Apartment Move-Out Checklist

A room-by-room guide to cleaning, repairs, and documentation so you get your full security deposit back. Includes landlord walkthrough tips, deposit return timelines by state, and how to dispute unfair deductions.

Updated 2026-06-15

Give Proper Notice

Your lease specifies how much notice you must give before moving out. The most common requirement is 30 days written notice, but some leases require 60 days. Month-to-month tenants in most states must give at least 30 days notice.

Always provide notice in writing. Email is acceptable in most jurisdictions, but a physical letter (sent via certified mail with return receipt) creates the strongest paper trail. Include your name, unit number, intended move-out date, and forwarding address for the deposit return. Keep a copy of everything.

If you break your lease early, review the early termination clause. Many leases require 1 to 2 months rent as a penalty. Some states require landlords to make a reasonable effort to re-rent the unit, which can reduce your liability.

Cleaning Checklist by Room

Kitchen

Clean inside oven, including racks. Remove all burnt-on residue.
Clean stovetop, burner pans, and range hood. Degrease the hood filter.
Clean inside and outside of refrigerator and freezer. Defrost if needed. Leave the door slightly open after unplugging.
Run the dishwasher empty with a cleaning tablet. Wipe down the interior and door seal.
Clean inside all cabinets and drawers. Remove shelf liner if you added it.
Scrub the sink and faucet. Remove hard water deposits with vinegar.
Clean countertops, backsplash, and microwave (inside and outside).
Sweep and mop the floor, including under the refrigerator and behind the stove.

Bathroom

Scrub the toilet inside and out, including the base and behind it.
Clean the tub or shower thoroughly. Remove soap scum, mildew, and hard water stains. Re-caulk if caulking is peeling or black with mold.
Clean the sink, faucet, and mirror. Remove toothpaste buildup and water spots.
Clean inside the medicine cabinet and any bathroom cabinets or shelves.
Replace the shower curtain liner if it is stained or moldy.
Clean exhaust fan cover (remove and wash or vacuum).
Sweep and mop the floor, including behind the toilet and under the vanity.

Living Room and Bedrooms

Vacuum all carpeted areas, including closets and corners. Steam clean if there are stains.
Sweep and mop hard floors. Clean baseboards and remove scuff marks (a Magic Eraser works well).
Wipe down all windowsills, tracks, and blinds. Clean windows inside.
Clean inside all closets. Vacuum closet floors and wipe shelves.
Dust and wipe light fixtures, ceiling fan blades, and switch plates.
Clean or replace HVAC air filters if your lease requires it.

All Rooms

Remove all personal belongings, trash, and debris. Check every shelf, drawer, and cabinet.
Wipe down all doors, door frames, and door knobs.
Clean all outlet covers and light switch plates.
Check smoke detectors and replace batteries if needed.

Repair Checklist

Small repairs cost a few dollars in materials but can save you $50 to $200 in landlord deductions. These are the most common issues that lead to deposit deductions.

Patch nail holes

Use lightweight spackle and a putty knife. Apply, let dry 30 minutes, sand smooth with fine sandpaper. For larger holes (up to 3 inches), use a mesh patch kit. Cost: $5 to $10.

Touch up paint

Match the existing paint color (check your lease or ask the landlord for the color name). Use a small brush for touch-ups. If you painted walls a different color during your tenancy, you may need to repaint them to the original color. A gallon of paint costs $25 to $40.

Replace burned-out light bulbs

Check every fixture, including closets, the oven hood, the bathroom exhaust fan, and exterior lights. Replace burned-out bulbs with the same type and wattage. This takes 5 minutes and prevents a $10 to $20 per-bulb deduction.

Fix minor scuffs on walls and floors

Use a Magic Eraser for wall scuffs. For hardwood floor scratches, use a wood touch-up marker or crayon that matches the floor color. For vinyl or laminate, a matching floor repair kit costs $10 to $15.

Reattach loose fixtures

Tighten loose doorknobs, cabinet handles, towel bars, and toilet paper holders. A screwdriver is usually all you need. If screws are stripped, use slightly longer screws or fill the hole with a wooden toothpick and wood glue before reinserting.

Replace missing or broken blinds

If blinds are missing slats or the mechanism is broken, replace them. Standard blinds cost $5 to $15 per window at home improvement stores. This is cheaper than the $30 to $75 per window many landlords charge.

Documentation (Photos and Video)

Documentation is your strongest protection against unfair deductions. Take photos and video twice: once after you finish cleaning and repairs (before the walkthrough), and once immediately after the walkthrough.

Photograph every room from multiple angles. Include close-ups of walls, floors, fixtures, and appliances. Capture the inside of the oven, refrigerator, and all cabinets.
Record a walkthrough video narrating the condition of each room. Start at the front door and move through every space, including closets, the balcony or patio, and any storage areas.
Ensure timestamps are visible. Most phone cameras embed date and time in photo metadata. You can also hold up a newspaper or show your phone's date on camera for extra proof.
Compare to move-in photos. If you documented the apartment at move-in, compare the two sets side by side. This makes any dispute straightforward.
Email photos to yourself or upload to cloud storage. This creates a dated backup that cannot be disputed as altered.

The Landlord Walkthrough

Schedule a walkthrough with your landlord or property manager before you turn in keys. This is your best opportunity to resolve issues on the spot and get confirmation that the unit is in acceptable condition.

