The Ultimate Guide to Writing a Lease Termination Letter

Moving is chaotic. Between packing boxes and hiring movers, it's easy to forget the most important legal step: formally telling your landlord you are leaving. A quick text message isn't enough; you need a formal Lease Termination Letter (also known as a Notice to Vacate).

Without this letter, your landlord could claim you abandoned the property, charge you extra rent, or keep your security deposit.

What to Check Before You Write

Before you start drafting, pull out your lease agreement and check:

1. Notice Period: Do you need to give 30 days? 60 days?
2. Delivery Method: Does the lease specify that notice must be sent via "Certified Mail" or "written notice"? (Hint: Written is always safer than email).
3. End Date: Ensure your move-out date aligns with the end of a rental period if required.

What Must Be Included?

A valid lease termination letter needs:

• Date: Today's date.
• Landlord's Name and Address.
• Statement of Intent: "I am terminating my lease..."
• Property Address: The unit you are renting.
• Move-Out Date: The specific day you will handover keys.
• Security Deposit Instructions: Your new forwarding address where they should send the check.
• Signature.

Free Template: 30-Day Notice to Vacate

You can copy and paste this, or click here to open it directly in Papermail.

[Date]

To [Landlord Name],

This letter serves as formal notice that I will be vacating the property located at [Rental Address] on [Move-Out Date], which is at least 30 days from today.

I will deliver the keys to [Office Location/Person] on that date.

Please return my security deposit to my new address: [Your New Address] [City, State, Zip]

If you have any questions, I can be reached at [Phone Number].

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Why You Must Mail This (Not Just Email)

Landlords are busy. Emails go to spam. Texts get deleted.

If your lease automatically renews or if there is a dispute over the move-out date, you need proof. Certified Mail is the gold standard in real estate. It gives you a receipt proving you gave notice within the required window.

How to Send It Without a Printer

1. Select a Template: Go to our Template Library and choose "Lease Termination."
2. Fill in the Blanks: Add your landlord's name and dates.
3. Send Certified: Choose "Certified Mail" at checkout.
4. Relax: We print, mail, and track it for you.

Draft Your Lease Termination Letter Now →

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