This Tenant Moving Out Checklist Will Help You Get Your Deposit Back (2024)

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As a renter, moving out of your current space at some point is inevitable. However, it’s not going to be as simple as packing up your belongings and moving to the next spot. You have a lot to do, and the task of moving out of a rented spot can be daunting, not to mention finding the best moving company for you.

Enter our handy checklist. Once you’ve completed this list, you should officially be ready to turn in your keys. But before you do, remember to give your new forwarding address to your landlord, so they know exactly where to return your security deposit.

Why Complete All The Items on This Checklist?

When you moved in, it’s more than likely that you were required to put down money as a security deposit, which may have been upward of a month’s rent.

Landlords charge security deposits to ensure that, if anything was damaged during the duration of your occupancy, they are guaranteed that the funds are available for them to make the necessary repairs before the next tenants move in. However, if you’ve managed to successfully make it through your lease without causing any damage to the rental, it’s important that you get that money back.

Here is our breakdown of tasks by room:

In The Bedroom(s)

• Repaint the room back to its original color, and remove any temporary wallpaper that you may have put up.
• Remove all nails, hooks or mounted mirrors from the walls and ceiling, and follow your lease agreement as far as how to handle filling any holes.
• Check for scuff marks in areas where the bed and other furniture meet the wall, and paint over them if needed.
• Ensure that the closets are emptied and cleaned.

In The Bathroom(s)

• Disinfect and clean the showers, bathtubs and sinks, paying special attention to soap, lime, rust or other types of buildup that may be clinging to any metal hardware.
• Clean all mirrors using a glass cleaner and a streak-free rag.
• Remove any hair from in and around the drains and ensure there are no clogs.
• Use a cleaner and a brush to clean the inside of the toilet, and use a disinfectant on the outside.
• Repair any broken tiles.
• Remove any mold or mildew that may have grown over time.
• Clean the grout and tiles.

In The Living / Family Room

• Check the walls for any scuff marks, and repair any that are found.
• Check for and remove any scuff marks on the floor that may have been caused by shifting furniture.
• Remove any remaining wood and ash from the fireplace, and be sure the flue is shut.

In The Kitchen

• Wipe down the walls, paying special attention to the backsplash and other areas surrounding the stovetop where grease and food buildup could be.
• Clean both the insides and outsides of cupboards, drawers and pantries. Consider using a vacuum hose extension to remove any stubborn crumbs that are not easily wiped away from the corners.
• Remove, donate or throw away anything remaining in the refrigerator and freezer, and wipe both the inside and outside of the appliance clean with a disinfectant cleaner. Don’t forget to dust the top.
• Defrost the inside of the freezer.
• Turn off the ice maker.
• Sweep and mop the floor.
• Clean both the inside and outside of the microwave.
• If the microwave is built-in and suspended, be sure to wipe the bottom clean.
• If the microwave sits on a countertop, be sure to clean underneath it to remove any crumbs or debris.
• For an electric stove top, remove any food debris and wipe the glass clean.
• For a gas stove top, remove and clean on, around and under the burner grates.
• Clean the inside of the oven by wiping down the inside racks and drip trays and removing any food particles.
• Clean both the inside and outside of the dishwasher, being sure to remove any particles of food that may have collected on the bottom or in the filter.
• Clean out the garbage disposal to ensure that no food is stuck inside and no smell will linger.
• If you’re able to safely move them, sweep behind and underneath the stove and refrigerator.

Don’t Forget

Here are some last-minute tasks that you may forget, even if your apartment looks spotless.

• Dust and wipe down the ceiling fans and air vents in all rooms.
• Dust and wipe down any built-in plastic or wooden blinds.
• Dust and wipe down any window sills.
• Wipe down all windows from the inside using a glass cleaner and a streak-free rag.
• Dust away any cobwebs from the corners and ceilings of all rooms.
• Wipe down all door frames and ensure all locks are functioning normally.
• Sweep patios, porches and balconies to remove any dirt and debris.
• For any rooms with carpet, be sure to vacuum and check that it is free of rips, stains and other damages.
• For any rooms with tiles or wood floors, be sure to sweep and properly clean them.
• Clear out and wipe down the insides of any linen or storage closets.
• Wipe down all light switch plates and doorknobs with a disinfectant.
• Replace any burnt-out lightbulbs.
• Take out and dispose of any last-minute trash and recycling.
• Check to be sure that the washing machine and dryer are both empty, and remember to clean out the lint catcher.
• Ensure that all appliances are working properly.
• Clean and empty out the garage if you have one.
• Replace any items that were in the space when you moved in that you may have chosen to temporarily remove.
• Leave all major appliances plugged in unless otherwise stated in your lease or by your landlord.
• Don’t forget to remove all moving boxes and supplies.

Bottom Line

You deserve that deposit back if you treated your rented apartment well, and this checklist will help you get there. Not only will this checklist help you pack properly, but Follow all the steps on the list and you’ll have a much better chance of receiving your full deposit to put toward your next place.