---
title: Move Out Checklist
description: A step-by-step move-out checklist to help renters prepare their home for final inspection, avoid common deductions, and ensure a smooth return of the security deposit.
---
[Skip to content](https://know.movezen360.com/move-out-checklist#main-content)
[Create a Ticket](https://know.movezen360.com/kb-tickets/new?hsLang=en-us)
- [Home](https://movezen360.com/)
- [Customer Service Tickets](https://pages.movezen360.com/customer-central?status=all&view=my_tickets&offset=0)
Show submenu for Customer Service Tickets
- [Create a Service Request](https://pages.movezen360.com/customer-central/new)
- [Service Request History](https://pages.movezen360.com/customer-central?status=all&view=my_tickets&offset=0)
- [Knowledge Base](https://know.movezen360.com/)
- [Custom Services](https://pages.movezen360.com/custom-services)
- Portals
Show submenu for Portals
- [Help Portal Home](https://pages.movezen360.com/home)
- [Resident Maintenance & Finance Portal](https://movezen360.com/tenant-portal-login-center/)
- [Owner Property & Finance Portal](https://movezen360.com/rental-owner-portal/)
Open main navigation
Close main navigation
- [Home](https://movezen360.com/)
- [Customer Service Tickets](https://pages.movezen360.com/customer-central?status=all&view=my_tickets&offset=0)
Show submenu for Customer Service Tickets
- [Create a Service Request](https://pages.movezen360.com/customer-central/new)
- [Service Request History](https://pages.movezen360.com/customer-central?status=all&view=my_tickets&offset=0)
- [Knowledge Base](https://know.movezen360.com/)
- [Custom Services](https://pages.movezen360.com/custom-services)
- Portals
Show submenu for Portals
- [Help Portal Home](https://pages.movezen360.com/home)
- [Resident Maintenance & Finance Portal](https://movezen360.com/tenant-portal-login-center/)
- [Owner Property & Finance Portal](https://movezen360.com/rental-owner-portal/)
- [Create a Ticket](https://know.movezen360.com/kb-tickets/new)
How can we help you?
- There are no suggestions because the search field is empty.
1. [MoveZen Property Management Knowledge Base](https://know.movezen360.com/?hsLang=en-us)
2. [Departing Residents](https://know.movezen360.com/departing-residents?hsLang=en-us)
3. [Pre-Move Out](https://know.movezen360.com/departing-residents?hsLang=en-us#pre-move-out)
May 20, 2026
# Move Out Checklist
## This checklist is here to help make your move-out process simple and clear. It outlines what we look for during the final inspection, so you can feel confident about getting your security deposit back!
We do not profit, enjoy, or desire to charge tenant security deposits. We are however legally and ethically bound to see that the homeowner receives their property in the same condition it was given to us and you. If we determine a charge is necessary, it will be with much distaste, we assure you. However, as a renter, you accept the responsibility to return the home in the same condition that it was provided to you.
Consider pasting this link into your favorite AI chatbot, and you can often ask direct questions to help clarify various issues.
If there is damage you are unsure of how to rectify, please ask us and we will assist you! We often have great tips for problems that could help.
**Before returning keys on your move-out date, be sure to complete the following:**
***Balance per Tenant Ledger***
- All rent and other account fees MUST be paid in full as of your move-out date.
- If you have your rent set up for autopay via your tenant portal, ensure that your last month's rent is set up to be properly paid and don't forget to cancel the autopay afterward.
***Renters Insurance***
- You must have an active renter's insurance policy through the last day of your lease but don't forget to cancel or transfer your insurance policy to your new home on your lease end date.
***Utilities***
- Utilities should be disconnected as of your lease end date. Do not disconnect utilities prior to your lease end date unless you receive written approval beforehand from MoveZen for early disconnection. Busted pipes will be your responsibility if utilities have been disconnected prior to your lease end date without MoveZen approval.
