When Do I Stop Paying Rent When Moving Out?
Moving is stressful enough without having to deal with a landlord. Understandably, landlords want to get enough notice before their tenants move out, but they don’t always make it clear. So, when do I stop paying rent when moving out?
You can stop paying rent when moving out if you have already paid rent for the month and move out before it ends. Moving out at the beginning of the month means you must at least pay a portion of the month’s rent, depending on your agreement. Breaking a lease before it’s over often carries penalties.
Review your rental agreement to make sure you provide enough notice before moving out. Leases typically require notice 30 to 60 days before moving out, but it varies. Follow along as we explore when to stop paying rent before moving out.
Do You Pay Rent the Month You Move Out?
Yes, you pay rent the month you move out. Rent is due on the first day of each month, so your tenancy is active during the month. That is why people often move out before the end of the month to avoid paying for another month.
Otherwise, you may get stuck paying for another month of rent even if you move out on the 4th. Speak to your landlord and let them know which day you plan to move out. That is the best way to avoid paying extra expenses that would otherwise go toward moving.
Can I Move in the Middle of the Month?
You can move out in the middle of the month if you provide enough notice. How much notice you’re required to give varies based on what your lease agreement says. Most state laws and leases specify that you must provide at least 1-2 months’ notice when moving out.
It also varies based on how long your lease is. For example, breaking a year lease after only 4 months means that you may incur expensive fees. That is, however, unless you can prove that your living circumstances are unsafe or go against your lease.
This includes a landlord failing to fix problems that make a home uninhabitable. Otherwise, you can move any time of the month if your landlord has agreed and you provide enough notice. You may even only have to pay for part of the month if you move out mid-month with ample notice.
Can I Use My Security Deposit for the Last Month of Rent?
You cannot typically use your security deposit for the last month of rent when moving out. This is sometimes possible if you reach an agreement with your landlord. Otherwise, a security deposit is necessary to protect landlords from incurring expensive damage costs that may occur during your lease.
However, you may get your security deposit back shortly after moving out. It sometimes takes a few weeks to get your security deposit back after moving out. Your landlord will assess your old home’s condition to see if you are responsible for any damage.
That is a big part of why you cannot use your security deposit to cover the last month of rent. For example, your former landlord may take the cost of repairs out of your security deposit. This isn’t possible if you already got your security deposit back, making it harder to cover these costs.
When Can You Withhold Rent?
You can withhold rent in many states if your apartment has become uninhabitable. For example, this is often allowed if a landlord fails to make repairs that make it dangerous to live there. That typically includes sewage backups, structural problems, and asbestos exposure, among other factors.
Keep in mind that you can only withhold rent if the reason your apartment is uninhabitable is not your fault. For example, you can often withhold rent if your landlord fails to pay for mold remediation or dangerous electrical problems. However, you must typically deposit your rent with a third party, such as a court, until the problem is fixed.
In that case, your landlord may eventually receive the rent money upon fixing the problem. Landlords have 3 days to fix emergencies in many states, and 2 weeks to fix minor problems. It’s important to document your communications so you can prove that you did the right thing. This will also help if it becomes a legal matter.
What Are the Cheapest Months to Move?
The cheapest months to move are between January and March and again from September through November. You can spend as little as $600 on a local move, or $2,100 for a long-distance move at this time. Granted, those are the minimum moving costs, as factors like distance and moving services affect the price.
Moving isn’t in demand as much at the beginning of the year or during autumn. Late spring through the end of summer are the most expensive times to move, no matter which moving services you choose. This is when many people move for school or simply use their vacation time to relocate.
Make Your Move Easy With Optimum Moving
Whether you’re at the end of your lease or simply want to relocate, we are here to help. At Optimum Moving, we handle local and long-distance moves all over New Jersey and beyond. We are always quick to pick up the phone, answer your questions, and provide a cost estimate. Call Optimum Moving at (855) 315-6683 to get the ball rolling on your upcoming move.
