Landlord Notice Requirements: What You Must Know Before Evicting or Raising Rent

When a landlord needs to give notice—whether it’s for a rent increase, ending a lease, or returning a security deposit—landlord notice requirements, the legal rules that dictate how and when landlords must inform tenants of changes or actions. Also known as notice to vacate rules, these aren’t suggestions—they’re enforceable laws that vary by state and sometimes even by city. Skip them, and you could lose your case in court, face fines, or be forced to pay your tenant damages.

It’s not just about timing. security deposit return, the legal obligation landlords have to refund a tenant’s deposit within a specific timeframe after they move out. Also known as deposit refund rules, it’s one of the most common reasons tenants take landlords to small claims court. In Virginia, for example, landlords have 45 days. Miss that deadline? You could owe double the deposit. And if you’re raising rent, you can’t just send a text. Most places require a written notice—30 to 60 days in advance—depending on how long the tenant has lived there. Some states ban rent hikes entirely during fixed-term leases. Others let you raise it, but only if you follow the exact format and delivery method.

rent increase notice, the formal, legally required communication landlords must send before raising monthly rent. Also known as rent hike notice, it’s not optional—it’s a paper trail that protects both sides. A vague email won’t cut it. You need a dated, signed letter that says the new amount, when it takes effect, and how much notice you’re giving. And if you’re asking a tenant to leave? You can’t just say, "You’ve got to go." You need a valid reason—nonpayment, lease violation, or end of lease term—and you must follow the state’s eviction notice process. In some places, you need a 3-day notice for nonpayment. In others, it’s 30 or 60 days. One wrong step, and your eviction gets thrown out.

These rules aren’t just for landlords. Tenants need to know them too. If your landlord says, "You’ve got 24 hours to pay or leave," but your state requires 5 days, you’re not in the wrong—they are. And if your deposit vanished without an itemized list of deductions? That’s a violation. The landlord notice requirements exist to stop abuse, not to trap good landlords. When followed correctly, they make the rental process fairer for everyone.

Below, you’ll find real cases and clear guides on what notices are required, when they’re due, and what happens if you skip them. From Virginia’s 45-day deposit rule to how much notice you need to end a month-to-month lease, these posts cut through the noise. No legal jargon. No fluff. Just what you need to know to stay on the right side of the law.