***Debris***
- All personal property, including furniture, motor vehicles, and all other items not on the property when you moved in, must be removed from the home and surrounding property. Anything left behind shall be regarded as abandoned and may be destroyed, hauled away or otherwise disposed of at your expense.
- All trash must be removed from the property, and trash (and recycling, if applicable) receptacles must be empty at the time of move-out. MoveZen will not be able to make special trips to the property to pull receptacles out and back! If you have a recycling receptacle, please ensure that only recyclable materials are placed into the receptacle for pick-up prior to your move-out - if the trash provider does not remove the debris due to materials not being recyclable, a separate vendor would need to be paid to dispose of the debris.
- Any debris present in a fireplace (if applicable) must be removed.
- Remove all pet waste in the yard (if applicable).
***Appliances***
- The refrigerator ice bucket must be emptied, and the ice maker must be turned off.
- All appliances must be clean on the interior and exterior, defrosted and plugged in, and running at normal settings.
- Stove drip pans (if applicable) must be replaced.
- If a washing machine was not provided with the property, the hot and cold-water hookups must be shut off before your machine is removed.
- Dryer vents must be cleaned.
***HVAC***
- Set thermostats to 60 degrees if you are vacating October-March, and 78 degrees if you are vacating April-September.
- Replace all HVAC filters in the property. If any excessively dirty HVAC filters are present, it will warrant an HVAC service call to remediate at your expense.
***Drywall/Paint***
- Do not attempt to touch up paint on the interior or exterior of the property.
- Any unauthorized paint colors at the property must be returned to the original paint color prior to move-out.
- Do not attempt to patch any small nail holes. Only professionally patch repair holes larger than a small nail hole such as holes from TV mounting, shelving, etc. Unprofessional wall patching jobs will be repaired at your expense.
***Window Coverings/Window Screens***
- Any drapes/curtain rods/blinds present at the time of your move-in are required to be present at move-out and in good repair. They must be firmly fastened and properly hung. Any broken window coverings will be replaced at your expense. Please ensure all window blinds are raised at the time of your move out!
- Any damaged window screens present at move-out that were not documented as being present at move-in must be repaired or replaced.
***Light Bulbs***
- Replace any burned-out light bulbs.
***Plumbing***
- All plumbing drains must be free of clogs and flowing properly.
- Garbage disposals must be free of debris.
***Cleaning***
- The entire property must be clean and all trash removed.
- Carpets MUST be professionally cleaned, and a receipt provided to MoveZen.
- The property must be free of pest infestations. If there are pests present at the property after your move out, the pest service will be charged to you to remediate.
***Doors/Windows***
- All windows must be locked at the time of move-out.
- All doors must be locked at the time of move-out.
***Exterior***
- Outside hoses must be disconnected and stored.
- Grass, flower beds, and hedges must be in decent condition and mowed/trimmed.
- All leaves/debris must be removed.
- Concrete surfaces must be free of oil/spill stains.
***Forwarding Address***
- Please provide your forwarding address if you have not done so already no later than your move-out date. Also, be sure to set up mail forwarding with USPS to ensure you continue to receive all mail addressed to you.
***Key Return***
- ALL keys/passes/remotes MUST BE returned to MoveZen office on your move-out date, including but not limited to house keys, pool keys, mailbox keys, parking passes, etc. If you will be returning items outside of business hours via our dropbox, please ensure all items are properly labeled with the property address.
Once keys are returned, you will not be allowed to take additional steps to avoid a charge. Owners expect us to move quickly on addressing these items and relisting, so waiting on a tenant to have them taken care of is not an option. We will document extremely well with photos, and report within 30-60 days if there are issues.
We are including an infographic below outlining the top 10 move-out mistakes we frequently encounter! If there are any items that you have questions about, please ask us **before** your move-out date!
