How to Mail a Notice to Vacate (2025 Guide)

Notice to vacate letter being sent by certified mail

Quick Answer: Notice to Vacate

Who sends: Either tenant (leaving) or landlord (not renewing)
Typical notice: 30 days for month-to-month; varies for fixed-term
Best method: Certified Mail with Return Receipt
Keep: Copy of notice, mailing receipt, and green card

A notice to vacate letter (also called a move-out notice letter, lease termination letter, or rental notice to vacate) formally communicates that a tenancy will end. Whether you are a tenant moving out or a landlord choosing not to renew, properly delivering this notice protects your rights and ensures you meet legal requirements. This guide covers how to mail a notice to vacate correctly for both tenants and landlords.

What is a Notice to Vacate?

A notice to vacate is a formal written notification that a rental tenancy will end. It can be sent by:

Tenant's Notice

Tells landlord you are moving out
Required for month-to-month leases
May be required at end of fixed-term
Protects your security deposit

Landlord's Notice

Tells tenant lease will not renew
Required for month-to-month termination
Different from eviction for cause
May need to state reason in some areas

Notice to Vacate vs. Eviction Notice

A notice to vacate ends a tenancy without alleging wrongdoing. An eviction notice (pay or quit, cure or quit) alleges a lease violation and can lead to formal eviction proceedings. This guide covers notices to vacate. For eviction notices, see our eviction notice guide.

Notice Period Requirements

The required notice period depends on your state, lease type, and who is giving notice:

Lease Type	Typical Tenant Notice (varies by state)	Typical Landlord Notice (check local law)
Month-to-Month	Often 30 days	Often 30-60 days (varies by state)
Week-to-Week	Often 7 days (varies by state)	Often 7 days (varies by state)
Fixed-Term (1 year)	Often not required if leaving at end	Often 30-60 days before expiration

Important: Always check your lease agreement first - it may require more notice than state law. Also check your state and local laws, as requirements vary significantly.

For Tenants: Giving Notice to Move Out

As a tenant, sending proper notice protects your security deposit and rental history:

Check Your Lease

Your lease may specify the exact notice required, how to deliver it, and to whom. Follow lease requirements exactly.

Time It Right

Most leases require notice to be received by a certain date. For example, 30 days before the first of the month. Mail early to ensure receipt in time.

Get Proof

Certified mail provides proof you gave notice. This protects you if there is a dispute about whether you gave proper notice.

Follow Up

After mailing, follow up with an email or phone call to confirm receipt. Keep records of all communications.

For Landlords: Giving Notice to Tenant

Landlords giving notice to end a tenancy should:

Verify Legal Requirements

Some cities have rent control or just-cause eviction laws requiring a specific reason to not renew. Check local laws before sending notice.

Use Proper Notice Period

Landlords often need more notice time than tenants. Long-term tenants (1+ year) may require 60 days instead of 30.

Document Service

If the tenant does not leave, you may need to prove proper notice was given before filing for eviction. Certified mail provides this proof. You can track delivery online for confirmation.

Consider Multiple Methods

Send by both certified mail and regular first-class mail. Some landlords also deliver a copy in person or post on the door.

How to Mail Your Notice to Vacate

Step 1: Prepare the Notice

Use the correct form if your state requires one
Include all required information (see below)
Print and sign the notice
Make at least 2 copies (one to mail, one for your records)

Step 2: Address Correctly

Tenants: Mail to landlord or property management at address in your lease
Landlords: Mail to tenant at the rental property address
Include your return address

Step 3: Send by Certified Mail

Request "Certified Mail with Return Receipt Requested"
Complete PS Form 3800 (certified mail receipt)
Complete PS Form 3811 (green card return receipt)
Optionally, also send a copy via regular first-class mail
Keep all receipts

Step 4: Track and Document

Track delivery online at USPS.com
Save the green card when it returns (proof of receipt)
Keep all documentation with your lease records

What to Include in the Notice

A proper notice to vacate should include:

