A Handy Move-Out Checklist for Tenants

By E-Renter Tenant Screening
Posted on December 3, 2010 under Landlord Paperwork and Forms, Landlord Tips | Be the First to Comment

Have a tenant moving out? Wouldn’t you love for him or her to leave your rental unit in a state that will make you smile? Why not just tell them exactly what you want? Sometimes tenants need to know your expectations. While there are no guarantees they will fulfill them, providing them with a tenant move-out checklist can make that more of a possibility.

And since most tenants want their entire security deposit returned, following a list can help them achieve that goal. A little education and open communication can go a long way toward a win-win situation for both landlord and tenant. Here are some items you might want to include on your list.

Move-Out Check List for Tenants

• All trash removed from premises, including patio and storage unit
• Closets emptied and vacuumed or mopped
• Bathroom clean, including tub, sink, toilet, vanity drawers, shelves, floor and baseboards
• Kitchen clean, including inside of cabinets and drawers, counters, sink, baseboards and floor
• Disposal in working order
• Refrigerator empty and clean, including shelves, drawers and door (do not turn off)
• Freezer empty and clean
• Dishwasher empty and clean
• Stove top and oven clean, including range hood
• Broiler pan clean
• Nails removed from walls
• Any spilled paint cleaned up
• Locks on windows and doors in working order
• All window blinds clean, in place and in working order
• Carpets vacuumed
• Linoleum and tile floors cleaned and mopped
• All ceiling fixtures, with light bulbs
• Windows clean
• Ceiling fans clean
• No carpet stains
• No scuffs on walls and floors

Starting with a list will help ensure that tenants are meeting your expectations—and help them get their security deposit back.