In a hotel setting, a guest can virtually check in and out as they wish.
In an apartment, however, one’s stay is almost always based on a contract called a Lease Agreement (legal contract).
The Lease dictates, among other things, how much notice you need to provide to your Landlord when you decide to move out.
Typically, when asking ‘What does 60 Day Notice Mean?’, it refers to this – the number of days (60) required to give to your landlord if you intend to move out (i.e. not renew)…which must be in writing.
In this guide below, we cover how and when to provide such notice.
What is the 60-Day Notice for Tenants?
A 60-day notice refers to a letter you (tenant) must send to the landlord in writing per the terms of your lease (at least 60 calendar days before the end of your lease) stating that you will not be renewing your lease.
It is very important to note that this 60 calendar days’ notice refers to 60 calendar days before your lease expires and does not mean you can provide 60 days’ notice whenever you decide to move out.
You must provide notice to terminate (move out) at least 60 calendar days before your lease term expires.
It is important to note that some leases require more or less notice, so you should check your lease.
Do I still have to pay rent once I provide notice?
Yes, even if you provide proper notice, you are obligated to pay rent through the remainder of the term, not just until you move out.
How to Calculate a 60 calendar day notice?
First, determine your expiration date of the lease. Then, count 2 FULL months backwards from that.
So if your lease expires on July 31, then you must go backward from that…
….one full month backward would be all of July
…and another full month would be all of June….so by May 31 you must let your landlord know.
In this example, you must let your landlord know in writing by May 31 that you will be vacating the property at the end of the term.
How to Provide Notice?
Generally, you must provide this notice in writing.
Check your lease for specifics but generally, the notice must be in writing sent via U.S. certified mail.
You can go to your local post office and they will tell you how to send certified mail.
Practically speaking, while not necessarily required, you should call the landlord as well and let them know you will be following up with a certified letter in the mail.
Does the Landlord Remind the Tenant?
You should get a letter or notification from the landlord before the 60-day notice term stating the terms of your new lease (if offered).
At this point, if you don’t wish to accept the terms, you should send your 60 day notice certified to the landlord.
What if I Fail to Give Proper Notice?
If you fail to give proper notice at the end of the lease, you are in breach of the lease and could be responsible for all the remaining payments of the new lease and/or buy-out fees.
In some cases, if you don’t give notice, the lease could renew at month-to-month rates which can sometimes be twice (2X) as high as your current rent.
If you are not intending to renew your contract, it is important to check your lease, adhere to the 60 day calendar notice (or as otherwise stipulated in your lease), so you don’t end up paying more than you should.
