Guide · Renting and leases

Giving Notice and Moving Out

A friendly, practical guide to giving notice the right way, planning your move-out, and finishing well.

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Where to start

Plans changed suddenly?
Reach out early, kindly and in writing. See if plans change suddenly.
Ready to write your notice?
See what good notice includes.
Moving in a few weeks?
Work through the moving out checklist.

The short version

Giving notice properly starts with your lease. It usually says how much notice is needed and how it must be delivered.

Give notice in writing, dated and signed, and keep a copy. Include the address, everyone’s names, your move-out date and a forwarding address.

Plan backward from move-out day: mail forwarding, utilities, cleaning, a pre-move-out walk, and returning every key.

If plans change suddenly, reach out early and kindly, and put any new agreement in writing.

Notice rules differ from place to place, so we’d gently encourage a quick look at your local rules. If you ever have questions, we would love to help.

Four simple rules

1
Check your lease first
Your lease usually says how much notice is needed, how it must be given and when it can start.
2
Give notice in writing
A dated, written notice, delivered the way the lease describes, creates a clear record for everyone.
3
Plan backward from move-out day
Work back from your last day to schedule movers, utilities, cleaning and the final walk.
4
Finish with the details
Return every key, share your forwarding address, and leave the home clean and empty.

What good notice includes

Good notice is in writing. It usually includes:

The date
The home’s address
The names of everyone on the lease
The planned move out date
A forwarding address
A signature

Deliver it the way your lease describes, early enough to meet the notice period, and keep a copy for your records.

Try it

Moving out checklist

From the guide’s own steps. Tick each one as you go. Your ticks stay on this device. These are examples; your lease may ask for others.

0 of 8

Notice section of the lease read, and the due date marked on your calendar
Notice given in writing, dated and signed, delivered the way the lease describes
Copy of the notice kept, with any confirmation it was received
Mail forwarding set up about two weeks ahead, and your address updated with banks, employers and services
Utility shutoffs or transfers scheduled, after your final walk if you can
Pre move out walk asked for a week or two before you leave
Home cleaned, all belongings and trash removed, dated photos of every room taken
Every key, remote and fob returned

If plans change suddenly

Take a breath. Life changes, and most owners understand that.
Read what your lease says about ending early or changing your move out date.
Reach out to the owner or manager as soon as you can, kindly and in writing.
Ask about options, like finding a replacement tenant or agreeing on a new end date.
Put any agreement in writing, signed by everyone, and keep a copy.
If you are unsure of your rights, a local tenant or landlord association, legal aid office or attorney can help.

An early, honest conversation opens far more options than a last minute surprise.

For owners

For owners: when notice arrives

From the guide’s own list. Your ticks stay on this device. These are examples; local rules may ask for others.

0 of 8

Notice confirmed in writing, with the move out date restated
Move out checklist shared, with cleaning expectations and key return details
Pre move out walk offered
How and when the deposit will be returned explained, and a forwarding address asked for
Notice given before showing the home, as the lease and local rules describe
Home walked with the move in report in hand, with dated photos
Every key, remote and fob counted and confirmed in writing
Deposit returned with an itemized statement within the time local rules allow

Test yourself

How much do you remember?

4 quick questions from this guide, with a one line why for each. Totally optional, no sign in, and your answers are never saved.

From The Perfect Series

Go deeper with The Perfect Move-Out Checklist Workbook

Simple, step by step checklists you can write in for moving out: giving notice, cleaning, the pre move out walk, deposits, renewals and more.

See The Perfect Move-Out Checklist Workbook All books in The Perfect Series

Keep the full guide handy

The PDF has everything: everyday habits, what to do when something goes wrong, common myths, helpful resources and plenty of real-world tips. Print it, save it or share it with anyone who could use it.

Download the PDF

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This guide shares general information to help you, and is not legal advice. Bunklow does not inspect properties or decide deposits.