So you’re moving out of a rental or apartment. It’s not always an easy task. Here is a checklist of things you have to do and should do anyway to avoid last minute fees. Be sure you know the details of your lease and your rights.
Take a look at your paperwork
You probably signed a lease when you moved in, now is a good time to take a look at it. Make sure you know the details of your arrangement before you do anything. It will help you approach your exit plan. It also lays out what you are responsible for at the end of your rental arrangement and what you are entitled, like your deposit.
Considering breaking a lease?
It’s usually not ideal to break a lease before its up as the penalties can be quite high, usually one to two month’s rent. If you need to break a lease, brush up on your local rental laws as they’ll shed some light on what kinds of conditions you can break a lease under. Be sure to stay in communication with your landlord to avoid any tension. Typically the easiest way out of this difficult situation is to pay the fee but do your research in order to approach your specific case. There are non-profits as well as lawyers who can help.
Be diligent, leave your rental spotless
As mentioned above, deposits are a big issue. If you want to guarantee that you get your deposit back when you move out, leave your apartment in perfect condition. Clean and then clean some more. You usually get inspection reports along with your lease. The report is usually completed before you moved in to ensure you aren’t held responsible for pre-existing damage. If you have pets, be extra thorough. You can also hire a cleaning company if you’re short on time or want a professional job done.
Move day to-dos
While these are good general tips, it’s especially important when moving out of a rental as there is always a new tenant guaranteed after you. Maybe you hired movers to take care of your boxes and furniture but always remember to check every room thoroughly at the end. Be courteous of those moving in after you. Remove and dispose of all garbage, especially food. Be sure to leave your keys in the apartment or with the landlord to avoid any trouble.
The good thing to keep in mind is that people do this all the time, and so can you. All you need is a little bit of knowledge to ease the transition. Move into your new home knowing you’re all set.