- [General](https://know.movezen360.com/general?hsLang=en-us#main-content)
- [Portals](https://know.movezen360.com/general?hsLang=en-us#portals)
- [Internal Article Only](https://know.movezen360.com/general?hsLang=en-us#internal-article-only)
- [Potential Residents](https://know.movezen360.com/potential-residents?hsLang=en-us#main-content)
- [Showing, Viewing, Accessing A Home For Rent](https://know.movezen360.com/potential-residents?hsLang=en-us#showing-viewing-accessing-a-home-for-rent)
- [Lease Signing and Negotiation, General Tips](https://know.movezen360.com/potential-residents?hsLang=en-us#lease-signing-and-negotiation-general-tips)
- [Application, Approval, Acceptance](https://know.movezen360.com/potential-residents?hsLang=en-us#application-approval-acceptance)
- [Move In Benefits and Costs](https://know.movezen360.com/potential-residents?hsLang=en-us#move-in-benefits-and-costs)
- [Upcoming Move In Residents](https://know.movezen360.com/upcoming-move-in-residents?hsLang=en-us#main-content)
- [Important Move In Payment Details](https://know.movezen360.com/upcoming-move-in-residents?hsLang=en-us#important-move-in-payment-details)
- [Current Residents](https://know.movezen360.com/current-residents?hsLang=en-us#main-content)
- [Payments](https://know.movezen360.com/current-residents?hsLang=en-us#payments)
- [General Lease Issues](https://know.movezen360.com/current-residents?hsLang=en-us#general-lease-issues)
- [Lease Renewals](https://know.movezen360.com/current-residents?hsLang=en-us#lease-renewals)
- [Lease Break, Roommate Swap, Lease Termination Options](https://know.movezen360.com/current-residents?hsLang=en-us#lease-break-roommate-swap-lease-termination-options)
- [Portal](https://know.movezen360.com/current-residents?hsLang=en-us#portal)
- [The Care We Take With Occupied Home Visits](https://know.movezen360.com/current-residents?hsLang=en-us#the-care-we-take-with-occupied-home-visits)
- [Resident Benefits Details](https://know.movezen360.com/current-residents?hsLang=en-us#resident-benefits-details)
- [Maintenance and Repairs](https://know.movezen360.com/current-residents?hsLang=en-us#maintenance-and-repairs)
- [Departing Residents](https://know.movezen360.com/departing-residents?hsLang=en-us#main-content)
- [Pre-Move Out](https://know.movezen360.com/departing-residents?hsLang=en-us#pre-move-out)
- [Move Out Day and Legal Finalization](https://know.movezen360.com/departing-residents?hsLang=en-us#move-out-day-and-legal-finalization)
- [Security Deposit Handling](https://know.movezen360.com/departing-residents?hsLang=en-us#security-deposit-handling)
- [Rental Investors and Market Information](https://know.movezen360.com/rental-investors-and-market-information?hsLang=en-us#main-content)
- [Seasonal and Timing](https://know.movezen360.com/rental-investors-and-market-information?hsLang=en-us#seasonal-and-timing)
- [Potential Homeowner Customer Pre-Signup](https://know.movezen360.com/potential-homeowner-customer-pre-signup?hsLang=en-us#main-content)
- [Onboard and Getting Started](https://know.movezen360.com/potential-homeowner-customer-pre-signup?hsLang=en-us#onboard-and-getting-started)
- [Portals](https://know.movezen360.com/potential-homeowner-customer-pre-signup?hsLang=en-us#portals)
- [Listing, Marketing, Vacant Handling](https://know.movezen360.com/potential-homeowner-customer-pre-signup?hsLang=en-us#listing-marketing-vacant-handling)
- [Management Service Offerings](https://know.movezen360.com/potential-homeowner-customer-pre-signup?hsLang=en-us#management-service-offerings)
- [Move Out Process Details for Owners](https://know.movezen360.com/potential-homeowner-customer-pre-signup?hsLang=en-us#move-out-process-details-for-owners)
