Short Answer
In California, month-to-month tenants almost always owe written 30 days' notice. Fixed-term leases usually end on the date in the lease — no notice needed unless the lease says otherwise.
Full Answer
The short version for California renters:
- **Month-to-month**: you must give the landlord **written 30 days' notice** before your intended move-out date. (Landlords typically owe you 60 days if they're asking you to leave after 1+ year of tenancy.) - **Fixed-term lease**: the lease ends on the date written in it. You usually don't need to give notice **unless** your lease has a separate "intent to vacate" clause — read it. - **Breaking a lease early**: you may owe rent until the landlord re-rents the unit (they have to make a reasonable effort).
Always deliver notice in writing — email is fine if the lease allows it — and keep proof of delivery. Verbal notice is the most common reason move-outs go sideways.
If you're not sure what your lease says, send us the move-out section and we'll read it with you.
