have different reasons for leaving their rental properties and terminating their lease. And in such a case, tenants must make their graceful exits without causing trouble to their landlords or breaking their leases as least. A notice of intent to vacate can help you leave your rental properties peacefully without causing any disputes between you and your landlord. Read More
Notice of Intent to Vacate
What Is a Notice of Intent to Vacate?
Much like a resignation letter, a notice of intent to vacate expresses a tenant’s intention to leave their rental properties. It is addressed to the landlord to make them understand the tenant’s intention to terminate the lease on or before it expires. A notice of intent to vacate also helps the tenant avoid penalties that they might incur from breaking the lease or abandoning the rental property.
A notice of intent to vacate must also be given to the landlord you plan to move out when your lease is up for renewal. This is because some leases automatically renew, and leaving without prior notice will hold you liable for breaking the lease.
How To Write a Notice of Intent to Vacate?
Unlike an eviction notice, a notice of intent to vacate is written by tenants who plan to move-out and terminate their lease on its expiry date, for any reason, or earlier than that. This notice particular notice indicates the date the tenant wishes to vacate the premises, as well as their future address and contact details for the landlord to send the tenant’s security deposit. Listed on the steps below are tips for a well-written notice of intent vacate for your peaceful exit.
1. Address the Notice to Your Landlord
In writing a notice of intent to vacate, you must first address the following to the landlord. You must do this by writing the landlord’s name, address, and contact information on the notice’s letterhead. This lets the landlord know that the notice came from a particular tenant, and allows him to address their concerns more quickly. Also, don’t forget to include the date when the notice was made.
2. Express Your Intention to Vacate the Premises
Next, express your intention to vacate the premises and terminate the lease to your landlord. You can do this by indicating the purpose of the notice and by mentioning the lease agreement, including the date it was made and the rented property. Aside from that, it is also important to indicate whether if the agreement is a monthly or straight lease. This step lets the landlord know what the notice is for, its purpose, as well as the specific lease contract that the notice is for.
3. Specify Your Move-Out Date
Then, specify your move out date right after telling the landlord of your intention to move out and terminate the lease. You can either move out and terminate the lease right after the lease term ends or on a prior date if you choose to. Specifying the move-out date gives the landlord some time to make the necessary preparations, such as your security deposit returns, fees, and inspection of the premises.
4. Provide Your Mailing Address
Aside from the previous steps, providing your mailing address and contact details to your landlord is also important. This is so that your landlord will know how to contact you for any concerns regarding your lease, your security deposit, and notice for a walkthrough inspection of the premises.
5. Sign and Close the Notice
Lastly, sign the notice of intent to vacate after writing it, and after reviewing the whole notice from top to bottom. Doing this closes and finalizes your intent of vacating the premises and termination of the lease. Also, don’t forget to request a return receipt from your courier to ensure that the landlord has received the notice and prevent you from incurring penalties for breaking the lease.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I send a notice of intent to vacate to my landlord?
A notice of intent to vacate should be sent to your landlord several days before the date you intend to leave the rental property. This is sent around 30 to 90 days depending on the terms and conditions specified in the lease agreement or as determined by the law.
How should I send my notice of intent to vacate?
There are many ways on how you can send a notice of intent to vacate to your landlord. You can either deliver it in person or you can choose to send it via mail. More importantly, you should always request a return receipt for notices sent through the mail so that you can have a strong legal footing in case the landlord denies receiving such a notice.
Does a notice of intent to vacate guarantee the full refund of my security deposit?
No. Although a notice of intent to vacate serves as a formal and proper avenue for terminating the lease without incurring any penalties, however, it doesn’t guarantee the full refund of your security deposit. There are many factors behind that. Your security deposit will either be used to cover and pay for all the damages on the premises, as well as fees and charge you incurred during your lease.
Can I just call my landlord instead of sending him a notice of intent to vacate?
You can, but it’s too risky. While calling your landlord just to inform your intention to leave and terminate the lease properly, having no record of a formal termination of the lease would put you in danger. The landlord may wrongfully file for claims against you, despite being informed, which will put you in jeopardy by having no record to clear your name.
Moving out of a rented property is a matter of choice and preference. However, as a tenant, you can make moving out as peaceful and liability-free by fulfilling all your obligations towards your lease. Whether you’re moving to a new apartment or going home for good, a notice of intent to vacate will save you from any worries before heading on your way.