If you’re currently renting, you need to give notice to your landlord that you’re planning to move out. Under NY law, if you have a month-to-month lease, you typically need to provide 30 days’ notice. For a yearly lease, you may need to provide 60 days’ notice (or as specified in your lease agreement) before the lease term ends if you’re planning to move. For example, if your lease ends October 1, you should notify your landlord by August 1 if you’re renewing your lease or moving.
What if you have a yearly lease that doesn’t end for several months? Here are your options:
- Push the Closing Date: We can try to schedule the closing of your new home closer to the end of your lease date. If this is something you’re interested in, let us know.
- Find a Subleaser: In New York City, you may have the legal right to sublease your apartment (check your lease agreement for specifics). If you’d like help finding a subleaser, let us know. This generally involves taking photographs of the property, listing it on platforms like Craigslist or StreetEasy, and screening qualified tenants. Note that demand for subleases is typically higher in spring and summer than in fall and winter.
- Overlap Both Residences: You could choose to keep your rental apartment and your new home for the remainder of your lease term. This allows you ample time to move at your own pace, but it does mean covering both your monthly rent and your mortgage during the overlap period.