When Do You Need to Give Notice?
Texas law and your lease both require 30 days written notice before you vacate. That means if you want your last day to be September 30th, your notice needs to be submitted no later than September 1st.
This isn’t just a formality. The 30-day window gives us time to prepare the unit for the next resident, schedule inspections, and process your security deposit return — all things that work in your favor when done properly.
How to Submit Your Notice
Written notice means email — and email is the easiest way to do it. Send your move-out notice to leasing@eastwestgroup.io.
Your email should include:
- Your name and current address
- Your intended move-out date
- A forwarding address (more on that below)
Keep it simple — a few sentences is all it takes. Once we receive your notice, we’ll confirm receipt and reach out to schedule a move-out walk-through inspection. That inspection is your chance to see the unit’s condition documented before you hand over the keys.
Returning Your Keys
All keys — including mailbox keys, garage openers, and access fobs — must be returned on or before your move-out date. Holding onto keys past that date can create complications with your deposit, so plan to hand them in when you do your final walk-through.
If your move-out lands on a weekend or holiday when our office is closed, contact us ahead of time and we’ll work something out.
Your Forwarding Address — Don’t Skip This
Texas law gives landlords 30 days to return your security deposit after you move out. To make sure your refund reaches you, we need a forwarding address on file. Without one, we can’t send the check.
Include your forwarding address in your notice email. If it changes between notice and move-out, just send us an update. It’s a small thing that’s easy to forget and a real hassle to chase down later. For a full breakdown of what Texas law says about deposits, see our security deposit guide.
What Is Early Termination?
If you need to leave before your lease ends, that’s called early termination. Here’s what it means in plain English:
- You still need to give 30 days written notice
- An early termination fee applies, as outlined in your early termination addendum
The fee amount and terms vary by property and are specified in the early termination addendum you signed with your lease. Once the fee is paid and notice is given, your lease obligation ends. It’s not ideal, but it gives you a defined, clean exit when life doesn’t follow a 12-month schedule.
If you’re considering early termination, reach out to us before making any decisions. We’ll walk you through what it looks like for your specific situation. Our breaking a lease early guide covers the full picture.
What If You Just Leave Without Notice?
Some residents assume they can simply forfeit their deposit and call it even. Here’s why that doesn’t work in your favor:
- You’re still on the lease until your lease end date. Unpaid rent can be pursued even after you’ve left.
- Your deposit is at greater risk. Skipping notice significantly increases your exposure to deductions and potential collections.
- It affects your rental history. A bad move-out record follows you to your next rental application.
The right move is always the official one, even if the conversation feels uncomfortable. We’re not here to make your life harder — we just need the process followed so we can do our part.
Before your walk-through: Read our move-out checklist — it walks through how to clean and prepare your unit to give yourself the best shot at a full deposit return.
Questions? We’re Here.
If you have any questions about move-out timing, the walk-through, your deposit, or anything else, don’t hesitate to reach out. Call or text us at (210) 698-6900 or email leasing@eastwestgroup.io.
Moving is stressful enough. Let’s make the paperwork the easy part.
