Checklist for Moving out of an Apartment or Rental

Moving out of an apartment or rental property can be a stressful and challenging process. Proper planning and organization are key to ensuring a smooth move-out and getting your security deposit back. Here is a comprehensive checklist to guide you through all the steps when moving out of a rented home.

Notify Landlord and Roommates

Review your lease and verify the advance notice you need to provide before moving out. This is commonly 30 days or 60 days. Notify your landlord in writing by certified mail as soon as you have a moving date confirmed.
If you have roommates, give them advance notice that you will be moving out. This allows them time to prepare for a new roommate or make arrangements to take over the full rent.
Update the landlord on any address or contact detail changes so they know where to mail your security deposit refund.

Deep Clean the Entire Apartment

Thoroughly cleaning the rental is one of the most important steps to get your security deposit back. Here are key areas to focus on:

Kitchen

Wipe down exterior of appliances and clean oven/stove top, removing burnt on food and grease build up.
Clean inside of microwave by mixing water and vinegar then heating it to loosen food particles.
Use degreaser to clean range hood filters above the stove.
Clean inside drawers, cabinets and pantry. Wipe down all surfaces.
Sweep and mop kitchen floors.

Bathrooms

Clean all surfaces in shower/tub and wipe down tiles. Use grout brush and tile cleaner for grime in grout lines.
Disinfect and clean the toilet bowl and base. Don’t forget under the seat!
Wipe down the sink, faucet, countertops and mirrors removing water spots.
Clean out under the sink, wiping down pipes and scrubbing any stains on the bottom.
Sweep and mop bathroom floors.

Living Spaces

Vacuum carpets and mop hard floors thoroughly.
Dust ceiling fans, vents, baseboards and light fixtures.
Wipe down windows and screens.
Clean any stains off walls with gentle cleaner.
Move furniture and clean under and around all items.

Laundry Area

Clean out dryer lint trap completely. Wipe down exterior of machines.
Sweep and mop floors. Don’t forget under machines!
Empty and wipe down laundry hampers or baskets.
Clean laundry sink and walls around it.

Outdoor Areas

Sweep out garage, carport and storage areas. Remove any oil stains.
Clean outdoor light fixtures by doors or in garden areas.
Sweep debris off porches, decks and patios.
Rake leaves and clear any garbage from yard before final walkthrough.

Walls and Flooring

Steam clean carpets if required by your lease.
Wash all hard flooring like laminate, tile or vinyl.
Patch any small holes left by hanging photos or shelves. Repaint if needed.

Odors

Open windows on nice days to air out apartment before moving.
Use baking soda or odor eliminating products on carpets, furniture or in air vents.
Clean trash cans thoroughly to remove lingering smells.

Photograph the Empty Apartment

Taking photos once the apartment is fully cleaned out provides helpful evidence of the condition you left it in. Focus on any existing defects, damage or repairs needed that you are not responsible for.

Take both close-ups of any problem areas and wide shots of each full room.
Photograph the outside of all appliances, floors, walls, windows, cabinets, etc.
Open closet and pantry doors to show interiors are clean and undamaged.
Capture hallways, outdoor spaces and garage in photos as well.
Keep the digital copies or print photos to submit to landlord if any deposit disputes arise.

Remove All Belongings and Trash

A common mistake when moving out is leaving items behind, even trash or unwanted furniture. Remove every possession and piece of garbage so the landlord isn’t forced to.

Check every closet, the attic, basement and garage for any stored items you’ve forgotten.
Gather up any remaining hangers, cleaning supplies, etc. that belong to you.
Schedule large item trash pickup if the landlord doesn’t provide this service.
Contact local charities to collect furniture, clothing or household goods in good shape.
If any items must be left behind, have written permission from the landlord approving this.

Turn In Keys, Garage Remotes and Access Cards

Collect all keys, fobs, access cards or remotes you were provided for the property. Failure to return these often results in fees deducted from your deposit.

Return house keys, mailbox keys, pool keys and spare keys.
Turn in parking garage remotes and access cards or fobs.
Leave appliance keys and manuals if provided.
Ask for a receipt from the landlord for returned items to prevent disputes.
Double check no keys were overlooked after turning in the original set.

Forward Mail with USPS

Don’t lose touch with important documents or bills by neglecting to forward your mail. Submit a Change of Address order with USPS at least 2 weeks before your lease ends.

