60 Day Move Out Notice Template for the United States

A 60 Day Move Out Notice is a formal written letter you provide to your landlord or property manager when you intend to terminate your tenancy in the United States. This extended notice period is typically required for month-to-month tenancies, longer-term leases, or in states with enhanced tenant protection laws. The notice serves as official documentation of your intent to vacate and helps establish a clear timeline for both you and your landlord.

When do you need this document?

You need a 60 Day Move Out Notice when your lease requires this specific notice period, which is common in states like California, Oregon, and New Jersey for certain rental situations. Many jurisdictions mandate 60-day notice for tenants who have resided in the property for over one year, providing additional protection for long-term renters. You'll also need this document if you're ending a month-to-month tenancy in areas where local laws extend beyond the standard 30-day requirement. Additionally, some lease agreements specifically stipulate a 60-day notice period regardless of state minimums, making this document essential for contract compliance. A move-out notice is also useful when a job relocation or a change in circumstances means you need to leave before the lease expires and want a documented request to end the tenancy on clear terms.

What should a 60 day notice to vacate include?

• The tenant's full name and current rental property address
• The name of the landlord or property manager
• The date you are writing the notice
• The exact move-out date, which must fall at least 60 days after the notice date
• A statement that you intend to vacate and surrender the unit
• A reference to your original lease agreement
• A forwarding address for your security deposit and final rent reconciliation
• A request for a move-out inspection and details of the property's condition at handover
• Your signature and date, since an unsigned form can be treated as invalid

Keeping these elements in a single, clearly structured letter makes it harder for a landlord to dispute that proper notice was given.

Worked example

Imagine a tenant renting an apartment in Los Angeles who has lived there for 18 months and wants to leave on June 30. Because they have been in residence for more than 12 months, California law generally requires 60 days' notice, so they must deliver a signed written notice no later than May 1. The letter names the tenant and the property manager, states the June 30 move-out date, references the lease signed two years earlier, confirms that rent will be paid through the move-out date, and gives a forwarding address for the security deposit. The tenant sends it by certified mail and keeps the receipt as proof of delivery.

Key legal considerations

Your notice must include complete tenant information, the full property address, the specific date you're providing notice, and your intended move-out date, which must be at least 60 days from the notice date. The document should reference your original lease agreement and comply with any specific delivery methods outlined in your lease or state law. Timing is crucial. Providing insufficient notice can result in financial penalties, loss of security deposits, or potential disputes over unpaid rent. You must also ensure the notice complies with Fair Housing Act requirements and doesn't inadvertently create discrimination issues. Some states require specific language or formatting, and failure to include required elements can invalidate your notice entirely. If a tenant fails to give the full 60 days, the landlord may be able to charge rent for the shortfall or deduct it from the security deposit, so the move-out date and delivery timing need to be exact. A 60 day notice to vacate is not an eviction; an eviction is started by the landlord, while this letter is the tenant's own notice that they are choosing to move out.

How do you deliver the notice to your landlord?

Deliver the signed notice according to the methods allowed by your lease or state law, which typically include personal delivery, certified mail with return receipt, or posting in a conspicuous location at the property. Keep a copy of the letter and proof of delivery, such as the certified mail receipt or a dated email acknowledgement, so you can show the landlord received 60 days' notice if any question arises over the security deposit or final rent. Download the completed notice as a PDF so you have a dated, unalterable record to send and to keep for your files.

Legal requirements in the United States

United States landlord-tenant law varies significantly by state, with each jurisdiction establishing specific requirements for move-out notices. States like California require 60-day notice for tenants in residence for 12 months or more, while other states may have different thresholds or requirements. You must comply with local municipal codes that may impose additional obligations beyond state law, such as specific delivery methods or additional tenant protections. The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act provides special protections for military personnel, potentially allowing shorter notice periods or lease termination under certain circumstances. Your notice must be delivered according to state-specified methods, and you should maintain proof of delivery for your records. You can browse the full template library for related rental and property documents.