MOVE-OUT INFORMATION

Just as with moving in, moving out requires planning and work. Plan ahead, get boxes, and pack your belongings
little-by-little. Get friends and family to help make the moving process a little easier. Below is a move-out checklist.

Check the lease end date. By what date do you need to move out or renew your lease in order to stay? If you haven’t renewed your lease by the landlord’s deadline (which may or may not be the last day of your lease), the landlord may rent the apartment or house to someone else.
Don’t wait until the last minute. Do not underestimate the time it takes to pack all your belongings and move. Start packing about 30 days before you need to vacate.
Donate. Pack up in stages to allow yourself time to sell, donate, or find homes for things you no longer need or should not be disposed of with standard curbside or dumpster garbage. Donate clothes, couches, and canned foods that you don’t need. See below for a list of places to consign and donate your belongings.
Move-out policy. Do you need to return keys or have the carpet steamed before leaving? Find out from property management any specifics you may need to do before moving out.
Renting a truck, movers, or a storage unit? Call ahead to reserve since lots of other people are moving out at the same time.
Camera time. Take pictures or video of your empty apartment so you have documentation of the condition of the property when you left.
Scrub the tub. Make sure you thoroughly clean the apartment. Save all receipts regarding cleaning (products, professional service, etc.) as proof.
Find out the date when you will get your security deposit back. You are not necessarily guaranteed your security deposit. If there are damages or cleaning needed, the landlord may use money from the security deposit to repair the property. A landlord has 15 days after termination of the lease to return the security deposit or send a notice by certified mail stating how much is going to be deducted from the deposit and why.

If you have concerns, you must object to the deduction in writing within 15 days of your receipt of the notice or the deductions are authorized. If the notice is not postmarked within 15 days, the landlord forfeits the security deposit. If the property was damaged, the landlord can sue you even when the 15-day notice is not given. Consult an attorney or Student Legal Services before filing any lawsuits.