Date: The date you are writing/sending the notice
Property address: Full address of the rental unit
Names: Names of all parties on the lease
Statement of intent: Clear statement that the tenancy will end
Move-out date: Specific date by which the unit must be vacated
Reason (if required): Some jurisdictions require a reason for non-renewal
Forwarding address (for tenants): Where to send security deposit
Contact information: How to reach the sender
Signature: Your handwritten signature

Sample Notice to Vacate Letter (Tenant)

This sample notice to vacate letter / lease termination letter template can be customized for your situation:

[Date]

To: [Landlord Name]

[Landlord Address]

RE: Notice to Vacate - [Rental Property Address]

Dear [Landlord Name],

This letter serves as my formal notice that I will be vacating the property located at [full rental address], effective [move-out date]. This provides [30] days notice as required by our lease agreement.

Please send my security deposit to the following address: [forwarding address].

I will ensure the property is clean and in good condition. Please contact me at [phone/email] to schedule a move-out inspection.

Sincerely,

[Your signature]

[Your printed name]

Timing and Effective Dates

Timing is critical for notices to vacate:

Notice starts when received: The clock typically starts when the other party receives the notice, not when you mail it.
Add mailing time: If mailing, add 3-5 business days for delivery. Send early to ensure the notice period is met.
Month-to-month timing: Many leases require notice by a specific day. For example, if you must give 30 days notice and rent is due on the 1st, notice received on August 15 may not be effective until October 1.
Check your lease: Your lease may have specific rules about when notice is effective.

Pro Tip: Give Extra Notice

When in doubt, give more notice than required. If 30 days is required, send 35-40 days early to account for mail delivery. This protects you if there are any delays or disputes.

USPS Delivery Time Estimator

Choose your sending and destination states to estimate how long First-Class and Priority Mail usually take to arrive.

Open the estimator

Documentation to Keep

Keep the following records with your lease file:

Copy of the notice: Exact copy of what you sent
Certified mail receipt: Shows tracking number, date, and address
Return receipt (green card): Proof of delivery with signature and date
Tracking information: Screenshot or printout showing delivery
Any follow-up communications: Emails, texts, or letters about the move-out

Send Your Notice to Vacate by Certified Mail

Skip the post office. Upload your notice and we print and send it via USPS Certified Mail with Return Receipt. Same-day processing, full tracking, and pricing starting at $4.99.

Send Certified Mail Online

FAQs

How much notice do I need to give to vacate?

Notice periods vary by state and lease type. Month-to-month leases typically require 30 days notice, though some states require 60 days for tenants who have lived there over a year. Fixed-term leases may not require notice if you leave at the end of the term. Check your lease agreement and state law for specific requirements.

Should I send my notice to vacate by certified mail?

Yes, certified mail is recommended for both tenants and landlords. It provides proof of when the notice was sent and when it was received, which is important if there is a dispute about whether proper notice was given. Keep your certified mail receipt and return receipt (green card) as evidence.

When does the 30-day notice period start?

The notice period typically starts when the other party receives the notice, not when you mail it. If you mail your notice, add a few days for delivery time. Some states and leases specify that notice must be received by a certain day of the month to be effective for that rental period.

What is the difference between a notice to vacate and an eviction notice?

A notice to vacate is typically a voluntary notice ending a tenancy (from either party) without alleging wrongdoing. An eviction notice (like a pay or quit notice) is a landlord-initiated notice due to lease violations, which can lead to formal eviction proceedings if not resolved.

Can I give notice by email?

Email may be acceptable for informal notice, but most leases and state laws require written notice delivered by mail or in person. Email alone may not satisfy legal notice requirements. Use email as a backup, but send the formal notice by certified mail.

What if I need to move out before the notice period ends?

If you must leave early, you are typically still responsible for rent through the notice period. However, you may be able to negotiate with your landlord, find a replacement tenant, or pay a lease-break fee. Review your lease for early termination provisions.

Related Guides

Legal Disclaimer

This guide provides general information about notices to vacate and is not legal advice. Landlord-tenant laws vary significantly by state and locality. For specific legal questions about your situation, consult with a licensed attorney or your local housing authority.

Last updated: January 25, 2025

Tags: notice to vacate, notice to vacate letter, 30 day notice, move out notice, lease termination letter, end of lease notice, tenant notice, landlord notice, notice to vacate certified mail