Move-Out Checklist for Renters

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30 Days Before Start here as soon as you know

Give written notice to your landlord required Most leases require 30 days written notice before move-out. Check your lease for the exact requirement — some require 60 days. Send notice by email or certified mail so you have a timestamped record. Moving without proper notice can cost you your deposit and leave you liable for extra rent.

Re-read your lease move-out requirements Look specifically for: cleaning expectations, carpet and paint policies, what counts as normal wear vs damage, and whether a professional clean is required. Understanding what your landlord expects before move-out day prevents last-minute surprises and deposit disputes.

Request a pre-move-out walkthrough recommended Many landlords will do a walkthrough with you before your last day so you can fix issues before they become deposit deductions. Ask for this in writing. In Texas, landlords are not required to offer this, but most will accommodate the request — it benefits both sides.

Schedule movers or arrange a truck Moving companies and truck rentals book out fast, especially on weekends and end-of-month dates. Lock in your date as early as possible. If you're doing a DIY move, confirm who's helping and what vehicle you need well ahead of time.

1–2 Weeks Before Wrap up logistics

Forward your mail with USPS Go to moversguide.usps.com to set up mail forwarding from your old address to your new one. Do this at least one week before your move date — forwarding takes a few days to activate. There's a small identity-verification fee ($1.10) to complete it online.

Update your address with key contacts Work through this list: employer (payroll and HR), bank and credit cards, insurance providers, the IRS (via Form 8822 or your next tax return), your state DMV for your driver's license and vehicle registration, subscriptions, and any family or friends who send mail.

Schedule utility cancellations and transfers Contact your electric, gas, and water providers to cancel or transfer service as of your last day. Don't cancel early — you'll need power to clean and do the final walkthrough. Set a specific end date and ask for written confirmation of the cancellation.

Cancel or transfer internet and cable Call your internet provider to cancel or transfer service to your new address. Return any rented equipment (router, cable box) at their store or via their return process — keep the receipt. Unreturned equipment gets charged to you, sometimes months later.

Moving Day Leave it right — protect your deposit

Document the entire unit with photos and video critical Do a full photo and video walkthrough of every room after it's empty and cleaned, before you hand over keys. Capture every wall, floor, appliance, fixture, and any pre-existing damage. Email or text the files to your landlord with a date-stamp. This is your primary protection if any deposit deductions are disputed.

Patch nail holes and touch up minor damage Small nail holes from hanging pictures are easily patched with lightweight spackle (available at any hardware store for a few dollars). Apply, let dry, and sand smooth. Larger holes, deep gouges, or broken fixtures are typically deducted from your deposit if left unrepaired.

Deep clean the kitchen and bathrooms These are the two areas landlords inspect most closely. For the kitchen: clean inside the oven, microwave, fridge (including underneath), dishwasher filter, and all cabinet surfaces. For bathrooms: scrub the toilet, tub, shower, and sink; clean grout lines; wipe down mirrors and fixtures.

Sweep, vacuum, and mop all floors Vacuum carpets thoroughly — move furniture to get underneath before it's taken out. Sweep and mop all hard floors, including inside closets. Check under appliances and behind the refrigerator where dust and debris accumulate.

Check every closet, cabinet, and drawer It's extremely common to leave belongings behind in storage spaces. Do a final pass through every closet, cabinet, kitchen drawer, bathroom vanity, laundry area, and any exterior storage. Check on top of cabinets and behind doors. Leave nothing behind — abandoning items typically results in a junk removal charge.

Return all keys and access devices required Return every key, key fob, garage door opener, mailbox key, and any other access device your landlord provided. Get written confirmation of what was returned and when. Unreturned keys are typically charged at the cost of a re-key, which can be $100–$300 or more depending on lock type.

⚠️ Texas deposit law: Under Texas Property Code §92.103, landlords must return your security deposit within 30 days of you vacating. They must also provide an itemized written list of any deductions. If a landlord fails to meet this deadline without cause, they may forfeit the right to keep any portion of the deposit.

After You Leave Follow through to close the loop

Confirm key return and get it in writing After handing over keys, ask for a written or emailed confirmation noting the date, what was returned, and the condition of the unit at handoff. A simple reply email saying "Received keys on [date]" is enough. This closes the loop and establishes a clear end date for your tenancy.

Leave your forwarding address with your landlord Your landlord is required to send your deposit (and any itemized deductions) to your last known address. Provide your new address in writing — by email or certified mail — so there's no ambiguity. If your landlord can't reach you, it complicates the deposit return process.

Transfer or cancel your renters insurance Contact your renters insurance provider to transfer your policy to your new address or cancel it if you no longer need it. Don't let it lapse without action — you may still be paying for coverage on a unit you no longer occupy, or lose coverage at your new place without realizing it.

💵 One last thing about your deposit

Mark your calendar for 30 days after you hand over keys. If you haven't received your deposit or an itemized deduction statement by then, follow up in writing. Make sure your landlord has your correct forwarding address — your deposit check and any written correspondence will be mailed to the address on file. If your address changes after move-out, notify your landlord immediately in writing. Keep all move-out documentation — photos, email threads, key return confirmation — for at least 90 days after your tenancy ends.

EWG Properties Property management serving Lytle & Pleasanton, TX since 2017

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