Resident Move-Out

We hope you have enjoyed your time with White Property Management. Normal wear and tear will be taken into consideration when inspecting the Premises; however, we expect the Premises to be left in good/clean condition. Our goal is to always be able to return your entire Security Deposit. To be able to do so, the property has to be left in a certain condition. Below is a Move-Out Checklist to help you maximize the refund of your security deposit. Please make sure that these items are addressed prior to your move-out.  

Checklist before Move-Out is completed:

1. Cleaning
2. Personal Property & Trash (vacate you are saying it is trash)
3. Utilities
4. Keys, remotes
5. Personal Property

RENT.  Your security deposit may not be used as your last month’s rent so be sure to pay your last month’s rent on time. Once rent is paid for your last month, stop your rental payments if you have set it up as a recurring payment.

UTILITIES.  You must keep the utilities on and in your name until your lease expiration date. Be sure to notify the applicable utility companies of your lease expiration. If you turn any utility off early, you could be charged an early termination of utility fee. 

LEASE EXPIRATION.  Please remember that on the day your lease expires, you must confirm (either by email or text) that you have vacated the property. Failure to vacate your unit by your lease expiration will be a charged additional rent.

SHOWINGS. We will begin marketing and showing your property, you do not need to be present for showings. Only employees of our office and licensed real estate agents will be showing the property. You will be contacted directly from our office or through the local MLS showing service, ShowingTime. The email and phone number that we have on file will be the one used. Please email us right away to update your contact information.

ITEMS LEFT BEHIND.  Please remove all personal property and any debris. Any items left after you vacate the property will be considered trash and you will be charged for its removal. Trash cans shall be left empty and clean. Bulk items may require a special pick up so please contact us before putting them in the trash/dumpster area. If you are in Mecklenburg County, you can contact 311 to have bulk items removed, plan ahead, they have a limited pick up schedule. 

CARPET CLEANING.  Carpets should be professionally steam-cleaned and free of spots and odors. We recommend STAT Floor Cleaning. Let them know that you rent from us in order to receive a discount; their phone number is (704) 923-1460; https://statfloorcleaning.com.

KEYS.  Please leave all keys on the kitchen counter for maintenance to collect. A charge will be levied if all keys, remotes, fobs, parking permits, etc. are not accounted for by the lease ending date.  If any keys are misplaced or not returned, the tenant shall be responsible for paying to re-key the home. 

STORAGE UNIT.  Do not forget to empty your storage unit, basement, garage, and attic space (if applicable). 

CLEANING CHARGES.  **Move Out Tip** We highly recommend a professional cleaning company. Organic Maids knows our cleaning standard, let them know that you rent from us in order to receive a discount; their phone number is (704) 999-1947; https://theorganicmaids.com. If you hire Organic Maids to clean the unit after you have moved out of the unit, you will not be responsible for any cleaning charges. 

**Some of the most frequent charges for move-outs include cleaning the top and inside of the refrigerator and oven, soap scum on tub/shower, wiping cabinets/baseboards, ceiling fans and lights. Stove, microwave, refrigerator, freezer, dishwasher, exhaust fan, windows, blinds, air conditioner, light fixtures, doors, radiators, baseboards, and bathrooms must be thoroughly cleaned. DO NOT turn the refrigerator off, simply turn to the lowest setting after defrosting and cleaning. *Empty out the ice tray and turn off the ice maker, you will be responsible for any damage from thawed ice*. Tile or hardwood floors must be cleaned. If hardwood floors are newer, you should use Bruce Hardwood Dura-Luster Cleaner, which can be purchased at Home Depot or Lowe’s. Close all blinds and turn off all of the lights. Lock patio/balcony door, back door and all windows. Exterior of the premises must be clean and free of debris. Lawn must be mowed. Additional charges may be incurred due to damage from odors. (Ex. Smell, discoloration of blinds, walls, ceilings, or cabinets.) 

