Moving in and out
How much notice do I need to give before moving out?
Updated By the Housing Rocket moderators
Short answer
Whatever your lease says, and if it says nothing, whatever your state requires. For month-to-month rentals, 30 days' written notice is common, though some states require more. Fixed-term leases often require notice 30 to 60 days before the end date, and missing it can trigger an automatic renewal or extra rent.
Find the notice clause in your lease and note three things: how many days, whether notice must be in writing, and how it must be delivered. Some leases require a specific method, such as the resident portal or mail to a certain address.
Count carefully. For month-to-month tenancies, some states require notice to line up with the rental period, so notice given mid-month may not take effect until the end of the following month. When in doubt, give notice earlier than you think you need to.
Keep proof: a dated email plus a letter or portal submission, and a screenshot of any confirmation. If your plans change after you give notice, don't assume you can take it back. The landlord may have already rented the unit to someone else.
Leaving a fixed lease before its end date is a different situation with different costs. See breaking a lease for your options there.
Want the whole picture? Read Renting Your First Apartment: Applications, Leases and Move-in Costs.