Forward mail to your new home or a trusted friend/family member’s address.
Update accounts with your new address as bills and statements come in.
Fill out the order online, at your local post office, or by mail.
Schedule package pickups if needed so items are not left at the old address.

Notify Important Parties of Your Move

In addition to USPS, update your new address and moving dates with key contacts to prevent disruptions.

Alert credit card and insurance companies.
Update billing for utilities, subscriptions, employers, banks, etc.
Provide new contact details to friends, family and colleagues.
Change the address listed on your driver’s license within 30 days.
Update vehicle registration and inform the DMV of your new address.

Schedule Disconnection of Utilities

Cancel or transfer home services like power, water, cable/internet and phone to avoid extra charges.

Notify utility companies 1-2 weeks before your move of the disconnection date.
Return cable boxes, modems and other equipment on schedule.
Have utilities stayed on 1-2 days after moving out for final cleaning.
With roommates staying, remove yourself from joint accounts if needed.
Forward Utilities like power and internet to new address if possible.

Review the Lease Terms and Inspection Process

Understand how the property will be inspected and your deposit handled to avoid unpleasant surprises.

Re-read sections on cleaning, repairs, keys and the security deposit process.
What are requirements for carpet cleaning or painting? Schedule services early.
Know the landlord’s timeline for deposit return (30-60 days typically).
Will there be a final walk through? Confirm date and who will attend.
Make sure you have provided proper written notice per the lease terms.

Checklist for Final Walkthrough

The final walkthrough inspection is your last chance to identify cleaning or repairs needed before handing back the property.

Attend the scheduled walkthrough appointment with the landlord/manager.
Bring your copy of the move-in checklist for comparison.
Point out any damages that were pre-existing when you moved in.
Complete any outstanding cleaning or removal of items on the spot if possible.
Sign any inspection documents presented after carefully reviewing.
Note in writing if you disagree with any deposit deductions listed.
Discuss timeline for receiving your deposit refund.

Arrange Professional Deep Cleaning (if needed)

If thoroughly cleaning the entire property before moving out seems overwhelming, consider hiring professional cleaners.

Companies can provide a full deep cleaning service and checklist.
Maids can clean harder to reach areas like windows and ceiling fans.
It may be worth the investment to ensure deposit return.
Schedule cleaners for 1-2 days after you move out all belongings.
Supervise the cleaning and inspection if possible before turning in keys.

Double Check Utilities Are Off

Avoid unexpected utility bills after moving out by confirming services are properly disconnected.

Double check the power, water and gas are shut off after cleaning.
Ensure cable and internet services are cancelled and equipment returned.
Verify utility companies have processed your disconnection request as scheduled.
Check for any final bills to avoid collections or credit damage.
Contact providers if any services were not properly shut off in time.

Leave Appliance Manuals and Household Info for Next Tenants

Help out the next residents by providing useful items like manuals and local instructions. This is also appreciated by landlords.

Create a folder of appliance manuals and warranties if available.
List the day of trash pickup and other home services provided.
Share info on quirks like accessing the roof or freezer defrosting.
Provide instructions on furnace filter changes and smoke detector batteries.
Include recommendations on local stores and service providers.

Change Locks If Necessary

For added peace of mind when moving, consider changing locks in case any copied keys were distributed.

Landlords may permit installing new locks as long as you re-key to match when moving out.
A locksmith can re-key locks to use a new key combination.
Buy new matching locks and provide copies of the new keys to the landlord to replace.
Ensure all copies of the old keys are turned over to prevent access issues.

Leave the Property in Good Condition

Make necessary repairs ahead of time so the rental is left clean and undamaged. This will set you up for a full deposit refund.

Touch up paint on walls and patch nail holes properly.
Replace any dead light bulbs and dying smoke detector batteries.
Fix leaky faucets, running toilets, loose doorknobs and other minor repairs.
Replace window screens that are torn or have holes.
Address any damage beyond normal wear and tear.

Review Security Deposit Deductions

If the landlord makes any deposit deductions you disagree with, you can contest them in writing professionally.

Request an itemized list of deductions with a specific explanation and charge for each.
Cite your rental rights under local tenant-landlord laws if applicable.
Provide copies of your rental inspection photos if disputing existing damage.
Write to the landlord explaining any deductions you are challenging.
Offer reasonable compromises, like getting professional carpet cleaning.
Consult an attorney if unable to reach an agreement on the deposit refund.

