Read your lease carefully to determine the lead time on your intent to vacate.
Most leases require a thirty day written notice before the next rent due date.
Some require a sixty day notice. Whatever the case, be sure to comply with the lease requirements and submit your request in writing, requesting at the same time to be present when the landlord does your vacate inspections. Failure to file a proper intent to vacate in writing can result in extra expense to you and possible loss of deposit. Bring your copy of the move-in inspection sheet with you when you meet your landlord for your vacate inspection. You should be given the opportunity to repair, clean, or correct any problems at this time.