Schedule it 1 to 3 days before your lease ends. This gives you time to address anything the landlord flags.
Bring your checklist. Walk through every room together. Point out that cleaning and repairs are complete. Note any pre-existing issues that were documented at move-in.
Ask for written confirmation. Request a signed statement or email confirming the apartment is in acceptable condition. If the landlord notes any issues, get them in writing with the estimated deduction amount.
Return all keys and access devices. Return apartment keys, mailbox keys, garage remotes, pool passes, and parking passes. Get a receipt or confirmation. Unreturned keys can result in a lock change fee of $100 to $300.

Some states (like California) require landlords to offer a pre-move-out inspection so tenants can fix issues before the final inspection. Check if your state has this requirement.

Security Deposit Return Deadlines by State

Landlords must return your deposit (minus documented, legitimate deductions) within the deadline set by your state. If they miss the deadline, many states impose penalties, including forfeiture of the right to withhold any portion.

State	Return Deadline
California	21 days
New York	14 days
Texas	30 days
Florida	15 to 60 days
Illinois	30 to 45 days
Pennsylvania	30 days
Ohio	30 days
Georgia	30 days
North Carolina	30 days
Michigan	30 days
New Jersey	30 days
Virginia	45 days
Washington	21 days
Colorado	30 to 60 days
Massachusetts	30 days

Deadlines are measured from the date you vacate and return keys. Check your state's tenant rights website for exact rules, as some states have exceptions or additional requirements.

What Landlords Can and Cannot Deduct

Landlords CAN deduct for

Unpaid rent
Damage beyond normal wear and tear
Cleaning if the unit is dirtier than at move-in
Unreturned keys (lock replacement cost)
Missing or broken fixtures, blinds, or appliances
Pet damage (scratches, stains, odor removal)
Trash or abandoned personal property removal
Lease-specified charges (e.g., carpet cleaning if in the lease)

Landlords CANNOT deduct for

Normal wear and tear (faded paint, minor scuffs)
Pre-existing damage documented at move-in
Upgrades or improvements to the unit
Full carpet replacement when only cleaning was needed
Repainting if you lived there for several years (paint has a useful life)
Appliance replacement due to age (not tenant damage)
Damage caused by the landlord's failure to maintain

Disputing Unfair Deductions

1. Review the itemized statement

Your landlord must provide an itemized list of deductions. Compare each item against your move-in and move-out photos. Identify any charges for normal wear and tear, pre-existing damage, or inflated costs.

2. Send a written demand letter

Write a formal letter (sent via certified mail) disputing the specific deductions. Cite your state's security deposit law by name and section number. Include copies of your documentation (move-in photos, move-out photos, walkthrough notes). State the amount you believe is owed to you and give a deadline (typically 7 to 14 days) for a response.

3. Contact local tenant rights organizations

Many cities have free tenant rights hotlines and legal aid organizations that can review your case and advise on next steps. Some will help draft demand letters or represent you in disputes.

4. File in small claims court

If the landlord does not respond or refuses to return the disputed amount, file a claim in small claims court. Filing fees are typically $30 to $75. You do not need a lawyer. Bring all documentation: your lease, move-in and move-out photos, correspondence, the landlord's itemized statement, and your state's security deposit statute. Many states award double or triple the withheld amount if the landlord acted in bad faith.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get my full security deposit back?+

Document the apartment's condition when you move in (photos and video with timestamps) and again when you move out. Clean thoroughly, repair minor damage (nail holes, scuff marks), and schedule a walkthrough with your landlord. Return all keys, remotes, and parking passes. Leave the unit in the same condition as when you moved in, minus normal wear and tear. Get written confirmation of the unit's condition at the walkthrough.

What counts as normal wear and tear vs. damage?+

Normal wear and tear includes faded paint, minor scuffs on floors, small nail holes from hanging pictures, worn carpet in high-traffic areas, and minor dirtiness from everyday living. Damage includes large holes in walls, stained or burned carpet, broken fixtures, missing blinds, pet damage (scratches on doors, urine stains), and anything that requires repair beyond routine maintenance. Landlords can deduct for damage but not for normal wear and tear.

How long does my landlord have to return my security deposit?+

It varies by state. California requires return within 21 days. New York requires 14 days. Texas requires 30 days. Florida requires 15 to 60 days depending on whether the landlord intends to make a claim. Most states require the landlord to provide an itemized list of deductions along with the remaining balance. If your landlord misses the deadline, you may be entitled to the full deposit plus penalties in some states.

Can my landlord charge me for professional cleaning?+

Only if it is specified in your lease or if the apartment is significantly dirtier than when you moved in (beyond normal wear and tear). In some states (like California), landlords cannot require professional cleaning unless the unit was professionally cleaned before you moved in. If your lease says you must have carpets professionally cleaned at move-out, keep the receipt as proof. Otherwise, a thorough self-cleaning is sufficient.

What should I do if my landlord unfairly withholds my deposit?+

First, send a written demand letter (via certified mail) requesting the deposit and citing your state's security deposit law. Include your move-out photos and the walkthrough documentation. If the landlord does not respond or refuses, file a claim in small claims court. Most security deposit disputes fall within small claims limits ($5,000 to $10,000 depending on the state). Many states award double or triple damages if the landlord acted in bad faith.

How much notice do I need to give before moving out?+

Check your lease first. Most leases require 30 days written notice, but some require 60 days. Month-to-month tenancies typically require 30 days notice in most states. If your lease has a specific end date, you may not need to give notice at all, but it is good practice to confirm in writing. Always provide notice in writing (email or letter) and keep a copy. Verbal notice is hard to prove if there is a dispute.

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