Expat FAQ
How much Notice do I need to give when leaving an Apartment?
Giving notice at an apartment is the process of informing the landlord that you are leaving your accommodation. Notice is legally required in most places and circumstances, but the length of notice depends on the country and state standards. It is generally no less than 28 days. The period of notice should be noted in a written contract. It is recommended to give as much notice as possible.
When making your request to vacate, submit it in writing. Even if your contract only requires verbal notice, it is safest to put the notice in a letter, date it and then send it to the landlord or management company via registered mail, return receipt requested. Ask for written permission to move. If the landlord or manager doesn't respond with 30 days, permission may be assumed, but you should check the lease and local laws.
It may be required that your last day coincide with the end of a rental period. This can be tricky. For example, if you decide on March 20 that you want to vacate your apartment and 30 days's notice is required, the first day of every month is the end of your rental period. Therefore, you would not be able to vacate until the end of the following rental period (May 1) and not April 21, even though this would be more than 30 days later.
Failing to provide minimum notice forfeits your security deposit and can leave yourself open to costly legal ramifications.
Monthly Rentals
Monthly rentals in which the contract only stipulates rent on a month-to-month basis requires minimal notice. If you have a contract, consult it for the terms regarding notice. Otherwise, as little as 7 days may be necessary.
Leaving an Apartment
Upon leaving a property, you should inspect the property with the landlord or house manager. Inspect the site and discuss any issues or necessary repairs. If a deposit has been paid, damages are taken out of the deposit and the remaining deposit returned.
Rescinding the Contract
There are certain circumstances where one party may want to rescinding the contract.
- Does not pay the rent or deposit
- Rents the property to a third party without the owner's consent.
- Deliberately causes damages to the property
- Undertakes repairs without owner's consent
- Causes serious nuisance to the neighbors
- Fails to make the necessary repairs to keep the property in a fit and habitable condition
- Disturbs the tenant's dwelling use
[03-02-2012]
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