No one can stay in a single rental forever. So, at least once in your life, you will need to move (and probably hire professional movers). It can be to your own house or another rental. You can carry out the whole moving process yourself or, if it is an international move, you can use the services of a transport company.
Whatever the case, you need to worry about more than finding a new place, packing, and transporting your stuff to a new home. This includes how to communicate your intentions to your landlord.
Providing your landlord with proper legal notice to terminate your lease is most times a lease requirement and will ensure you do not lose your security deposit or face a legal charge. Read on to find out how and when to provide your landlord with a moving notice—a lease termination letter template.
Before contacting a full-service moving company to start your moving plans, it is crucial to first communicate with the landlord.
If you are on a month-to-month lease, the landlord-tenant law requires you to give a 30-day notice to the landlord before moving. However, the actual period depends on the terms of the lease agreement and the legal requirements of your specific state. The notice period is meant to protect the landlord and allow time to find a new tenant.
Long-term/yearly leases can not terminate the contract halfway through but have the right not to renew the contract once the term lapses. However, the law also requires the tenant to give the landlord a 30-day notice before the expiry of the lease. This also varies from one state to the other.
High Stream Moving is proud to offer professional local and long distance moving services in Toronto and all across Canada and the USA.
Informal notice (e.g. verbal notice) or lack of notice can lead to:
To avoid this, it is important to give notice in writing, keeping copies and proof of receipt.
Even if you don't plan to rent from that landlord again, positive references can be helpful in the future. Correct notification demonstrates your responsibility and respect for your contractual obligations.
| Mistake | Description | How to Avoid |
| Failure to Meet Notice Deadlines | Notice is given later than required, potentially leading to payment for an extra month. | Check the notice period in the lease and local laws. |
| Lack of Written Confirmation | Verbal notice has no legal standing. | Send the notice by registered mail with proof of delivery or by email with confirmation of receipt. |
| Incorrect or Incomplete Information | Missing important details: property address, move-out date, or deposit return details. | Include the full address, dates, contact information, and deposit return details. |
| No Reference to Lease Terms | Lease termination terms are not mentioned. | Refer to the relevant clause in the lease. |
| Unclear Wording | Ambiguities in the text may cause misunderstandings. | Use clear wording and specify the exact move-out date. |
| No Signature and Date | Without a signature, the notice may be invalid. | Include the date and sign the notice. |
| Incorrect Delivery Method | Delivery through a third party or informal methods may not ensure receipt. | Use registered mail or deliver in person with a signed acknowledgment. |
| No Request for Security Deposit Return | This may delay the return of funds. | Include a request for the deposit and specify the payment method. |
| Inappropriate Tone | An aggressive tone can damage the relationship with the landlord. | Use a polite and professional tone. |
The best way to deliver the ease termination letter is through a written hard copy and deliver it to the landlord in person. This will ensure no mishaps or leave you wondering if the message was received.
However, you can also send the letter through registered mail or e-mail.
A lease termination letter/moving notice is a legal document. Therefore, you should ensure that it contains all the necessary information. The main thing to pay close attention to is the dates. In addition, ensure the rest of the information is succinct and straight to the point.
The general information to include is:
Here is a moving notice letter to help frame your own notice.
[Your Name]
[Your Full Address including House Number]
[Today's Date]
Re: Official Notice to Vacate
Dear [name and/or company]
[Landlord’s or property management company full address]
Paragraph 1: State your intention to move and state the date (Don’t forget to mention the property you are moving from).
Paragraph 2: Mention the notice days requirements as per the lease agreement. And add any necessary information. For example, if you are required to carry out repairs or return the property keys, mention when you will do this.
Paragraph 3: mention your security deposit and provide forwarding information, including where and how you can be contacted.
[Your New Full Address including House Number]
[Your Phone Number]
Sincerely,
[Your Name] (typed)
[Your Signature]
With care for you, your best moving company - High Stream Moving. Give us a call at (800) 430-1537 for a free consultation and estimate for your condo moving.