How to best give notice to terminate month-to-month lease

[David D'Arcy]

We are closing on a fourplex next week and have 3 tenants on a month-to-month lease that we plan to give 30 days notice to vacate.  I'm looking for advice on how to best give notice: 1) In person with witness 2) Use sheriff department to serve 3) USPS certified with tracking.  We close on the 28th so we have a short period to deliver the letter to satisfy the 30 day from next rent due requirement.  

Some background:  These tenants do not meet our tenant standards.  They have a poor history of paying rent on time, previous landlord has taken each to court in the past, units are very dirty and have the look of 'I'm here to stay', etc.  We are planning to renovate their units immediately and bring in qualified tenants with increased rents.  All three tenants are long term tenants.  

We are looking for feedback for what has / hasn't worked well for others in a similar situation.  Thanks.

[Matt Clark]

David D'Arcy I believe the VA Residential Landlord Tenant Act provides for notice to be delivered by certified mail, posting on the main door of the residence, or hand delivering to a person in the unit over the age of 16. I prefer to do both the first and second options in order to have some redundancy.