Here’s What Tenants Should
Do as They Prepare to Move Out

There are many things that we need for tenants to do as they move out of their rental home.  This move-out check list provides guidance.  Failure to follow these steps could result in losing your security deposit.

Remember that our leases all end at the end of the month.  There is no pro-rating the last month.  Your security deposit cannot be used for the last months’ rent. 

Make sure to give at least 30 days’ notice prior to the month you plan on moving.

Contact us 3-5 days’ prior to your actual move date to schedule an inspection.

General Cleaning Items

• All light switches and electrical outlet covers. Wipe down and clean off all finger prints and dirt.
• All light fixtures: Replace light bulbs if necessary. Do not forget this includes those in the refrigerator, microwave, stove, range hood, outside fixtures, in the garage including florescent etc.
• Ceiling fan blades and lights wipe down each blade and make sure the bulbs are not burned out.
• All floors and baseboards. Mop the floors and take a wet cloth to the baseboards to remove all dirt and dust.
• All casings around all the doors and the doors themselves. Make sure they are all wiped down and clean. Do not forget to wipe down both sides of doors especially those that open to the outside.
• Remove all scuff marks, dirt and smudges on walls. Do not forget the inside of closets.
• Make sure to install a new HVAC air filter.

Kitchen

• Clean inside all cupboards and wash down the cabinet doors (both sides) Pay close attention if there is grease on the cabinets or spills in the cupboards.
• Clean out all drawers (inside & out) (vacuum the drawers then wipe them out.)
• Clean the countertops -Wipe them down with a de greaser.
• Clean windows and window sills. This leaves mirrors, cook tops, windows etc. streak free.

Refrigerator and Freezer

• Defrost if necessary 
• If the refrigerator needs a new water filter replace it before move out.
• Clean inside and out (Including doors and shelves).
• Remove the grill at the bottom of the refrigerator. These get quite dirty so you may want to soak it in hot soapy water.
• With the grill soaking, clean the floor and drip pan under the refrigerator.
• Wash the outside of the refrigerator (front, top and both sides), then wipe down.
• Empty the ice and shut off.
• Clean the rubber stripping on the refrigerator and freezer door. This gets a lot of dirt in it. You will need to get on a step stool in order to see the dirt at the top of the rubber stripping.

Dishwasher

• Clean around the inside opening and sides. If there is any food or junk in the bottom clean that out.

Stove

• Clean oven and trays. If you have a self-cleaning oven you should run it.  Make sure to check the stove when it is done.  There are areas that the self-cleaning does not get like the door.  Do not use spray cleanser in a self-cleaning oven!  It can ruin the coil
• Clean under the burners. Lift up the stove top.
• Clean burner drip pans; if these are no longer chrome but stained beyond cleaning you should replace them. These can be found at any home improvement store.

Microwave and Range hood

• Clean and wash the filters underneath.
• Clean underneath the microwave, this can get very greasy. It must all be cleaned.
• Clean inside the microwave and the vents on top outside
• If you have a range hood instead, clean under and on top to remove the grease and dirt.

Kitchen floor and sink

• Mop and clean floor and baseboards
• Clean sink and shine chrome faucets

Bathrooms

• Clean exhaust fan
• Scrub floor and baseboard
• Wipe all light bulbs (after they are cool)
• Clean out the tub and shine the chrome
• If you have a glass door on your shower, scrub it so there is no soap scum and residue. Then spray with a glass cleaner.
• Clean the sink and shine the chrome
• Tiles should be washed, grout cleaned and mildew free
• Clean the toilet; leave at least one roll of toilet paper in the house.
• Clean out the cabinets and drawers. Wipe inside and outside the cabinet doors.
• Clean the mirror, it should not have streaks.
• Do not forget to shine all the chrome (towel racks, soap dish, toilet paper holder and faucets)

Other Rooms in the House

Dining Area

• Clean heat registers and walls for dust, cobwebs and scuff marks
• Clean flooring including baseboards
• Clean light fixture and replace bulbs if necessary
• Clean windows, window sills and tracks
• If you have sliding glass doors clean the glass, tracks and blinds if this applies to the house. If you need to put back up window treatments that were there when you arrived, now is the time to do so.  If you need to wash them before you put them up please do so.    

Living room

• Clean heat registers and walls for dust, cobwebs and scuff marks
• Clean flooring including baseboards
• Clean light fixture and replace bulbs if necessary
• Clean windows, window sills and tracks
• If you have sliding glass doors clean the glass, tracks and blinds if this applies to the house. If you need to put back up window treatments that were there when you arrived, now is the time to do so. If you need to wash them before you put them up please do so.

Closets

• Clean bar and shelves
• Clean woodwork and doors
• Vacuum
• Remove scuff marks

Sliding Glass Doors

• Clean dirt from sliding door tracks
• Vacuum screen to remove dirt
• Clean glass inside and out

Bedrooms

• Clean ceiling, walls and heat registers
• Clean blinds
• Wash all windows inside and window sills
• Clean baseboards

Basement and Washer/Dryer (If Applicable) 

• Remove all items and sweep.  If washer/dryer came with the property, make sure they are empty.  Then wipe them down inside and out and clean the filter.  If they are in an enclosed area vacuum the floor around the sides and front.

General Items to Complete

Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

• Test all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.  Replace batteries if needed

Carpets

• Carpet MUST be PROFESSIONALLY You must submit a paid receipt for this service.  Do not rent a carpet cleaner and clean yourself, those machines do not do a good enough job.
• If you had pets, the cleaning needs to include DEFLEA and DETICK. Please make sure that is also listed on the receipt.

Mini Blinds

• Should be wiped down
• Replace any broken blinds

Deck/Patio/Porch

• Remove all items and sweep

Garage and Driveway (If applicable)

• Remove all items and sweep
• Clean up any oil stains in the garage and driveway

Storage shed (If applicable)

• Remove all items and sweep

Yard (If applicable)

• The landscape MUST be mowed and the weeds pulled. All dog droppings removed if applicable.  The garage, drive-way, sidewalks and patio areas should be swept and clean.
• Gutters must be cleaned out.

Trash, Rubbish or Discarded Belongings

• You must arrange for haul off of trash, garbage or unwanted items before you leave. Most trash companies will only take what fits in the weekly cans.  Call your trash service to find out how much they will take when you move.  If they do not take what you leave, we will charge you for the haul off.

Make sure to pay the final water bill and submit proof of payment. We cannot release your security deposit without this.

• Make sure to provide us with your forwarding address.
• Have all your mail forwarded, we cannot guarantee sending delivered mail to you at your new address
• Return all keys and parking passes (Failure to return keys results in a $150.00 Lock Change Charge; Failure to return parking passes results in a $50.00 Replacement Charge for each).
• Do NOT turn off the HVAC. In the winter, leave the thermostat on 62.  In the summer, leave the thermostat on 78.

*****This is a guideline to assist in making sure the cleanliness of the house is at the correct standard.  This is not all inclusive as some residences may have additional areas to be cleaned.