PAINTING. Please remove all nails— Before you PATCH, SPACKLE OR SPOT PAINT NAIL HOLES, or touch-up paint YOU MUST prior approval. If you paint & it does not match or if you do a poor job of filling holes, you will be charged for necessary painting to match the existing paint or to redo spackling. Charges for painting depend on length of time in the property and whether it exceeds normal wear & tear. (Paint found left in the home is only for possible color matching, not to be used for painting home).

REPAIR/REPLACEMENT CHARGES.  Other frequent charges for move-out repairs and replacements include patching and painting nail holes, burnt out light bulbs, broken blinds and smoke detector batteries. 

MOVE OUT INSPECTION.  You do not need to be there when the inspection is performed. If you would like to be present, please notify maintenance, within a reasonable time to schedule an appointment. If we are able to accommodate your request, we will meet you at the property.  

SECURITY DEPOSIT REFUND.  Please send us your forwarding address, via email, as soon as possible so that there will be no delay with the return of your security deposit. Please allow 30 days from your lease expiration for processing of paperwork and return of deposit.   

FORWARD MAIL AND UPDATE ADDRESS.  In order to avoid missing or returned mail, be sure you do a change of address with the Post Office here: https://moversguide.usps.com/mgo/disclaimer. You will want to forward your address and make sure all of your bills are changed to your new address as well as any online payment platforms, such as Amazon, eBay, etc. We are not responsible for any mail or packages sent to the home after you have moved out.

MOVE OUT CLEANING CHECKLIST

Living Spaces and Bedrooms:

• Walls – Walls should be free of any markings or damage. This includes moldings, trim, doors, vent covers, and baseboards must be free of dirt, dust, and stains. Especially along the bottoms of the walls.
• Doors – Make sure all doors and locks work properly. Wipe down all doors, door frames, and door handles. 
• Painting –  Please remove all nails, screws, and hooks—DO NOT PATCH, SPACKLE OR SPOT PAINT NAIL HOLES, or touch-up paint without approval. If you paint & it does not match or if you do a poor job of filling holes, you will be charged for necessary painting to match the existing paint or to redo spackling. Charges for painting depend on length of time in the property and whether it exceeds normal wear & tear. (Paint found left in the home is only for possible color matching, not to be used for painting home).
• Hard Floors – Hard flooring should be free of scratching or any deep grooves. Carpets shouldn’t be excessively stained or burned. Hard floors should be swept and mopped. When cleaning hardwood floors, you should use Bruce Hardwood Floor Cleaner.
• Carpets – Carpets should be professionally steam-cleaned and free of spots and odors. Be sure to have any spot treatments or pet treatments done as needed. If any Odors or Pet Odors re-surfaces after you have vacated the property, the tenant will be responsible for charges incurred to remove the odor. If the cleaning is not done to our satisfaction, tenants will be charged for any additional expense.
• Closets – Closets should be completely empty, dusted, and the floors cleaned. 
• Lights – Replace all burnt out light bulbs, including interior and exterior lights.
• Ceiling Fans and Central Air Vents – These need to be dusted and wiped down with a wet cloth.
• Windows – All interior windows and sills must be clean. This includes the area between the windows and storms/screens. If during your occupancy, any windows were broken, or cracked, screens torn, ripped, or have holes, this must be repaired in accordance with your lease.
• Window Treatments – All window treatments that were provided, or are being left must be clean, have no stains, blind veins not bent, and in good working order. If you removed any, you must put them back in place unless otherwise agreed to in writing.

Kitchen:

