Notice to vacate / lease non-renewal letter (California)
Legal advice recommended before use.
Whether you're on a month-to-month tenancy or a fixed-term lease, putting your move-out date in writing protects your security deposit and avoids disputes later. For a month-to-month tenancy, California requires at least 30 days' written notice from the tenant (Cal. Civil Code § 1946); for a fixed-term lease, the tenancy generally just ends on the expiration date, but check your lease for its own notice-of-non-renewal clause. Send this letter early enough to satisfy whichever deadline applies to you.
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Send this letter by a method you can prove (certified mail or email with delivery/read confirmation) and keep a dated copy for your records — the delivery date is what starts your notice clock. If you're on a fixed-term lease, check the lease itself for a notice-of-non-renewal clause; some leases require 30-60 days' written notice before the end date even though state law doesn't require any notice for a lease that's simply expiring. This is a template, not legal advice. This document was drafted without live legal-citation verification (research budget was exhausted) and has not yet been reviewed by an attorney — do not rely on it as final.
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Frequently asked questions
How much notice do I have to give to move out of a month-to-month rental in Los Angeles?
At least 30 days' written notice, under California Civil Code § 1946. That 30-day minimum applies to tenant-initiated notice regardless of how long you've lived there — the longer 60-day period in Civil Code § 1946.1 applies only when the landlord is the one ending a tenancy of 12+ months, not when you're the one giving notice.
Do I need to give notice if my fixed-term lease is simply ending?
Generally no — under Civil Code § 1945, a fixed-term lease ends on its own expiration date without any statutory notice requirement from you. But many leases include their own clause requiring written notice (often 30-60 days) if you don't plan to renew, so check your lease first. If you stay and keep paying rent the landlord accepts after the end date, the tenancy can convert to month-to-month on the same terms under § 1945.
Does this letter apply if my landlord is the one asking me to leave?
No — this letter is for when you, the tenant, decide to end the tenancy. If your landlord is trying to end your tenancy instead, different rules apply, including the just-cause and relocation-assistance requirements of Civil Code § 1946.2 (AB 1482) for tenancies of 12+ months, and possibly LA's Rent Stabilization Ordinance. A landlord-issued termination notice is a separate document from this one.
When do I get my security deposit back after I vacate?
Within 21 calendar days of move-out, along with a written itemized statement of any deductions, under Civil Code § 1950.5(g)(1). Giving your landlord a forwarding address in this letter (as shown in the template) helps make sure the deposit and statement reach you on time.
Do I have to give my landlord a reason for not renewing?
No. Ending a month-to-month tenancy or declining to renew a fixed-term lease is your choice and doesn't require cause — the just-cause requirements in Civil Code § 1946.2 protect tenants from landlord-initiated no-fault terminations, not the other way around. You're free to simply state your move-out date.
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