Moving Out of a Rental Property: Checklist for Moving Out of an Apartment

Table of Contents

• 1. Let Your Landlord Know About Your Move
• 2. Learn About Your Previous Payments
• 3. Hire Professional Movers
• 4. Change Your Address and Notify Government Agencies
• 5. Inform Utility and Insurance Providers
• 6. Cancel All Your Subscriptions to Your Old Address
• 7. Inform Your Kids’ Daycare or School
• 8. Deregister Pets With the Vet
• 9. Schedule a Pre-inspection With Your Landlord
• 10. Make Repairs if Necessary
• 11. Clean Up
• 12. Take Pictures in Case You Need Proof of the Condition of the Apartment
• 13. Gather Your Keys and Return Them to the Property Manager or Landlord
• 14. Schedule Your Checkout With Your Landlord and Move Out
• 15. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

 

Renting apartments is a popular option not only for college students and new city residents but even for families looking to settle down. It’s convenient in affordability, and usually gives you a reasonable amount of space. Nevertheless, sometimes people do move out of a rental property for multiple reasons: graduation, a drastic job shift, or starting over in a different city or country. SEKA Moving has put together a step-by-step guide on moving out of a rental property.

 

1. Let Your Landlord Know About Your Move

The process of a tenant moving out of a rental property has an official name: eviction. It’s best to send your landlord the acknowledgment of your move in written form. The more notice you give your landlord at the appropriate time, the better. This can help you avoid many future quarrels or complications with your landlord.

 

2. Learn About Your Previous Payments

You can’t fully say goodbye to your old life without one last inspection of every aspect of it. We recommend doing plenty of research on any previous payments. Not that you’re expected to prepare for any disadvantages in the long run, but it can greatly equip you in case of any unpleasant events. Knowledge of your rental history also gives you a start in taking care of financial responsibilities in your new home.

 

3. Hire Professional Movers

You probably have an abundance of your belongings scattered all over your rental. Packing them all yourself seems like a hurdle, especially with all the other responsibilities you’re left with. On this occasion, hiring local movers would be the better option. Professionals can take care of your packing with efficiency, and guarantee that all your belongings arrive safely to their new home.

 

4. Change Your Address and Notify Government Agencies

Moving to a new place means having a new address show up on all your records, so one of your first responsibilities will be changing the old one. Notify the government agencies of your address change. This includes contacting the federal revenue agency, as well as the state tax agency. All it takes is providing all your basic information (name, date of birth, social security number, and both the old and new addresses) over the phone.

 

5. Inform Utility and Insurance Providers

As vital as it is to notify government officials first, taking care of all the subscriptions is right next on your list. Your next step is to inform all the providers, such as insurance and utility. Call or email your insurance company and let them know about the new address. Some of these you may be able to complete online by filling out a form.

 

6. Cancel All Your Subscriptions to Your Old Address

Your address currently appears on every subscription you’ve ever made: online shopping, any house services, and so on. If you do not remember everything you’ve ever subscribed for, do not stress. On your Google account, you are likely to find all your old subscriptions. You will then have to cancel all the magazines, food services, etc. which were associated with your old address.

 

7. Inform Your Kids’ Daycare or School

If you have younger children, you will need to make a trip to their school or daycare to inform them about the move. Research the schools around your new home in advance. Choose upon factors such as safety, affordability, level of education, and rankings. Know that often, your district decides for you which school your child belongs to, based on your new street and neighborhood.

 

8. Deregister Pets With the Vet

Some rental properties allow the presence of pets in apartments. If you have a four-legged friend living with you, you probably take them to the vet every once in a while. Moving to a new home often means finding a new veterinarian, and deregistering them from the old clinic. Verify that the new clinic has everything that is required to keep your animal healthy in the long run.

 

9. Schedule a Pre-inspection With Your Landlord

Before moving out of your rental property, a pre-inspection with your landlord must occur. On average, the inspection should take place no sooner than one week before your departure. During the pre-inspection, the landlord will walk with you through the apartment and search for any signs of damage so that you have a chance to make repairs. This is necessary for you to have a glance at the condition of your apartment through the landlord’s eyes and take all appropriate responsibility.

 

10. Make Repairs if Necessary

Remember that you are expected to leave the property in the same condition you found it. Check for any signs of damage on the walls, in the kitchen or bathroom, or any piece of furniture that didn’t originally belong to you. It’s acceptable and even logical to see some minor damage, but you do have to take responsibility for the more significant repair, such as holes, scratches, and dents on the walls, as well as electricity and light. Be aware that in many places, you can ask to deduct the money you spend on any repairs from your last rent bill.

 

11. Clean Up

Cleaning is an essential part of any moving process, regardless of whether you are moving out of your office or a home you own. In a rental property, however, this includes washing the windows, steaming, cleaning mattresses, washing and disinfecting everything in the bathroom, dusting every part of the furniture, and vacuuming the floors. If the rental property includes lawns, garages, or balconies, make sure to leave these clean as well. If the thought of doing all of that by yourself is exhausting, you can find a local cleaning company.

 

12. Take Pictures in Case You Need Proof of the Condition of the Apartment

You are required to have proof of your old home’s condition. Take multiple photos of your apartment, so you have evidence if any conflicts come up with your landlord. If any repairs have been made, videos are recommended. If you live in crowded and busy cities like NYC, chances are your old apartment will be on sale and new residents will have an eye on it in no time.

 

13. Gather Your Keys and Return Them to the Property Manager or Landlord

There is one trademark to every apartment or home which makes each place a unique residence: the keys. Keys guarantee safety and keep your place secure from robbery or invasions. Make sure they are not lost and in great condition. You want to be remembered in your old home as a responsible, caring resident.

 

14. Schedule Your Checkout With Your Landlord and Move Out

Congratulations – the most exciting step has arrived! You are still required to make your landlord aware exactly or how and when you are moving out. Your last step is completing the Notice of Intent to Vacate letter. The landlord will go over your request and schedule the date together with you.

We wish you luck in this stressful time of your life, and safe settling into your new apartment!

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do I Have to Pay For Cleaning When I Move Out?

You are not required to pay for cleaning, as these are tasks you can do yourself. However, if you find them too overwhelming, we do recommend hiring a local company to do the cleaning for you. Make sure to consider your budget, as well as the eventual condition of your old home!

 

Do You Have to Paint Walls When Moving Out?

Yes, if you have painted walls while living in a rental, you are required to paint them back to their initial color. Other than that, make sure the walls are in their optimal condition and lack any holes or scratches.

 

What Can a Landlord Charge for When You Move Out?

A landlord is likely to charge for a portion of your residence in the rental property. For example, New York has a right to keep all or a portion of the tenant’s security deposit.