• Appliances – Do not use steel wool on appliances; plastic scrub pads work the best. Most stovetops can handle oven cleaner. Test a spot, but do not use oven cleaner on control panels. In addition, do not use oven cleaner in self-cleaning ovens. Use the appropriate stove-top cleaner for Smooth Top Stoves. 
• Stove-top and Range Hood – Stove-tops should be cleared of food and debris. Drip plates that are excessively burned or rusted will need to be replaced. Range hoods with lights and fans should be degreased. 
• Oven – The oven should be cleared of excess buildup and degreased. Oven racks should be cleaned or replaced, as needed. 
• Backsplash – Any backsplash in the sink area or near the stovetop will collect grease and debris. People should clean and degrease those as needed. 
• Dishwasher – Tenants should clean the dishwasher filter regularly. There shouldn’t be any bits of food in the dishwasher in the dishwasher after move-out. 
• Sink and/or Garbage Disposal – Clean and clear the sink of any excess food. Windex will enhance the appearance after being washed.
• Floors – Floors should be free of excess marking or scuffing. Please sweep or mop them. 
• Cabinets – Cabinets should be completely empty. Tenants should remove any crumbs or trash. Doors should be secured on their hinges and shelves should not sag. 
• Countertops – Clean and degrease countertops. The landlord could consider any burns, cuts, or large stains to be excessive damage. 
• Refrigerators and Freezers – Must be washed/cleaned inside and outside. If on wheels, they must also be pulled out, and all dust and dirt is removed from the back, sides, floor, and walls surrounding the refrigerators/Freezers. (DO NOT TURN OFF after cleaning. Windex and a sponge works well on removing stubborn particles in the plastic shelves). Defrost the freezer. Ice Maker should be emptied and turned off. 
• Microwave – Clean inside and outside of the microwave, including the replacing filter underneath.
• Windows – Windows in the kitchen may collect grease.

Bathroom:

• Toilet – Should be cleaned and disinfected. Check the toilet is working properly.
• Shower/Bathtub – Showers and bathtubs should be sanitized and clear of personal items and shower curtains. Clean all mildew and mold.  (Windex will enhance the appearance of tile after being washed, and will remove soap residues).
• Sink – The sink should be unstained and free of personal effects. It should be cleaned and disinfected.  (Windex will enhance the appearance of tile after being washed).
• Floors – Sweep and mop the floors. 
• Mirrors – Mirrors should be wiped down with a glass cleaner and be free of cracks. If the mirror also acts as a medicine cabinet, it should be empty. 
• Cabinets – Cabinets should be completely empty. Tenants should remove any crumbs or trash. Doors should be secured on their hinges and shelves should not sag. 
• Windows – Clean windows with a glass cleaner from the inside.
• Fan – Clean bathroom fan, it may require removing the covering.

Miscellaneous:

• Smells – If there are any lingering odors in the apartment that airing out will not fix, it could result in excessive damage charges. 
• Utilities – Do not turn off utilities until your lease has ended.
• Air Filters – Air Filters must be changed or if washable, then cleaned. If you do not do this, you will be charged to service the HVAC unit. Air Vent Covers must be free of dust.
• Washing Machine – Washing machine must be wiped down and free of soap residues.
• Dryer – Dryer must be wiped down and free of lint. If we discover the lint trap filled you will be charged for a professional cleaning of the trap and hose.
• Keys – Tenants should return their keys to the landlord upon move-out. 
• Smoke Detectors and Carbon Monoxide Alarms – Make sure all smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are functioning properly, replace batteries if necessary.
• Personal Items – Clean out all personal belongings. Don’t forget to check cabinets, closets, drawers, attic, garages, basements. 
• Outdoor Items – Remove all outdoor belongings from patio, deck, terrace, balcony, yard, etc.
• All trash, yard debris, and unwanted personal items must be removed from the property. If trash collection is not on your scheduled move out day, please make arrangements ahead of time to remove the bulk of it prior to that date. In any case, no trash is allowed to be left in or on the property. Please take care to discard chemicals, paints, and appliances appropriately. You can be fined by the county if you do not. (Call your trash company ahead of time, to let them know you will have a lot of trash. In addition, they can advise you on chemicals).
• If you are responsible for lawn care and maintenance – All grass must be free from pet waste, debris, and must be cut/trimmed and edged. All shrubs must be neatly trimmed. 
• If your vehicle has leaked oil in the garage or driveway, the oil stain must be cleaned up. (Use Borax soap & water to clean it).
• If you have a garage, please make sure it is swept clean, and if there were tools when you moved in, please make sure they are in their place.
• If you have a tool/garden shed please sweep it out. Clean up any chemical spills, and make sure all tools are in their proper place. Old chemicals and paints should be discarded properly. (Call your trash company for details).

Once you’ve inspected, cleaned and removed everything from your unit, take pictures of each room for your records.