Pre Move Out Checklist

[Inna Hurin]

My tenant is moving out soon. Her lease states that the place has to be left in the same condition as it was when moved in. To avoid any issues later when she is out and its time to give the deposit back I wanted to send her a checklist that would cover things more specifically. Where can I find such a list? 

[Michele Fischer]

Sample move out letter:

Move-Out Letter

___[Date]___

___[Tenant]___

___[Street Address]___

___[City and State]___

Dear ___[Tenant]___,

We hope you have enjoyed living here. In order that we may mutually end our relationship on a positive note, this move-out letter describes how we expect your unit to be left and what our procedures are for returning your security deposit.

You gave notice on_____________. Per the rental agreement you are responsible for rent until___________. If we can re-rent your unit before that date, your responsibility ends on the day it is re-rented. To help accomplish that, please provide your actual move out date as soon as you know it and work with us to show the unit to prospective tenants.

Basically, we expect you to leave your rental unit in the same condition it was when you moved in, except for normal wear and tear. To refresh your memory on the condition of the unit when you moved in, refer to the Landlord/Tenant Checklist you signed at the beginning of your tenancy. Contact us if you want another copy. We'll be using this same form to inspect your unit when you leave.

Specifically, here's a list of items you should thoroughly clean before vacating:

[ ] Floors

[ ] sweep/mop laminate floors

[ ] vacuum carpets and rugs (shampoo if necessary)

[ ] mop kitchen and bathroom floors

[ ] Walls, baseboards, ceilings, and built-in shelves

[ ] Kitchen cabinets, countertops and sink, stove and oven--inside and out

[ ] Refrigerator--clean inside and out, empty it of food

[ ] Bathtubs, showers, toilets, and plumbing fixtures

[ ] Doors, windows, and window coverings

[ ] Other _________________________________________________________

We expect to be able to run a cloth over drawers, shelves, counters, window sills, window wells, and blinds without the rag being marked with dust or dirt. If you have any questions as to the type of cleaning we expect, please let us know.

Please don't leave anything behind--that includes bags of garbage, clothes, food, newspapers, furniture, appliances, dishes, plants, cleaning supplies, or other items that belong to you.

Please be sure you have disconnected phone and utility services, canceled all newspaper subscriptions, and sent the post office a change of address form.

Once you have cleaned your unit and removed all your belongings, please call us to make arrangements to return all keys. Please be prepared to give us your forwarding address where we may mail your security deposit.

It's our policy to return all deposits to the address you provide within ____________________ after you move out. If any deductions are made--for rent due or because the unit is damaged or not sufficiently clean--they will be explained in writing.

If you have any questions, please contact us.

Sincerely,

________________________________________
Landlord/Manager