So, your next task is to inspect your rented house or apartment and fix any damage you may have caused over your time there.
The most important point on any moving checklist for renters is to ensure the good condition of the rental property. If a suitable replacement tenant is not found, however, you’ll be responsible for paying rent for the full lease term. Good to know: In case you’re moving out of a rental before the lease expires, you need to provide justifiable reasons for leaving ahead of time and ask your landlord to cancel the lease and re-rent the property (or to allow you to sublet the property to someone else – the new tenant will be paying you rent and you’ll be paying the landlord). Depending on the state law, that may or may not be possible. If the amount of money equals the rent for one month, you can suggest that the landlord keeps the deposit and you don’t pay the last installment. Make your letter polite and conclude it with a request to have your security deposit returned – provided that the property is in the same condition it was when you moved in, of course. Make sure you know your tenant’s rights and responsibilities well. Once you know what is expected from you when moving out of the rental property, make sure you add all the tasks and deadlines to your moving calendar so you can take care of everything in a timely and efficient manner. Review the rules and regulations regarding the tenant move-out notice and utility transfers, check the maintenance obligations you have agreed to, and pay attention to any special terms and provisions in the contract.
You need to be aware of your renter’s responsibilities when moving out and to know how early you need to notify your landlord about your move. The first thing to do when planning to move out of a rental is to go over the provisions in your lease agreement. On the contrary, you’re likely to feel truly excited about the new chapter in your life, just like I felt each time I had to move out of a rental.Īnd yet, you’ll certainly want the moving-out process to go smoothly, without any problems, or conflicts – so that you get your security deposit back, part with your landlord on good terms, and have a hassle-free relocation.įollow the 8 steps of this comprehensive tenant move-out checklist to achieve this feat and start your new life on a positive note.
Speaking from personal experience, I can assure you that when the time comes for you to move to a new place, you’re unlikely to be very sad about leaving your rental property. If you’re not allowed to hang your photos on the walls or don’t dare to mark your child’s height on the door frame out of fear that you may damage the property, then you can never truly feel at home in your rental place.Īnd even if the terms of your rental contract are not very strict and you can do these things, you still know that when you move out, there will be no way to replicate your kid’s height marks – or take any other tangible memories associated with your current residence – into your next home. 1) Try to settle the issue with negotiationsĪ rented property rarely feels like a real home – you don’t have the freedom to do what you want with the place and the thought that you’ll leave, sooner or later, doesn’t let you invest too much sentimental value into the rented house or apartment.