Why Should I Put in a 30-60 Day Notice to Vacate?

Getting a new apartment or rental home can be an exciting thing for you! When it comes time to move out though, you may be surprised to know that you must give a notice if you want to leave your lease on good terms. You always want to reference your lease when deciding to give notice. Each lease can be different, this is why it is vital to thoroughly read the documents before you sign them.

Protect Your Reputation as a Renter

Your landlord likely requires you to give a notice of some degree if you have intentions to move out. This notice is likely required in writing so that it can be filed in your tenant file. It’s important to give your landlord the courtesy of the notice that they require so that they have an adequate amount of time to market the listing, evaluate if any repairs need to be done, and line up the next tenant for the unit.

If you do not give your landlord a notice and you just up and leave the unit, not only will you be setting yourself up for a bad reputation as a renter, but you may even forfeit your security deposit. It’s important to maintain a good standing background as a tenant because future landlords may reach out to your previous landlord for a reference. If you bailed on our previous landlord, then it is not likely that the new landlord will accept you as a suitable tenant.

In addition, giving your landlord notice will allow you and your family enough time to pack your belongings and tie up any loose ends that are involved with moving households. This can include forwarding mail to the new address, properly transferring your utility services, and getting children set up at new schools if needed.

Allowing yourself and your landlord to have that month-to-two-month area of transition will take a great deal of stress off both of you. It will also allow your landlord to complete a walkthrough inspection with you to determine if any damages have been made and if any of the damages are to be removed from your security deposit. Things such as normal wear and tear, should not be deducted from the deposit. However, serious damages such as holes in the wall or stains in excessive stains in the carpet may warrant your security deposit to be deducted. Scheduling a walk-through with the landlord will ensure that you are there with them to address any concerns and be your own advocate while inspections are being done.

In the end, if there is no possible way to give your landlord the agreed-upon notice, you just need to be honest and upfront. If a serious life change has left you with no choice but to leave immediately, your landlord may approve a lesser notice to vacate, if you are able to provide proof that you need to leave. This will entirely depend on whether your time as a tenant has been upstanding. If you have been a not-to-cooperative tenant, then the likelihood of the landlord understanding is slim.

Talk to your landlord and give them the appropriate notice when required. This courtesy will leave a mark on your renter’s record for a long time if you make the wrong choice. It is important to stand by your signed agreement to protect your reputation as a renter for the long term.