What goes in a 30-day notice and how to format it

A 30-day notice tells your landlord you are moving out in 30 days. It should include your name, the property address, the date you are writing it, the date you plan to leave, and your signature. The letter does not need to be long — one page is standard. You can write it by hand or type it, but typed is clearer and easier to prove you sent.

Start with your name and address at the top, then the date you are writing the notice. Below that, write your landlord's name and the property address. Address the letter to your landlord by name if you know it, or "To the Landlord" if you do not. Then write a straightforward statement: "I am providing 30 days' notice that I will be vacating the property at [address] on [specific date]." End with your signature and printed name.

Do not include reasons for moving, complaints about the property, or anything beyond the basic facts. Landlords do not need to know why you are leaving, and extra details can create confusion or conflict later. Keep the tone neutral and professional.

Key Takeaways

  • Your 30-day notice must include your name, the property address, today's date, your move-out date, and your signature.
  • The move-out date should be exactly 30 days from the date you deliver the notice, unless your lease or local law requires a different period.
  • Send the notice in writing — email, certified mail, or hand delivery — and keep a copy for your records.
  • Check your lease and local tenant laws before sending, because some places require more than 30 days or have specific notice rules.

When to send the notice and how to deliver it

Send your notice as soon as you know you are moving. The 30-day clock starts the day your landlord receives it, not the day you write it. If you mail it, send it certified mail with return receipt so you have proof of delivery. If you hand-deliver it, give it directly to your landlord or leave it at the rental office. If you email it, use a method that shows when it was sent and received — regular email works, but take a screenshot of the sent message.

Do not assume your landlord received the notice just because you sent it. Keep the proof of delivery — the certified mail receipt, the email confirmation, or a photo of you handing it over. If your landlord later claims they never got it, you will need that proof.

Check your lease and local rules first

Before you write the notice, read your lease to see what it says about notice. Some leases require 60 days instead of 30, or they may have other rules about how notice must be given. If your lease says 60 days, you must give 60 days — 30 days is not enough.

Your state and city may also have tenant laws that set a minimum notice period. Some places require 30 days, others require 45 or 60. A few states have different rules depending on how long you have lived there. Look up your state's tenant laws online or call your local housing authority to find out what applies to you. If your lease says 30 days but your state law says 60, you must follow the longer period.

What the move-out date should be

The move-out date is the last day you will occupy the property. It should be exactly 30 days after your landlord receives the notice, unless your lease or local law requires more time. If you deliver the notice on January 15, your move-out date is February 14. If you mail it on January 15 and your landlord receives it on January 17, the 30 days starts on January 17, so your move-out date is February 16.

Write the specific date in the notice — not "30 days from now" but the actual calendar date. This removes any confusion about when you are actually leaving. Make sure the date falls on a day when your landlord can inspect the property, usually a weekday.

Sample 30-day notice template

Here is a basic template you can use:

[Your Name] [Your Address] [Today's Date]

[Landlord's Name] [Property Address]

Dear [Landlord's Name or "Landlord"],

I am providing 30 days' notice that I will be vacating the property at [full address] on [move-out date]. I will return all keys and leave the property in clean condition.

Sincerely, [Your Signature] [Your Printed Name]

You can add a line about returning keys or asking about the move-out inspection, but keep it brief. Do not add complaints, requests for the security deposit back, or anything else — those are separate conversations.

What happens after you send the notice

After your landlord receives the notice, they will usually schedule a move-out inspection for around your move-out date. This is when they walk through the property to check for damage and decide what to deduct from your security deposit. You have the right to be present during this inspection in most states.

Your landlord may also start showing the property to new tenants before you leave. They can enter for showings with proper notice — usually 24 hours in most states, though this varies. You are still paying rent until your move-out date, so you have the right to quiet enjoyment of the space during that time.

Make sure you actually move out by the date in your notice. If you stay past that date without permission, your landlord can charge you for the extra days or start eviction proceedings. If you need to stay longer, contact your landlord in writing and ask for permission — do not just stay.

Common mistakes to avoid

Do not send the notice by text message or a casual note. Use email or certified mail so there is a clear record. Do not say you are moving "around" a certain date — use a specific date. Do not include reasons for moving or complaints about the property, because these can complicate your relationship with the landlord and may affect your security deposit return.

Do not assume 30 days is always enough. Check your lease and local law first. Do not wait until the last minute to send it — the sooner you give notice, the sooner your landlord can find a new tenant and the smoother your move will be. Do not forget to keep a copy of the notice and proof that you sent it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the 30 days start from when I write the notice or when my landlord gets it?

It starts when your landlord receives it, not when you write it. If you mail it, the clock starts when they get the letter, which is why certified mail with return receipt is useful — it shows the exact delivery date. If you hand-deliver it or email it, the clock starts that day.

What if my lease says I need to give 60 days instead of 30?

You must follow what your lease says. If it requires 60 days, giving 30 days is not enough, and your landlord can hold you responsible for rent for the full 60-day period. Always read your lease before sending notice.

Can I take back a 30-day notice after I send it?

Once you send it, it is legally binding in most places. Your landlord can rely on it to plan for a new tenant. If you need to stay longer, contact your landlord when ready and ask if they will agree to let you withdraw the notice. They do not have to agree, but it is worth asking.

Do I need to tell my landlord where I am moving?

No. The notice only needs to say you are leaving the property and when. You do not have to share your new address or any other personal information.

What if I do not know my landlord's name?

Address the notice to "To the Landlord" or "To the Property Manager" at the property address. If you pay rent to a management company, use their name and address instead. The important thing is that the notice reaches the person or company that manages the property.