Move Out Cleaning Checklist For Tenant & Landlords

Also Take Your Stuff

If you leave anything behind, especially something big, the landlord will have to hire someone to remove it, which will come out of your security deposit. Double and triple check storage areas, closets, drawers, and cabinets before you leave for the last time.

Return Your Keys

Many tenants forget this step and it costs them. When you’re finally out of your rental, contact your landlord and set up a time to drop off the keys. Make sure you give him everything you have, including gate and mailbox keys. Otherwise, the landlord will charge you a replacement fee for every key you take with you.

• Be Careful with the Walls. A lot of renters use expandable brackets to brace large pictures and furniture to the walls. But these brackets often leave large holes when you remove them later. If at all possible, find a less damaging way to display your decor.
• Keep the Rental in Good Shape. Treat the space like it’s your own property and not “just a rental.” Keep it clean and in good condition while you’re living there. For example, clean up spills on the counters and floors immediately and be particularly careful with light-colored carpets and counters that can stain easily. Treat appliances with respect so they remain in good working order when it’s time to move out.
• Pay Your Rent on Time. Make sure you have your rent check to your landlord by the due date each month. This is the single easiest way to get and stay in good graces with your landlord. He may also be more forgiving of small wear and tear you cause if you maintain a good relationship.
• Move-Out Inspection. Ask your landlord to complete a move-out inspection with you after you’ve moved your belongings and cleaned the apartment. Have the landlord explain any damages. If pre-existing damages are noticed, show your landlord the list you agreed on in your move-in inspection as well as the photos you took. You can offer to fix new damages yourself or try to negotiate down the cost of the deduction from your security deposit. Get any agreements in writing so your landlord won’t be tempted to renege on them.
• Move-In Inspection. Ask your landlord to inspect the apartment with you before you move in. While doing the walk-through, keep a list of any damages you notice. Inspect everything from top to bottom, including inside the drawers, cabinets, and closets. Have your landlord sign off on your damages list. If the landlord makes any promises to repair major damage you notice, get the promise in writing. Keep a copy of both documents so you can use them to prove pre-existing damage, if necessary, when you move out.
• Take Photos. Before you move in your furniture, take clear photos of every room with a date stamp, including inside the closets as well as outside areas, such as balconies. If any damage exists, take close-up photos as well. A visual will help prove pre-existing damage should the landlord try to take it out of your deposit.
• Move in Carefully. Take care when moving your furniture in for the first time and when rearranging pieces later. Bulky items can scratch floors, rip paint off of walls, and ding door jambs. Add pads underneath chair legs to keep them from scratching the floor when you move chairs in, out, or around.
• Read the Lease Before You Make Changes. Some landlords will allow you to paint, while others request you don’t even use small nails in the walls. A change you might consider minor may be prohibited by your lease. If you want to make major changes, such as painting a room a new color, get the landlord’s permission in writing before you do so as it will help avoid a conflict later on.

Keep good records, and follow up, our responsibility as renters  is to do this to get our deposit back and you should have no problems getting your security deposit back.