Move out process is part of the rental process that landlords and tenants must make preparation. As a landlord, you always think of ensuring the rental property is in good condition or as much as possible. While as a tenant, your priority is getting the security deposit at the end of the lease. The ideal way to check the property’s condition is to conduct a move-out inspection and use a move-out checklist. It would help to smooth the move-out process that would benefit both parties.
Move-out checklist and inspection are also an assurance that both the tenant and the property owner would politely end their tie-up. And on the other hand, the landlord would be stress-free on How to Handle Tenant Move-out?
According to a study, many tenants do not plan their move out. Almost 50 percent of the tenants did not intend to move out after three months of tenancy to a rental property which is stressful for the tenants and landlords. And this is where the move-out checklist helps out the inspection and the move-out process. Download Checklist
What is a Move Out Checklist?
A move-out checklist is an inventory of important information all over the move-out. It can use in the inspection by the tenants and landlords. Also indicates procedures and tasks that the tenant will accomplish before leaving the rental property.
It can also be a form that the landlord can utilize to check the condition of the rental property. They can use it to walk through the inspection from one room to another and differentiate the property’s state from move in to move out. And can also determine any damage to the rental property.
`Move-out checklist varies from one landlord to another. Some may have a detailed procedure on a room; some may be on general terms and processes. If the move-out checklist includes the lease agreement, both parties should follow it and minimize future issues.
Why Move Out Checklist Important?
One of the importance of the move-out checklist is the security deposit. If the landlord finds any damage to the rental property during the inspection, that would determine if the security deposit may use for repairs. It will also lessen disputes between the tenants and landlords if the rental property already has documented damage upon moving in.
It is also beneficial for the landlord to determine how long the rental property is ready to move in by the new tenant. The landlord will need to schedule essential repairs if there are any and thoroughly cleans the property. It can take too long, and determine the new tenant’s move-in.
Some landlords modify their move-out checklist to be suitable for the needs of their rental property. Others include it in the lease agreement.
Sample of Move Out Checklist.
The move-out checklist acts as the validation of the move-in inspection. A move-in inspection must take place before move-in to document the condition of the rental property.
Here is a sample of the move-out checklist both for tenants and landlords.
Living Room and Bedrooms
- The floors are free from scratches and deep cuts or indentations. It should be swept and mopped.
- Carpets should not have too much stain or burn. It should be vacuumed.
- The walls don’t have any markings or damage. If there are holes, they should fix them.
- Closets should be clean and empty.
- Windows don’t have any damage like cracks. It should also be cleaned.
- Curtains must be removed. If there are blinds that the landlord provides, the blades should be cleaned and free from dust and debris.
Kitchen
- Top of the stove should be clean, and any food or drip plates that have been burned very badly should be replaced. Check the burner if it is working properly.
- Rangehood lights and fans should be degreased.
- Oven must be clean, and if there is a build-up, it should be removed. Clean the oven racks and replace them if needed.
- Dishwasher, tenants should clean the dishwasher filter at regular intervals. Any bits of food must be removed after move out, and check the wall frame for any molds.
- Clean and degrease backsplash.
- No excess food on the sink. Inspect under the sink cabinet for any leakage and molds.
- Check faucet drainage and water pressure.
- Floors are free from any markings and scratches.
- Cabinets must be empty and free from any trash. Check for any hinges and hardware that are missing.
- Refrigerator and freezers should be empty and must also be functioning correctly.
- Microwave oven clean from the inside out.
- Clean and no grease windows.
- There are no cracks, burns, large stains, and cuts on the countertops.
Bathroom
- Toilet should be cleaned and disinfected.
- Shower and bathtub, there should be no personal belongings and shower curtains.
- No stains, and leakage on the sinks.
- Mirrors must be free from cracks.
- Windows are cleaned from the inside.
Miscellaneous
- Smells if there is a remaining odor in the rental unit that could not eliminate can be considered excessive damage.
- Keys tenants should surrender the keys to the landlord upon move out. If the tenants cannot submit the key, there should be a fee to pay.
- Smoke detectors and Carbon Monoxide alarms should replace the batteries regularly. But in some states like New York, a Replacement Alarms requirement should have a non-replaceable battery for ten years with a seal.
If you do not allow smoking like the Smoke-Free Housing in Brooklyn, New York, or pets in the rental unit, but there is a distinctive smell of smoke or pet urine, it is considered a violation of the lease agreement.
Check all the appliances if it is in a suitable working condition. Landlords must pay attention to the Importance of Preventative Maintenance all the time during the lease term. It is an assurance that the property is well maintained and equipment is repaired even if the tenant does not report any problem.
Molds should also be check as it is the most common issue in the bathroom and some moist areas. If the problem with molds is significant, removal must perform by a trained professional.
Moving out is tiresome for both the landlords and tenants regardless of the cause; both parties must strictly comply with the rules and process that is in the lease agreement. Move out checklist is essential for the evaluation of the rental property.
Whenever there is a dispute, proper documentation of the property condition is the main counterargument for this. And it will avoid any misunderstanding between the landlords and tenants.
Download your Move in/out Checklist here.
