The term “30-day notice” usually comes up in the context of real estate. In this context, it serves as a formal written notice, indicating that a tenant intends to vacate a property, or that a landlord wishes a tenant to leave. It is also sometimes used in the workplace, where employees put in a 30-day notice to indicate that they are departing, so that the company can hire and train a replacement. In both instances, a 30-day notice can reflect major life changes.

When a tenant rents a home on a month to month basis, he or she must generally put in a 30-day notice when a decision is made to relocate. If the home is rented on a weekly basis, a seven day notice is required. In bi-monthly, a two month notice, and so forth. For tenants, it is wise to put a 30-day notice in print with a clear date, and make a copy. The notice should also be delivered directly to the landlord or leasing office, and a receipt should be signed.

When a landlord uses a 30-day notice, or “notice to quit,” it indicates that the tenant has one month to leave. There are a number of reasons for a landlord to issue such a notice, ranging from the need to remodel a structure to violations of the lease agreement on the part of the tenant. In rare instances, a landlord may serve a three day notice to quit, or an eviction notice, if gross violations of the lease agreement are documented. With a 30-day notice, most landlords are not obligated to give cause.

In addition to being the law, giving a 30-day notice is also the courteous standard. It gives a landlord ample warning time to find new tenants, and also permits tenants who are asked to leave an opportunity to find a new home. In the case of a month to month agreement, neither side needs to give cause for issuing a thirty day notice, although if tenants intend to break a lease, the terms of a 30-day notice may get more complex.

As a general rule, the tenant is responsible for the rent in the 30 days following the notice. For example, if rent is normally paid on the first and a tenant submits a 30-day notice on the 15th, he or she must pay the rent through the 15th of the next month. If the tenant leaves on the first and a landlord finds a tenant before the 15th, he or she must refund the previous tenant any funds paid for days prior to the 15th. In other words, a landlord cannot collect rent twice.