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  • Updated: 29 Nov 2024
  • 2 Min Read

Notice to Vacate Letter: When and How to Use It Properly [Free Template]

A "Notice to Vacate" document is partially visible on a table. The notice text is bold in red at the top. A black calculator rests beside the paper. The background is a neutral surface.

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.

Download Notice to Vacate 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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Saad started his career as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) working for a top-tier accounting firm. He was responsible for helping audit alternative investment funds. He later worked at a hedge fund where he was responsible for preparing financial statements and implementing new technology. He also ran a successful private tax practice for five years. After completing his MBA at Duke, Saad joined The Boston Consulting Group to do management consulting. At BCG his experience spanned several industries and growth projects across Pharma, Retail, and Technology companies. His passion for democratizing finances led him to Plaid, a fintech, where he worked with large Banks and Financial Institutions to make finances and money easier for all.
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