What you should do before you move out?

Whether you’re getting your security deposit back from your landlord or your former roommate(s), the entire process can seem overwhelming and stressful!

• If you and your roommate are not going to be living together in a new apartment make sure you have: your roommate’s phone number, address, and at least one “back-up” contact such as parent or sibling’s phone number and address.
• Make sure all phone numbers, addresses, and e-mail addresses are up to date when you move out of the apartment.
• Discuss how the money returned from your security deposit will be distributed and put that in a written agreement.  Give copies to each of the room
  • It is important that your roommate or landlord has at least two current forwarding addresses to mail your security deposit. Many mistakes have been made that the security deposit has been mailed to an expired address.

Repairing damages?

• The unit (as a whole) must be repaired as completely as possible to receive a larger refund of the security deposit back.
• Depending on the amount of repair you may mend the damages yourself, hire a service, or consult with your property provider.
• Property providers may advise you to abstain from doing your own repairs because it is usually cheaper to have it repaired by the
  • Costs for repair jobs are based on the nature of the job and how long it takes.

You are entitled to request a move out inspection from your property manager (landlord)!

1. Make a written request or call for an appointment with your property manager to have a walkthrough move out inspection. This is an initial inspection.
2. Remember there may be many tenants moving out during that month so it is suggested to schedule your appointment at least a few weeks ahead.
3. Once you should agree on a mutually convenient date and time with the landlord or representative for the inspection make sure you keep your appointment. This appointment usually is about two weeks before the end of the lease term.

Move out inspection

1. You and your landlord should use the original inventory check list one upon moving in and any documentations of previous inspections done while living in the apartment.

2. Make sure you have photo/video copies of the apartment BEFORE and AFTER you move in. These are also known as pre-inspection and post-inspection photos.

3. Pictures: Try to capture as much detail as possible about the condition of the apartment as you are leaving it.

• Take pictures of each room
• Take pictures of the walls, windows, and doors
• Take pictures of the carpet
• Take pictures of the exterior parts of the house

4. Who is cleaning the apartment? This task will need to be divided up between you and your roommates. This includes: deep cleaning, fixing holes, etc.

CLICK HERE for a Prezi Diagram of the Move Out Checklist!