The Ultimate Move-Out Checklist for Apartments

Moving out is a part of the renting process that both landlords and tenants should prepare for. As a landlord, you want to ensure that the unit is in pristine condition and move-in ready once the previous tenant has moved out. As a tenant, your priority should be getting your security deposit returned at the end of your lease agreement.

The best way to make these things possible is by performing a move-out inspection and utilizing a move-out checklist. These are tools that streamline the move-out process for both landlords and tenants. They ensure everyone is on the same page and help make the tenant turnover process as painless as possible.

In this guide, we’ll lay out everything you should add to your move-out checklist and why you need one.

Moving-Out Checklist

What Is a Move-Out Checklist?

A move-out checklist helps landlords and tenants track all key inspection items and often doubles as a cleaning guide. While generic versions exist online, landlords should provide a unit-specific checklist. For example, a fireplace may require tenants to clear logs, soot, and debris before moving out.

Any move-out instructions in the lease agreement must be followed to prevent issues such as left-behind furniture, dirty units, or forgotten keys.

Why Is a Move-Out Checklist Important?

Both landlords and tenants benefit from taking the time to conduct a move-out inspection, and it reduces issues for the next person moving in. Ensuring that the unit is in pristine condition for the next tenant and guaranteeing a full security deposit refund offers an incentive for both parties to perform a thorough inspection.

For landlords, following a move-out checklist can reveal any significant damage that tenants caused during their occupancy. Inspecting a unit can also provide an accurate estimate of how long it’ll take until the landlord can consider the unit to be move-in ready.

Landlords will need to arrange for people to make the necessary repairs and deep-clean the unit. That can take some time.

What Can Cause Security Deposit Disputes?

Security deposit disputes may arise when a landlord believes there is damage to the rental unit that exceeds normal wear and tear.

During the final inspection, both landlords and tenants can highlight evidence in the event of a dispute to determine whether the security deposit should be refunded.

In some cases, a tenant can deny having caused damage beyond normal wear and tear. However, a landlord may refuse to refund the payment on the grounds that the tenant caused significant damage.

If the disagreement can be mediated, it may be taken to small claims court. Both parties can provide proof of their argument. They typically do that by showing detailed and time-stamped photographs that they took at the time of their inspection.

This is irrefutable evidence and will likely be the deciding factor in a security deposit dispute.

What Is the Best Sample Move-Out Checklist?

Below you’ll find an extensive list of what to include on your move-out checklist, categorized by room.

Living Spaces and Bedrooms

• Walls - Walls should be free of any markings or damage. Holes left should be filled according to the lease agreement.
• Floors - Hard flooring should be free of scratching or any deep grooves. Carpets shouldn’t be excessively stained or burned. Carpets should be thoroughly cleaned and vacuumed. Hard floors should be swept and mopped.
• Closets - Closets should be completely empty, dusted, and the floors cleaned.
• Ceiling Fans and Central Air Vents - These need to be dusted and wiped down with a wet cloth.
• Windows - Windows shouldn’t have any cracks. They should be washed from the inside with a glass cleaner. Curtains should be removed. Blinds, typically provided by the landlord, should be wiped clean between each blade to remove dust and debris.

Kitchen

• Stovetop and Range Hood - Stovetops should be cleared of food and debris. Drip plates that are excessively burned or rusted will need to be replaced. Range hoods with lights and fans should be degreased.
• Oven - The oven should be cleared of excess buildup and degreased. Oven racks should be cleaned or replaced, as needed.
• Backsplash - Any backsplash in the sink area or near the stovetop will collect grease and debris. People should clean and degrease those as needed.
• Dishwasher - Tenants should clean the dishwasher filter regularly. There shouldn’t be any bits of food in the dishwasher after move-out.
• Sink and/or Garbage Disposal - People should clean and clear the sink of any excess food.
• Floors - Floors should be free of excess marking or scuffing. Tenants or landlords should sweep or mop them.
• Cabinets - Cabinets should be completely empty. Tenants should remove any crumbs or trash. Doors should be secured on their hinges, and shelves should not sag.
• Countertops - People need to clean and degrease countertops. The landlord could consider any burns, cuts, or large stains to be excessive damage.
• Refrigerator and Freezer - These should be empty and clean. The tenant may need to defrost the freezer.
• Microwave - The tenant or landlord should degrease and thoroughly clean microwaves from the inside out.
• Windows - Windows in the kitchen may collect grease. The tenant or landlord should clean them accordingly.

Note: All appliances throughout the unit should be in good working condition. Landlords should perform routine maintenance checks throughout the lease term. That way, they can ensure they’re making repairs even if tenants don't report them.

Bathroom

• Toilet - Should be cleaned and disinfected.
• Shower/Bathtub - Showers and bathtubs should be clear of personal items and shower curtains. The tenant or landlord should clean and disinfect them.
• Sink - The sink should be unstained and free of personal effects. It should be cleaned and disinfected.
• Floors - People need to sweep and mop the floors.
• Mirrors - Mirrors should be wiped down with a glass cleaner and be free of cracks. If the mirror also acts as a medicine cabinet, it should be empty.
• Windows - Landlords or tenants should clean windows with a glass cleaner from the inside.

Note: Mold is a common issue in bathrooms, as it’s a moist environment. If the problem is extensive, it is best to have an expert perform mold removal. Landlords or tenants should check the bathroom fan regularly to ensure that it’s working. That’ll significantly reduce the chances of a mold problem.

Miscellaneous

• Smells - If there are any lingering odors in the apartment that airing out will not fix, landlords could consider that to be excessive damage.
• Utilities - Tenants will need to take their name off their utilities upon move-out. If the utilities are in the landlord’s name, they should turn them off while the unit is unoccupied.
• Keys - Tenants should return their keys to the landlord upon move-out. Some landlords require tenants to pay a fee for any keys that are not returned.
• Smoke Detectors and Carbon Monoxide Alarms - Landlords should change the batteries regularly.

Note: If you have expressly prohibited smoking or pets in the apartment, but the smell comes from animal urine or cigarette smoke, you can consider it a breach of the lease. If this is the case, you may need to write a notice to vacate prior to the end of the lease term.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Move-Out Checklists

When will the landlord pay the security deposit back?

Most security deposits are paid back 14 to 60 days after the final walk-through and inspection. This timeline may vary depending on your rental company, and cities or states may have requirements for paying back tenants on specific dates.

What is “normal” wear and tear on an apartment?

Wear and tear is anything that could be considered normal wear from everyday use. For example, fading or wear on carpet, minor scratches on counters or in the shower, and small cracks are regarded as normal wear.

How much does it cost to hire movers?

You should budget anywhere from $500 to $2,000 to hire movers. It depends on the distance you need to move and how much stuff will be transported. We recommend getting personalized quotes from movers in your area.