Let the landlord know you will be out early so you aren't liable for issues that take place after you vacate (burst pipe, toilet floods, vandalism). Ask the landlord when you should disconnect utilities. Obviously, cancel cable and phone, but you may be obligated to keep electricity/gas/water going, if they aren't included in your rent.

And make sure to get them to do a walkthrough immediately. Take photos. Get the landlord in them, if possible.

shouldn't be a problem. Just have the inspection of the property and give the keys to the landlord. Make sure to transfer the electric, etc out of your name on the day you give the keys

As long as you paid for the month, you can leave earlier than December 26.

No. Provided you pay rent for the full 30 days there should be no problems.

So long as you pay the money you owe, shouldn't be a big deal.

I am almost at the end of my lease. The end of the lease also happens to conveniently be on my child's due date! (December 26)

I just put down a deposit for a new apartment but they need new tenants asap so I have to sign that lease on December 4.

If I give a 30 day notice to my current landlord and technically vacate the apartment before then will it cause any issues? I plan to finish paying the remainder of rent, just need to get baby nursery set up before he arrives. :-)