What is the right thing to do?

Congrats on looking for a house!! It may take a while, but stick to what you like and don't settle!

I would wait a while. Depending on the area you are looking at, you could be looking for a while. I think I would hold off until I have made an offer and its been accepted. For example, you could find a place you like, give notice and not get the house. What would you do?

Buying a house can take a while. Took us about a year to get one. We placed an offer on a house, it was accepted, but they had some things to had to fix, and they didn't. So we had to start all over again.

Give as much notice as you can, but I would hold off until you have a place set in stone.

I agree with Bernie. The purchase process can take a long time and there could be a period of two months or more between having an offer accepted and the actual closing date, so I would hold off saying anything to your landlord until you have a solid deal in place.

Its advisable not to talk too much about your housing plans with other people whom you don't know as a close friend.

When you're just about there to move, then give him the notice.

Just find out how much notice you have to give in advance before you move out from other tenants or management if possible.

Hope this helps

Tell him you are looking for a house so he can possibly find another renter soon

I don't think it really matters, but I wouldn't give any information I didn't have to.