How To Provide Move Out Notice To Your Landlord
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How To Provide Move Out Notice To Your Landlord

Dec 08, 2023

Are you preparing to move out from a rental property in Melbourne? The procedure may seem easy, but breaking the tenancy agreement could put a financial strain on your shoulders.

There is always a high chance of losing hard-earned bond money if you move out without providing a vacate notice letter to your landlord or property manager.

In Victoria, a renter must provide 28 days written notice to their property manager before ending the lease unless the rental agreement has a specific notice period.

Today, we will delve into the step-by-step guide on providing a move-out notice to a landlord in a predefined timeframe. This will help you avoid rental disputes, secure your bond amount and give you enough time to pack and prepare your household belongings.

Let’s Get Started!

What Does a Move-Out Notice Mean?

A move-out notice, also known as a vacate notice letter, is a formal document that renters/tenants provide to their landlords/property managers before terminating or leaving the tenancy.

It should either be served when you vacate a property early or don’t want to renew your lease period at the end of a tenancy.

Make sure to check your fixed-term lease agreement to see if there is any predefined timeframe for serving notice. If not, you can provide a vacate notice letter at least 28 days before the final move-out. This timeframe is mentioned in the residential tenancy laws in Victoria.

In the meantime, you can prep your belongings, book cheap removalists in Melbourne, arrange packing supplies and do other important things for a smooth move-out process.

What Are the Repercussions of Moving Out Without Giving Notice?

You may encounter financial and legal consequences if you move out of a rental property without giving proper notice to your landlord:

You may be liable to pay the rent until your landlord gets a new landlord if you are ending the tenancy early. In simple terms, you will have to pay for the entire lease period.

  • A renter may incur late fees for unpaid rent.
  • You may be charged with reletting fees
  • Losing a part of bond money
  • Rental disputes

If you have an emergency, you can inform your landlord and prepare for your last-minute move without breaking the agreement.

How to Provide a Move-out Notice to Your Landlord?

Below is a step-by-step guide to help you move out without breaking the lease agreement.

1. Read Your Tenancy Agreement Carefully

It is important to know what you agreed to when entering the lease agreement and coordinate your move-out date accordingly. The majority of rental or tenancy agreements have a clause related to the move-out notice period.

If there is a specific notice period, you must serve it before the final move out to avoid unnecessary conflicts. It could be around 30 days or even 60 days, depending on the landlord’s intention. That’s why it is always good to read the agreement before signing it.

The agreement also includes the financial penalties you may incur if you terminate your lease without informing your landlord on time.

2. Write Down a Well-Formatted Notice Letter

In this step, write a professional move-out notice letter with all details and relevant reasons for termination. Here is a brief guide to draft a formal vacate notice letter in a few minutes:

  • Include your name and the property’s address
  • The Current Date
  • The termination date you plan to move out
  • Your New Address
  • Contact Details
  • Reason for termination (if any)

Don’t forget to start the preparations for the final move-out. It is important to declutter your belongings and also search for the best removalists Melbourne at least 5-6 weeks before the anticipated moving day.

3. Deliver the Notice Letter on Time

You can deliver the notice letter using the following methods:

  • Registered Post
  • Electronic Communication Medium, such as emails
  • In hand or giving it personally

It is best to meet your landlord or property manager and hand over the notice letter. Make sure you create a realistic moving timeline for a successful and stress-free move.

If you are busy packing up your belongings, email them. It is good to send the letter as an attachment so the landlord can easily print and save it for future requirements.

If you are mailing via post, do it as early as you decide to terminate because the delivery of mail takes time.

4. Keep Records with You As well

Do not forget to prepare a copy of the letter you have mailed to your landlord. This is important if you want to move out without getting into any conflict or dispute with your landlord.

If you have a hardcopy of it, then keep it in the folder where you have collected all documents. It is because loose papers and documents are the one of the most forgotten things during the move. So, keep it safe and secure.

Make sure you perform a thorough end of lease cleaning Melbourne and pack your belongings to avoid moving chaos.

You can also hire professional removalists Melbourne for the utmost safety of your possessions while in transit.

Wrapping Up

Terminating a lease can lead to potential consequences if you don’t follow the right procedure. You can consider the guide from this article and notify your landlord on time to avoid financial and legal repercussions when vacating a rental property.