Filed under Apartment Leasing on September 12th, 2008:
How To Inform Your Landlord You’re Moving
Your Grand Rapids apartment lease may have a specific term end date on it, but that does not mean that your landlord knows you will be moving out on that day. If you look carefully at most leases, lessees are required to let their landlord know ahead of time if they plan on moving out at the end of a lease.
Allow for Adequate Time:
Your lease probably has a stipulation in it that says you must let your apartment manager or landlord know when you plan on moving out at least 30 to 60 days ahead of time. This 30 to 60 days allows your landlord time to market the apartment so that they can find a tenant to take over the apartment as quickly as possible after you move out. If you don’t let your landlord know, he might think you plan on going month to month or plan on signing a lease renewal after your lease agreement ends. To avoid confusion, it’s best to let your landlord know in writing when you plan on moving out.
Drafting your Move Out Notice:
Some apartment complexes may have an official document that you have to fill out to let them know when you plan on moving out. If your apartment complex does not have a standard form, then you should provide a “notice to landlord” letter in writing. It should include these key items:
Landlord’s Name – Address the letter to your landlord or apartment complex.
Address – You should include the street address and the number of the apartment you will be vacating.
Your Name – Your name and all other occupants listed on the lease should be listed as tenants that intend to move out.
Move Out Date – You should include the exact date that you plan on moving out.
Current Date – Include the current date somewhere in the letter to show that notification was given within 30 to 60 days of move out.
Forwarding Address – If you already know where you’ll be living after you move, it might be a good idea to list your new address and when that address will be active.
Sign it – Sign your name at the bottom, and if possible, have your landlord sign that he has acknowledged the letter.
Copy it – Copy the letter and leave the original with your landlord. Keep the copy for when you move out at the end of your lease to have proof if an problems should arise.
Sample Letter:
Playing it safe and providing a written letter for your landlord stating that you will move out at the end of your lease is a good idea even if it is not required by your rental agreement. Not only does it protect your interests, but it is an act of courtesy to let your landlord know ahead of time.
Dear Willowood Hill Apartment Company, This is to inform you on the 7th of October 2009 that John and Jane Smith intend to vacate apartment 100 located at 123 A Street in Grand Rapids, Michigan, at the end of the lease agreement on the 8th of December 2009. This provides at least 60 days written notice as required in our lease agreement. Please send our deposit and any other correspondence after the 8th of December 2009 to 456 B Street in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Thank you,
John Smith
Jane Smith
November 28th, 2009 at 2:03 pm
Thanks for posting this informative post.