What to do when moving out of a rental property tenant move out checklist

include this in your lease so that you have written the proof that the tenant has agreed to these
terms.
Pay off your bills
Your landlord has the legal right to use your deposit money for any unpaid charges and bills,
so make sure you pay off any due taxes and fees before moving out of the rental – waste
management fees, utility bills (for gas, electricity, and water), service fees (for Internet, cable
TV, and phone), etc. Inform all your service providers that you’re moving out and arrange the
services at your rental to be disconnected on the day after your move (unless you have a
different agreement with your landlord) and the utilities in your new home to be turned on by
move-in day. Don’t forget to take readings of all gas, electricity, and water meters on moving
day and photograph them for proof. (See also: How to transfer utilities when moving)
Unless you can pay online, leave enough money for any bills that are due at a time when you
will already be away.
Take all your things out of the rental
Make sure you don’t leave any of your stuff behind – you’re going to pack your belongings
and move them to your new home, of course, but there may be some things you don’t want to
take with you or some things you may completely forget about. None of them should remain
in the rental property though, as your landlord can charge you for having to take out and
dispose of your stuff. So, make sure you:
Sort out your possessions a couple of months before your move and find a way to get
rid of everything you don’t want anymore – sell or donate useful items that are still in
good condition, throw away damaged items and items that are too worn out to be used
ever again, recycle whatever you can, etc.;
Remember to take down pictures and calendars from the walls, remove stickers and
magnets from the fridge, get all your items from the bathroom (shower curtains, mats,
towels, toiletries, etc.), pack decorations and hobby materials, take your door mats
and rugs, tools and flower pots, etc.;
Open drawers and cupboards, look in the loft and under the stairs, go through the
basement and the garage, walk around the yard – just double-check everything;
Take out all the trash.
Don’t forget that cleaning supplies, laundry supplies, hazardous materials (paints, fuel
supplies, etc.), trash cans, and anything else that was not in the rental unit when you moved in
has to go as well.