What Is a 30-Day Notice?

A 30 Day Notice is a formal notice issued to an individual as a reminder or announcement regarding a deadline or other pending requirements. The notice is most often used within the context of employee resignation and landlord-tenant relations. 

According to an article by Nolo, a majority of states in the United States require a 30-day notice to either terminate or change a tenancy. However, a few exceptions apply. North Carolina requires only 7-day notice, while the state of Delaware requires 60-days notice. 

What Should You Do Within the 30-Day Timeframe?

As mentioned above, a 30-day notice can have different objectives. But typically, it is mostly applied in situations where tenancy and resignation are involved. So what does one do when they are issued a 30-day notice? The following examples below describe some of the primary and common responses to receiving a notice.  

Rectify the problem. If you are handed a 30-day notice, the most obvious thing to do is to act on whatever is implied in the document. And one of the most common reasons for issuance of a notice is because there is an existing problem. Thus, you need to address the problem within the given timeframe. You have to fix whatever needs to be fixed or correct any wrong that may have been committed. Whether it is accidental damage to a property or a pending balance, the responsible thing to do is confront and address the issue. As much as possible, try not to put it off or downplay it because it may only compound the problem. For example, you are a tenant in an apartment building but failed to be upfront about some important information. The landlord can issue an ultimatum urging you to update and correct your rental application. As a tenant, you need to take this seriously otherwise the landlord can penalize or even terminate your rent contract. Pay your dues. One of the most common problems that landlords and property owners face is late payment or non-payment of rent. Lessees can have a long list of reasons for not paying their monthly dues on time. Some of these reasons may be valid but other tenants may simply abuse or exploit their landlord’s kindness and patience. So if you receive a 30-day notice with a firm instruction to pay your bills, you have to do the right thing and take action. Otherwise, you have to face the consequences. Unless you want to be evicted or ejected for failing to pay rent, you have to uphold your end of the bargain in relation to the agreement contract. You may ask for an extension beyond 30 days, but it is upon the discretion of the landlord or property management to grant it and decide if it’s valid. Turnover of tasks and company assets. As stated earlier, a 30-day notice can also apply to exiting employees. When an employee decides to resign or leave their company, it is standard procedure to give the employer a heads up. This means making a formal announcement or issuing a notice letting their supervisor or manager know of their intention to leave. Resignation notices can vary, a two weeks notice or a 30-day notice are usually the norm. However, there are special cases wherein circumstances can push an employee to opt for immediate resignation without prior warning. But in regular circumstances, 30 days should be enough for the employee to get his or her affairs together and conduct any necessary turnover of tasks and functions. This is especially important if the individual has been employed for a considerable number of years in the organization. A formal turnover can comprise different tasks including training of replacement, return of company assets or property, and liquidation of company expenses. Pack up and sell. Thirty days is just enough time for a tenant to get his things and affairs in order before leaving the property for good. The landlord is not the only one who can issue a 30-day notice. In the same way, a tenant may also submit a notice if he voluntarily or prematurely decides to vacate. If you are a tenant or boarder, you can accomplish several things within a month’s time. You can use the time to pack, box, and arrange your items in preparation to move out. But you can also sell items and belongings you no longer need. Not only can you earn extra income, you can make more room for new purchases or more important things as you move to another place of residence. With permission from the landlord or property management, you can even hold a garage sale for neighbors and the general public. It’s all about using the remaining time wisely and practically.

Who Can Issue a 30-Day Notice?

A 30-day notice can have different intentions or objectives. This means that anyone with a valid reason and intention can issue the notice. Individuals and agencies alike can craft the notice. The following are just some common examples of people who are in the position to write one. 

