How To Write the Perfect Notice to Vacate Letter

If you are one of those who have fallen in love with the California weather and decided to relocate to Bakersfield, you’re in good company. But before you make your move, you may need to inform your landlord that you are moving out.

To develop an excellent notice letter, we share some tips and things you need to include to make your move-out easy and stress-free.

What is a notice to vacate letter?

As a renter, being mobile is one of the perks. When it’s time to move on from a rental agreement, one of the first steps you need to take is sending a written notice to vacate letter to your landlord.

Whether you're buying your first home, moving to another state, or just needing a bigger space, writing and sending the letter is vital to keeping a good relationship with your landlord and protecting your security deposit.

A notice to vacate letter informs your landlord or property manager that you want to end your lease agreement. It’s a legal document that protects you and proves that you sent the letter within the agreed time frame.

Landlords benefit from notice to vacate letters since it gives them enough time to find a new tenant. 

What does a notice to vacate letter contain?

A notice to vacate letter should include your contact information, intent to end your lease, and the date you intend to vacate. The date is crucial because this proves that you’ve met the requirements for the adequate notice required by your lease. Penalties are often paid when tenants fail to abide by notice agreements.

Write your letter in a kind and straightforward manner. Who knows, you may need a landlord recommendation on your next move, and being courteous can increase your chances of getting one from your former landlord.

Your new address and contact information should be precise so that your landlord knows where to send your security deposit. 

Even when it’s not required, it would always be a good idea to send your property manager or landlord a letter to show that you’re an excellent tenant.

What is an eviction notice?

An eviction notice is not the same as a notice to vacate letter. An eviction notice is a letter sent by a landlord or property manager to a tenant informing them that they must leave due to lease agreement violations. If you’re behind on rent, engage in criminal acts or commit lease violations, you’ll most likely get an eviction notice.

Landlords also send a no-cause notice to vacate letter, which informs you that your lease is not being renewed. This is often sent if the property will be sold, renovated, or the rent is being raised.

How many days' notice should you give your landlord when you plan to move?

It’s common for landlords to require you to provide written notice that you want to end your lease. While some would only ask for an email or a phone call, a formal letter is always a better option since it can prove that you’ve given proper notice.

The notice period would depend on municipal and state laws. For long-term leases, a 30 days notice is common, and in some instances, 60 days are required.

For short-term leases, a month-to-month would require a 30-day notice, while for a week-to-week lease, seven days' notice would suffice.

If you are moving out before your lease term ends, you may need to pay a penalty which is usually a month’s rent.

How do you send your notice to vacate letter?

Handing it over physically and asking your landlord to sign a notice of receipt is one of the best ways to send your notice to vacate letter. If you prefer to mail your letter, use certified mail so that you’ll get a receipt of delivery which can serve as proof that you followed the notice agreement should issues arise.

Are you ready to make a move to Bakersfield, CA?

Bakersfield has a cost of living that’s 25.5% below the state average, which is why so many consider moving here when they think about moving to California. Once you’ve found your dream home, the next step is looking for funds to buy your new home. 

Accelerated Lending Group has tons of experience helping people become homeowners in Bakersfield, CA. If you want a stress-free home-buying process, call or send us a message on our website for a consultation.

* Specific loan program availability and requirements may vary. Please get in touch with your mortgage advisor for more information.