How do I write a nice 30-day-notice letter to my landlord?

Question

I live in L.A., and people here tend to be a little more...intense. She isn't the nicest person but we've been good tenants (paying on time, doing what she asks of us).

And I would like to make sure we get our deposit back. Plus, how do I get her to do a "walk through" with me to ensure that we aren't charged unnecessarily for things (which I totally see happening since she is a major stickler and seems to be a little dishonest and anal)? Thanks!

Answer 1

A white piece of paper with just what you said in your question.  This is my 30 day notice.  Your signature and date.

You can hand it to her with a witness;  have her sign a receipt when you hand it to her; send it registered mail.  So she can't say she didn't get it.

Answer 2

On August 30 I will be vacating the premises and surrendering the keys to you. I will be available for a mutual move-out inspection on that day. Thank you, it's been a pleasure living in your property.

Take LOTS of photos AFTER your stuff is all gone. If you do it the day of the inspection she will see you are making documents to show it's condition. (Take all photos BEFORE you surrender the keys so the pics are of YOUR apartment before it became hers again.)

California gives her 14 days to fully account for the deposit.

Answer 3

firtst make sure you place everything in writing.  check your lease to see what you are responsible for.  most states have a normal wear and tear law.  did you make a list of damages, the age of the carpet and condition of the place when you moved in?  that is very important.  if so, make sure you have a copy present when she does the walk thru.  place your request for a walk thru in writting, get it note of repulic to witness it.  after you have cleaned the rental etc, take a video of it and pics, including all closest appliances you name it.  this way if she tries to keep the deposit, you have proof of how you left the property.  a just a normal letter stating when you are moving along with the request for a walk thru is fine. also make sure you are moving out in compliance with the lease.  some leases have loop holes, such as first of month to end of month move out notices.  good luck

Answer 4

First things first.  You do not have to worry about your landlord returning  your deposit.  You are not delinquent in paying your rent.  You are not being evicted.  By law she is required to return your deposit (less cleaning for drapes, carpets and any damage).  She is required to do this within 15-30 days after termination of the tenancy or she may have to pay a penalty for not doing so.  You are also entitled to any accrued interest since the money would have been deposited into an interest bearing account.  The interest doesn't belong to the landlord.  You should receive with your deposit a detailed list of cleaning charges.  Landlords generally charge for cleaning drapes and carpets.  Some will let you clean the drapes.  Most insist on having the carpets cleaned themselves.

Secondly, the landlord is expected to do a "check out" after you have removed everything out of the apartment, cleaned the place up and when you are ready to turn in the keys.  Insist on it!  This is your strongest proof indicating how you left the premises.  Once the landlord has signed off she cannot come back later on and charge you for something not noted.  I can't emphasize enough the importance of the check out paper.   Be sure to have the check-in list you received when you moved in.  She will have a copy of that.  Where I live tenants have until 1:00pm of the last day of the month to move out.  It's a good idea that when you move out try and have the landlord go through the place in the morning.  This leaves you a few hours to go over things she isn't happy with if she's a real stickler.

A notice doesn't have to be all gushy and gooey.  You might try this:

Dear Ms________

Please be advised that this is my formal notice to vacate suite number _______ effective _____________.  I have enjoyed my time here and have appreciated having you as my building manager.  If you have a cleaning check list would you please provide me with one?  I will let you know when I'm ready to have you do a check out walk through with me.  Thank you for your cooperation.

Cordially yours,

__________________

***

Be sure to get a copy of the check out walk through details.  If you do not trust this landlord then take pictures (using a means of verifying the date the pics were taken) of especially the floors, kitchen appliances, tub, bathroom sink, drapes.