How to Check Out of a Rental

Make a cool exit from your old rental by following a few simple steps when you check out.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Keys
• Cleaning Supplies
• Lightweight Vacuum Cleaners
• Mops
• Upright Vacuum Cleaners
• Property Condition Report
• Paper Towel Rolls
• Cameras

1. Check your lease or rental agreement to see how far in advance you should notify your landlord of your intent to vacate the premises (usually 30 days for one-year leases or month-to-month rental agreements).

2. Notify your landlord in writing of your plans to move on a specific date, giving advance notice according to the terms of your lease or rental agreement.

3. Vacuum and mop floors, clean kitchen and bath facilities, take out trash and remove all possessions from the rental property on moving day. (The unit should be in the same condition as the day you moved into the unit, with only reasonable amounts of wear and tear.)

4. Take photos of the rental unit to document the condition of the property when you vacated the premises.

5. Accompany your landlord on a final "walk-through" of the rental property, comparing the original property condition inspection report to the current condition of the unit and assessing any repair costs that may be withheld from your security deposit.

6. Turn off all lights and appliances before you lock up the rental unit for the last time.

7. Return your keys to the landlord and obtain a receipt for the key return.

8. Leave a forwarding address with your landlord for the return of your security deposit.

Tips & Warnings

• Before-and-after property condition inspection reports can help minimize disputes over the condition of property on move-out day.

• Prevent disputes over the property's condition by taking photos and keeping copies of all documents and correspondence pertaining to the rental unit.