- [Repairs and Maintenance](https://know.movezen360.com/potential-homeowner-customer-pre-signup?hsLang=en-us#repairs-and-maintenance)
- [Charges and Costs](https://know.movezen360.com/potential-homeowner-customer-pre-signup?hsLang=en-us#charges-and-costs)
- [Setting Listing Rental Rates](https://know.movezen360.com/potential-homeowner-customer-pre-signup?hsLang=en-us#setting-listing-rental-rates)
- [Accounting, Billing, Payments](https://know.movezen360.com/potential-homeowner-customer-pre-signup?hsLang=en-us#accounting-billing-payments)
- [Current MoveZen Rental Homeowners](https://know.movezen360.com/current-movezen-rental-homeowners?hsLang=en-us#main-content)
- [Owner Resources](https://know.movezen360.com/current-movezen-rental-homeowners?hsLang=en-us#owner-resources)
- [Taxes and Collections](https://know.movezen360.com/current-movezen-rental-homeowners?hsLang=en-us#taxes-and-collections)
- [Between Lease Turnover and Relist](https://know.movezen360.com/current-movezen-rental-homeowners?hsLang=en-us#between-lease-turnover-and-relist)
- [Move Out Process and Preparation](https://know.movezen360.com/current-movezen-rental-homeowners?hsLang=en-us#move-out-process-and-preparation)
- [Payments and Funding](https://know.movezen360.com/current-movezen-rental-homeowners?hsLang=en-us#payments-and-funding)
- [Portals, Statements, Financials](https://know.movezen360.com/current-movezen-rental-homeowners?hsLang=en-us#portals-statements-financials)
- [Lease Renewals](https://know.movezen360.com/current-movezen-rental-homeowners?hsLang=en-us#lease-renewals)
- [Listing, Showing, Vacancy Handling](https://know.movezen360.com/current-movezen-rental-homeowners?hsLang=en-us#listing-showing-vacancy-handling)
- [Lease Break, Roommate Swap, Lease Termination Options](https://know.movezen360.com/current-movezen-rental-homeowners?hsLang=en-us#lease-break-roommate-swap-lease-termination-options)
- [Vendor Resources](https://know.movezen360.com/vendor-resources?hsLang=en-us#main-content)
- [Portal](https://know.movezen360.com/vendor-resources?hsLang=en-us#portal)
- [Potential Vendor Relationship](https://know.movezen360.com/vendor-resources?hsLang=en-us#potential-vendor-relationship)
- [Repairs & Maintenance](https://know.movezen360.com/repairs-maintenance?hsLang=en-us#main-content)
- [Reporting](https://know.movezen360.com/repairs-maintenance?hsLang=en-us#reporting)
- [Improvement Tips](https://know.movezen360.com/repairs-maintenance?hsLang=en-us#improvement-tips)
- [Common Problems](https://know.movezen360.com/repairs-maintenance?hsLang=en-us#common-problems)
- [Fire and Carbon Monoxide](https://know.movezen360.com/repairs-maintenance?hsLang=en-us#fire-and-carbon-monoxide)
- [Emergencies](https://know.movezen360.com/repairs-maintenance?hsLang=en-us#emergencies)
- [Staffing and Hiring Details](https://know.movezen360.com/staffing-and-hiring-details?hsLang=en-us)
- [Potential MoveZen Homeowner Customers](https://know.movezen360.com/potential-movezen-homeowner-customers?hsLang=en-us)
- [Listing, Showing, Viewing, Marketing for Rentals](https://know.movezen360.com/listing-showing-viewing-marketing-for-rentals?hsLang=en-us#main-content)
- [Rental Showings](https://know.movezen360.com/listing-showing-viewing-marketing-for-rentals?hsLang=en-us#rental-showings)
- [Move In and Preparation](https://know.movezen360.com/move-in-and-preparation?hsLang=en-us)
- [Move Out & Lease Finalization](https://know.movezen360.com/move-out-lease-finalization?hsLang=en-us)
- [Lease Renewals](https://know.movezen360.com/lease-renewals?hsLang=en-us)
[](https://MoveZen360.com)
[mailto:Service@MoveZen360.com](mailto:Service@MoveZen360.com)
Copyright © 2025, MoveZen Property Management