Asking a tenant to vacate the property isn’t always the easiest part of being a landlord. Sometimes terminating the lease is best for both landlord and tenant, and a well-written notice to vacate keeps things professional.
Here, we’ll explain a vacate notice and when to use it. We will also provide you with a helpful sample notice to vacate template.
What is a notice to vacate?
A notice to vacate, also known as “notice of intent to vacate,” is a written document that formally asks a tenant to leave the property by a specific date.
Unlike an eviction notice, which is often given due to lease violations or nonpayment, a notice to vacate is usually a standard step in ending a lease, with or without a specific reason.
Here are some examples of notice to vacate letters:
- Landlord-to-tenant no-cause notice
- Tenant-to-landlord no-cause notice
- Landlord-to-tenant cause notice
- Tenant-to-landlord cause notice
How to write a notice to vacate letter?
A notice to vacate letter informs tenants when to move out, what condition the place should be in and what happens if they don’t leave by the deadline.
Here’s a break down what you need to include:
- Date of Notice
- Tenant’s Name(s)
- Property Address
- Move-Out Deadline
- Property Condition Expectations
- Security Deposit Terms
- Landlord’s Signature and Contact Info
Download our free notice to vacate letter landlord template.
When to send a notice to vacate form letter
Landlords should send the notice to vacate 30, 60 or 90 days before the lease termination date. The exact timing for sending a notice to vacate letter depends on your local laws and the terms of your lease agreement.
There can be various reasons for sending a type of notice to vacate, including:
- The lease is ending
- You need the property vacant to make improvements
- You plan to sell the property
- The tenant has breached the lease terms
- You intend to move into the property
What happens after notice to vacate?
After a 30-day notice to vacate is sent, the tenant is expected to prepare for their move by the specified date. During this time, the tenant may handle any final cleaning or repairs to meet lease requirements, and the landlord can schedule a final inspection.
If the tenant fails to vacate by the deadline, the landlord may proceed with an eviction notice to start the formal eviction process.
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