Tenant Moving Out? Insist On A Written Notice

Ever been told someone’s name and then instantly forget it a few minutes later? Have you forgotten to pick up something from the store because you did not need to make a grocery list? Of course you have, we all have. It is human nature. We are so busy that it is hard to remember everything we need to remember.

We landlords are no different. We have so much going on that sometimes it can be hard to keep track of what day it is. This is why you should never take a verbal notice from a tenant that they are moving out.

Most often, a tenant will call to tell us that they are moving out. They often think that is enough of a notice. But really it is not. It does not really protect them or us (plus it may not be legal in some states). As I said above, we are all busy and things can be easily forgotten.

Tenant move out’s are very important. You as the landlord need to get that property back as clean as possible and re-rented as quickly as possible. The tenant needs to protect their interests as well, making sure they conform to the provisions of their lease. That is why anytime we get a verbal notice from a tenant that they are moving we ask them to also send an e-mail, or at the very least a text message.

With a written record, there will be much less chance of the following:

• I thought you were moving out today? No, I said Monday.
• You did not give us 30 days notice as required in your lease.
• I never received your move out notice.

Plus, once you receive a written notice, it should prompt you to send your move out kit to help you get your unit back in tip top shape.

So please insist on a written notice anytime a tenant wants to move out. Yes, your tenants will moan and groan but it is worth it to both you and your tenant.