When a tenant gives notice, it can feel like a lot to manage. In this post, we walk through what landlords in DC and Maryland should do next, from confirming the move-out date to prepping the unit for the next renter.
When a tenant gives you their 30 days’ notice, it can feel like a lot at once. Even if you saw it coming, you’ve now got a deadline to work around and a bunch of tasks to line up. Whether you’re managing the property yourself or with a team, this is the moment to get organized and keep things moving.
Here’s a straightforward breakdown of what we recommend when your tenant is preparing to move out.
Even if your tenant tells you in person or by text, it’s always good to follow up with something written. A short email works well:
"Thanks for the update. Just confirming your move-out date is [insert date]. Let me know if anything changes."
This keeps your records clear and makes sure you’re both on the same page.
Before making your next move, take a quick look through the lease. Check what it says about how much notice they were supposed to give, when you can start showing the place, and how the security deposit will be handled.
If the property is in DC, pay close attention to the local rules. DC has strict timelines for returning deposits and guidelines for what you can and can’t deduct.
Try to schedule a quick visit to the property about a week or two before they move out. This gives you a chance to spot any damage early and gives the tenant time to fix anything that might affect their deposit.
Take photos, make notes, and use it as a heads-up conversation rather than a formal inspection.
Once you have their move-out confirmed, it’s time to get your listing ready. That might mean fresh photos, writing up a description, and figuring out where you want to advertise.
If you plan to show the unit while the current tenant is still living there, make sure to give them proper notice each time. In most cases, 24 hours is the standard.
You don’t want to be scrambling after the keys are handed over. Get your cleaners and maintenance folks scheduled now, especially if the place needs touch-ups or paint. Having the unit rent-ready as soon as possible helps reduce your vacancy time.
This part can get landlords into trouble if they’re not careful. In both DC and Maryland, you have a set number of days to return the deposit or send an itemized list of deductions. That usually means 30 to 45 days, depending on the lease and the location.
Document everything, and keep communication clear and fair.
It’s always a bit of a scramble when someone moves out, but it doesn’t have to be stressful. The more you can plan in advance, the smoother it’ll go. If you manage more than one unit, it helps to have a checklist or system for turnovers so nothing gets missed.
And if you're looking for help managing this kind of stuff, or just want to talk through next steps, we're always happy to chat.
