It is never easy to move from one rental property to another since shifting home is a one hectic task. Being a tenant, the process becomes more daunting. As you need to hand over the property in already agreed condition. in other words, your security deposit is directly dependent upon the state of property. Thus, proper checklist need to be followed before leaving any rental property.

We have enlisted all those steps that would make this moving out process smoother. Furthermore, it will also safeguard your security deposit.

1. Reread Documentations

Before giving final notice to landlord, review the tenancy agreement. While inspecting documents keep note of following things

• What is minimum period for notice?
• What maintenance need to be done?
• What should be condition for 100% security deposit back?
• What is moving out procedure

2.Break The News

Now is the time to contact your landlord and inform him/her about your moving out decision. Furthermore, you need to inform your landlord before the decided timeframe as mentioned in an agreement. It is usually before 3-2 months.

3. Look For Maintenance

Since you have informed landlord, it’s time to scrutinize your property for any fort of fixture or maintenance. List down the following things:

• Paint condition
• if tube lights, bulbs or other appliances working or not
• If any plumbing or electrical work required
• If any irreplaceable or unrepairable damage occur
• If doors and windows lock working properly

4. Clear Unpaid Bills

Clear all your unpaid bills including electricity, sui gas, telephone and water. Furthermore, if you have internet or cable TV bills, don’t forget to clear them as well. Here, keep note of reading dates. As you might have to pay for another month after moving because bills reading dates contradict with billing month.

5. Pack up!

Start decluttering your home even if you have plenty of time to move out. It’s not easy to pack things up in a day. Things that aren’t used on daily basis, pack them and move them to one empty room.

If you already got key of your new place, it will be best to start setting up things there. Furthermore, do check drawers, cupboards and other areas to collect your belongings. You couldn’t claim them once you left the space. So it’s better to check things twice.

Also Read: Which Locations Can Cause your Home Value Go Down

6. Clean Up The House

Being a responsible citizen, it’s your duty to hand over home in absolutely clean and tidy condition. It includes following steps

• Mopping floor
• Removing cobwebs
• Fill in the holes on walls
• Cleaning kitchen cabinets
• Wiping bathroom sink and mirror
• Mowing the lawn (If any)

  7.Home Tour With Landlord

Once you have marked “tick” on above tasks, it’s time to take a tour of home with your landlord. It is necessary to make landlord aware that in what condition you are leaving the house. If possible, take pictures as well. As, it will serve you as a proof if landlord blames you of any damage and denies to return security deposit while leaving rental property.