How to Vacate a Rental Property

After packing, clean your rental before you vacate it.

Once a tenant's lease is up, he or she will need to vacate the rental property. If this is not done properly, the tenant jeopardizes both obtaining his security deposit back and receiving a glowing referral for a future rental. When preparing to vacate, it is important to keep in mind the state of the rental property at the time you took possession of it. Generally, this is how you want the property to look when you leave.

Things You'll Need

• Cleaning products
• Vacuum
• Carpet cleaner
• Broom
• Lawnmower

Instructions

1. Pay any outstanding balances you owe, and make arrangements to vacate the rental property by the date specified by the landlord.

2. Scrub all bathrooms making sure to remove any soap scum, mold or mildew. Remove the shower curtain and toss it in the trash if you are not taking it with you.

3. Vacuum all floors and have the carpets cleaned if they are not in the same condition as when you moved into the rental home. Sweep and mop any tile, vinyl or linoleum floors.

4. Wipe down walls, baseboards and cabinets. All dirt, dust, cobwebs and grease need to be removed before vacating.

5. Scrub kitchen appliances, such as the refrigerator, oven and microwave. No crumbs or food that could attract bugs should be left behind.

6. Replace any furniture or household fixtures that were damaged during your tenancy. This does not include normal wear and tear, which is to be expected. For example, if the toaster was 10 years old and one of the heating elements stopped working, you would not be responsible for replacing it.

7. Mow the lawn and straighten up the yard before you leave. If you don't have time to do it yourself, hire a landscaper.

8. Take all trash out to the curb on trash day. Do not leave any trash inside the rental property for the landlord to remove.

9. Return your keys to the landlord. The landlord will visit the rental property within a few days to perform an inspection.

Tips & Warnings

• If you have any pets, you should arrange to have the house deodorized. Fleas, if any, should also be killed by a professional before your departure.

• Request a checklist from your landlord if you are unsure as to what is expected of you in order to vacate the property and still collect your security deposit.

• The landlord has the right to keep part or all of your security deposit if a professional cleaner or exterminator needs to be hired. Money may also be kept to fix holes in the walls or other damages that occurred as a result of abuse or neglect.

References

• Shane Spense Real Estate: Tips on Vacating
• Georgia Department of Consumer Affairs: Georgia Landlord Tenant Handbook