Moving out of your apartment can be stressful, and passing the move-out inspection is one of the essential parts. Without passing this critical step, you may not get your deposit refunded or pay costly fees. After finding perfect apartments near Liberty Skyline, this guide to preparing your current apartment for move-out inspection can make the process easier.
Table of Contents
Understand the Move-Out Checklist
If your landlord provides a move-out checklist, read it thoroughly and ensure you understand all the expectations. The checklist should outline any specific requests your landlord has for you to do before moving out. Ideally, this checklist should also include an inventory of pre-existing damage noted when you moved in.
If your landlord does not provide a move-out checklist, create one yourself. Go through each room in the apartment and make a note of anything that needs to be cleaned or repaired before moving day. If there is any pre-existing damage that your landlord noted when you moved in, document it as well.
Clean Thoroughly And Make Minor Repairs
Two of the most significant factors landlords consider during move-out inspections are cleanliness and condition. Make sure to give your apartment a deep clean before you leave, paying particular attention to bathrooms, kitchens, and any other areas of high traffic. Vacuum carpets, sweep floors, scrub surfaces, and dust hard-to-reach places like window sills and ceiling fans.
If any minor repairs need to be made, such as replacing missing light bulbs or fixing a broken cabinet door, do them before you go. It will show your landlord that you took proper care of the apartment and can help you regain your security deposit.
Remove All Personal Belongings
Your landlord will also expect you to leave the apartment as empty as possible. Remove all your furniture, appliances, and personal items from the premises before the move-out day. If any items cannot be removed and must stay in the apartment, document them with photos or videos for a record.
Leaving your stuff behind will inevitably incur additional fees or deductions from your security deposit. Be sure to thoroughly sweep the apartment for forgotten items before leaving. Plus, it’s just good practice to clean up after yourself.
Take Photos Before You Leave
Documenting the conditions of your previous space is essential to protect yourself and your landlord. Having photos of previously discussed repairs and concerns can help prevent future disputes. Take photos or videos of the apartment documenting its condition on move-out day. Having this evidence will back up your claims if there are any disputes about damages or cleanliness when the inspection is conducted. Be sure to include close-ups of any existing damage noted during move-in and wide shots of each room so nothing gets missed.
Schedule the Inspection
Contact your landlord to arrange an apartment inspection before you leave. Let them know when you plan on going and if they can come to inspect it in the days leading up to that date. Having this conversation early will help ensure that everything is ready for a successful move-out inspection.
If your landlord does not require you to be present during the inspection, make sure you sign all the necessary documents before leaving. This way, your landlord cannot accuse you of not caring for the apartment after you have vacated. After the inspection, you should also follow up with your landlord to confirm that everything went smoothly.
Final Thoughts
Moving out of apartments near Liberty Skyline can be a daunting task, but with proper preparation and planning, it doesn’t have to be stressful. Understanding your landlord’s expectations and taking steps to ensure you meet them will help ensure a successful move-out inspection and may even help you get your security deposit back.
Read more – 5 Tips and Tricks To Keep Your House Clean
