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Landlord-Tenant Attorney in San Francisco, California


Moving Out/Proper Notice (for Tenants)


Tenant Attorney in San Francisco, California


Relocating to a new place is exciting. However, it is not going to be as simple as packing up your belongings and moving to the next spot. Before you move out of your current living space, you must deliver a proper notice to your landlord to fulfill the legal requirements of your rental or lease agreement.

Regardless of why you’re moving, you want to end the tenancy on good terms with your landlord. A credible San Francisco tenant lawyer can help you understand the move-out process for tenants and the additional steps you must follow before leaving.

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Whether you're dealing with a landlord-tenant dispute or addressing a real estate concern in California, our San Francisco real estate attorneys are here to protect your rights.

Why Do I Need a Tenant Lawyer in California?

move out notice california

If you have decided not to renew your lease, certain legal steps must be taken to inform your landlord. Avoid move-out hassles by giving your landlord proper notice and leaving your rental unit in good condition. A reliable San Francisco landlord-tenant attorney can guide you through the legal steps on how to move out in compliance with California law.

At Steven Adair MacDonald & Partners P.C., we have extensive experience in handling a wide range of landlord-tenant issues in the San Francisco Bay Area. We help landlords and tenants resolve disputes involving the eviction process, unlawful detainer lawsuits, and other landlord-tenant matters. Let us guide and help you go through the proper move-out process. Call our real estate law firm now and schedule an initial consultation.

What are the California Notice Requirements for Tenants?

Moving out of a rental property is never an easy process, but as a tenant, there are extra things you’ll need to consider before you hand over your keys. Certain California landlord-tenant laws must be followed when ending a tenancy. A competent San Francisco landlord-tenant attorney can help you navigate the process of moving out and ending a lease or rental agreement.

Check Your Rental Agreement

California tenants must read and understand the terms and conditions of their rental or lease agreement. The tenant’s rights when moving out will depend on whether there is a lease and whether the tenant gave the landlord proper notice. The lease agreement will tell the tenant how much notice is necessary. Once you have decided to end your tenancy, double-check the rental agreement to ensure you comply with the California notice requirement.

Give Your Landlord the Required Amount of Notice

A residential tenant must provide proper written notice to the landlord when intending to move out of the rental unit. Tenant notices must be served to allow the landlord and the tenant to communicate effectively over lease terminations. A landlord or a property manager has the right to be given proper notice to vacate before a tenant moves out of the rental property. A reliable San Francisco landlord-tenant lawyer can help you understand the importance of serving a written notice to avoid any disputes between you and your landlord.

The amount of notice required will depend on the lease term and also on the specific state law. If a residential tenant is bound by a lease and wants to move out before the end of the lease, he or she must provide a written notice to avoid being responsible for paying the remainder of the lease. Once your notice period ends and you move out of the rental unit, you are no longer responsible for the rent payment, even if your landlord has not re-rented the unit yet.

When Should You Write a Move Out Notice?

Rules on how much notice is required to end a tenancy vary depending on whether you have a month-to-month rental agreement or a fixed-term lease. A top-ranking San Francisco landlord-tenant attorney can help you know the rules that apply to your particular situation. Unless the rental agreement provides a shorter notice period, a California tenant must give their landlord a 30-day written notice to end a month-to-month tenancy. 

Your rental agreement may have specific requirements about giving written notice, such as providing notice by the first of the month or another specified time frame. Although the law provides tenants with several options for delivering your notice to the landlord, it is recommended that you deliver the written notice to the landlord or property manager in person or mail it by certified mail with the return receipt requested.

What Happens If You Give Less Than the Required Amount of Notice?

In most cases, if you break your lease or move out early, you are breaking the agreement between you and your landlord. You can leave; however, you’ll probably be responsible for paying rent until the lease expires or until the landlord rents to someone else.

For example, if you suddenly move out of a month-to-month rental unit where a 30-day notice period is required, the landlord can simply deduct from your security deposit the amount of unpaid rent if you failed to deliver the required notice.

What Must Be Written on Your Move-Out Notice?

Regardless of your decision, it’s often a good idea to express your intentions towards the end of your lease to your landlord in writing. Remember that this notice is a legally binding document as you write it. To ensure that your landlord gets all the information they need and to safeguard yourself from any legal issues, there are a few key points you must mention in your lease termination letter.

When you write a notice to your landlord, you must include the date you’re submitting your notice and the date you’re vacating the rental unit. You should also mention your name, the name of your landlord, and your current address so that it is clear who is leaving the rental property. You should specify in your lease termination letter that you want to leave within 30 days, or for the period that you and your landlord agreed upon in your lease. Along with your new location, you should include your contact information so that your landlord may get in touch with you if there are any issues and send your security deposit to you.

Real Estate Disputes?


Whether you're dealing with a landlord-tenant dispute or addressing a real estate concern in California, our San Francisco real estate attorneys are here to protect your rights.

Call our Experienced San Francisco Tenant Lawyers Now!

California tenants must follow state laws when ending a tenancy. Tenants also need to understand their duties and responsibilities before moving out. Giving proper notice is beneficial for both you and your landlord and will set the tone for future interactions.

Tenancy issues are complicated and they deeply impact every aspect of your life. If you need help managing the move-out process, it is crucial to seek legal advice from a seasoned San Francisco landlord-tenant attorney at Steven Adair MacDonald & Partners P.C. as soon as possible. Our landlord-tenant law firm understands how the laws in California affect tenant and landlord rights and can help you navigate the move-out process.

To avoid later disagreements and disputes with your landlord, call us now and schedule an initial consultation.

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