Employee. As discussed already in the previous section, an employee may hand in his or her notice prior to exiting a company. Before departing, it is important for an employee to make others aware of his intention to leave. By others, this means colleagues who may be affected by the job vacancy. This includes their department head, manager, and co-team members. This will give ample time for the rest of the team and organization to prepare and implement any temporary or permanent measures to deal with the transition. The employee must also see to it that his or her transition is as smooth as possible. This means getting any pending work done or accomplishing any last minute requirements within the 30-day time period.Landlord. Property owners or landlords usually have no choice but to issue formal notices as a last resort. When tenants fail to pay rent or do something that violates the lease contract, it is the duty of the landlord to call them out. Property owners are fully within their rights to issue a 30-day notice to erring tenants. Dealing with delinquent tenants is difficult, especially if it is repeated behavior. A formal written notice does not just serve as a potent reminder, but it also serves as physical documentation in case the situation escalates to a legal level. There must also be proof that the tenant received the notice. The letter itself should provide an accurate background, explain the reason and outline the consequences if the tenant refuses to heed the notice. Tenant. As mentioned previously, tenants can also submit 30-day notices ahead of vacating a rented property. This is usually done voluntarily or prematurely. For the latter, a tenant may wish to leave a property earlier than what was initially agreed upon in the lease contract. Another reason a tenant would hand a notice to a landlord could be because some contract agreement terms were not to their satisfaction. Another potential scenario is the tenant could put in a formal request to be transferred to another unit within the property. Whatever the reason, giving a heads up via a written notice is the decent thing to do. Letting the landlord know ahead of time is an act of respect and courtesy. At the end of the day, the important thing is to maintain a civil and professional relationship with your landlord or tenant.

How to Create a 30-Day Notice

To create a 30-day notice, you need to ensure your motives are valid and sincere. And if you are looking for easy and editable sample notices to use as reference, browse the wide collection of free templates above to customize your own notice. Simply choose one that meets your needs and follow the basic steps below.   

Step 1: Recipient Information

The first step in creating a formal notice is stating the recipient’s basic details. A notice usually comes in a letter or memo format. You have to formally address the tenant, manager, or whoever the letter notice concerns. There are different ways you can begin your letter. You can address the recipient with basic salutations and titles. But it is best to keep it simple and standard. Just be sure to make it clear who the notice is for. Include the complete name and address (for tenants or lessees). Lastly, make sure to indicate the date as well.   

Step 2: Reasons 

Once you have covered the recipient’s basic details, the next step is the introductory section of your notice. There is no need to beat around the bush. A 30-day notice should be direct, concise and frank. The first few lines of your notice should be able to state clear reasons or adequately explain why the receipt was issued the letter. In other words, this section is basically a straightforward declaration or announcement informing the recipient of the current situation. If there is more than one reason, you can enumerate these in bullet points for a more organized and presentable notice.   

Step 3: Terms and Conditions 

After you have made clear your reasons and explanation, the next step is to outline the terms and conditions, if applicable. Depending on the objective of your 30-day notice, there may be several or just a few provisions. What’s important is that you use specific details when identifying and enumerating the terms. For example, describe the consequences and enumerate them individually. Be firm with your deadlines and make it clear to the tenant that you will not tolerate any more blunders. If you are issuing a final notice and your previous warnings were not taken seriously, you must be able to draw the line and make a solid stand.  

Step 4: Reassurance

The last step is to reassure the recipient that you are open to answering their queries, should they have any. As a closing statement, be sure to reiterate in a professional and direct way that they can contact you for any concerns, clarifications and questions regarding the 30-day notice. Leave your contact details such as landline number, mobile number and email address; and make sure to leave your lines open in case they do try to reach out. Despite the stern tone of a 30-day notice, it is still important that you offer assistance in any way you can if that would help resolve the issue. Finally, make sure to authorize the notice properly by affixing your signature.

FAQs

How do you put in a 30 day notice?

To put in a 30-day notice, you need to have a plan prepared. Make sure to include the date and key details about your departure. Refer to the tutorial guide above for more detailed instructions on how to craft a 30-day notice.

How does 30 days notice work in California?

According to Marinaccio Law, a landlord in California must file either a 60 or 30-day notice to vacate before they can implement an eviction against a tenant.

Does a tenant have to give a 30 day notice in California?

With regard to tenant laws and rights, it may vary from state to state. Thus, it is best to check with your local authorities or the civil code in your state if you are unsure. Alternatively, you can consult a legal expert as well.

Whether you are a landlord dealing with a difficult tenant or an employee planning to move on to the next career opportunity, a 30-day notice must always be sound and well-written. Browse the extensive collection of sample templates above to create and customize your own notice today!