Update Address for Important Documents

Make updating addresses and accounts a moving out priority to prevent disruptions.

Driver’s license – update at the DMV within 30 days.
Vehicle registration and insurance policies.
Bank and credit card accounts.
Mortgages, investment accounts and safety deposit boxes.
Health insurance, doctors and benefits providers.
Magazine subscriptions and newspaper accounts.
Passport with the Department of State.

Cleaning Supplies Checklist

Having the right cleaning tools and products will make thoroughly cleaning the rental much easier.

Recommended Supplies

All-purpose surface cleaner
Glass and window cleaner
Disinfecting sprays or wipes
Goo-removing cleaners like Goo Gone
Baking soda and white vinegar
Grout brush and tile scrubbing tools
Toilet brush and plunger
Vacuum and mop buckets with extras pads/rags
Duster with extendable handle
Cleaning rag bundles
Rubber gloves and old clothes

Helpful Equipment

Vacuum with hose attachments
Steam mop for floors
Spin scrubber for tubs
Power drill with scrub brushes
Extension cords
Step ladder or stool
Tack cloths and microfiber cloths
Sponges, scrub brushes and scouring pads
Garbage bags

Tips for Moving Out Smoothly

Follow these additional pointers to make moving out of your rental hassle-free and set you up for a successful move.

Start organizing and packing early, at least 1 month before move-out day.
Declutter possessions you don’t need to lighten the moving load.
Keeps kids and pets out of the way during moving chaos.
Back up digital records and files on computers before disconnecting.
Begin eating down perishable food several weeks before the moving date.
Transfer prescriptions and update your pharmacy ahead of time.
Empty out flammables like paint cans and propane tanks safely.
Keep track of small moving parts like appliance manuals in labeled boxes.
Have payment ready for any final bills or rental charges due.
Set up mail forwarding before you start packing.
Print out maps and directions to your new home ahead of time.
Unpack quickly at your new place to regain normalcy.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I notify my landlord about moving out?

Review your rental agreement for the official notice period required, typically 30-60 days. Notify your landlord in writing as soon as you have a firm move out date set.

What if I can’t clean thoroughly before I have to hand over the keys?

Schedule professional cleaners to complete the cleaning after you’ve moved everything out but before the final inspection. Attend the inspection to point out which areas they will be cleaning.

Am I responsible for carpets or walls that need replacement?

If they are damaged beyond normal wear and tear, you could be charged for replacement. Try to clean carpets first before replacing. For walls, simply repainting is usually sufficient unless holes need patching.

What happens if I accidentally leave items behind at the property?

Any possessions left after turning in the keys typically can be disposed of or kept by the landlord. Call immediately if you left essential items behind and arrange picking them up.

Can I use my security deposit as last month’s rent?

No, using the deposit instead of your final rent payment may be grounds for your landlord to sue for the owed amount. You forfeit rights to the deposit if you fail to pay the last month’s rent.

How soon will I get my security deposit back?

Landlords typically have 30-60 days after you move out to refund deposits, according to local laws. If you do not receive it by the deadline, contact your landlord in writing to request return of the deposit.

What recourse do I have if my deposit is not returned fairly?

Sending a formal letter contesting improper deposit deductions is the first step. If that is unsuccessful, you can file a claim in small claims court against the landlord for the disputed amount.

Am I responsible for repainting walls or replacing carpets?

It depends on what conditions are outlined in the lease. Most landlords will repaint and replace carpets periodically as needed due to normal wear and tear. You may need to cover excessive damage beyond regular use.

Can I leave my unwanted furniture or other items?

No, any large items like furniture must be removed by you or it could be grounds for deductions from your deposit. Contact charities and trash pickup services to help clear out all your possessions.

What if I cannot return the keys by the lease end date?

Request a written extension from the landlord in advance if you need to stay a short period past the lease end. Incurring “holdover fees” for failing to vacate on time can be very costly.

Conclusion

Moving out of an apartment or rental home requires planning and work. But taking it step-by-step with the help of a detailed checklist makes the process smooth and efficient. Begin early by decluttering and organizing possessions. Provide proper notice and turn in keys on time. Clean thoroughly, remove all items, arrange professional services as needed. Take photos, complete the final walkthrough inspection and handle the security deposit properly. Update accounts and addresses promptly. Follow up on any utilities still connected. And don’t forget to celebrate in your new home once the hard work is done! With the tips above, you can successfully move out of any rental property.