Tenant Move Out Checklist

Last Updated: April 18, 2025 by Roberto Valenzuela

A Tenant Move Out Checklist is a document outlining the tasks a tenant must complete to receive a full return of their security deposit. Landlords should provide this checklist as part of the original lease agreement, to ensure the tenant understands their responsibilities before moving in.

When a Move Out Checklist Is Required by Law

Some state laws require a Move Out Checklist (often connected with a Move In Checklist). In these places, the Move Out checklist often is the same one used at move-in.

The responsibility to keep a signed copy of a checklist usually rests with the landlord. A landlord who doesn’t complete a legally required checklist on move-in can’t make deductions from the security deposit, in most cases.

These states require landlords to use a Move Out Checklist or provide similar documentation in order to make security deposit deductions:

  • Georgia
  • Kentucky
  • Maryland
  • Michigan
  • Wisconsin

These states do not require a Move Out Checklist, but require one when moving in (which can be used at move-out if there are disputes):

  • Arizona
  • Hawaii
  • Kansas
  • Montana
  • Nevada
  • North Dakota
  • Utah
  • Virginia
  • Washington *

* Washington only requires a Move In Checklist if a security deposit is collected.

When a Move Out Checklist Is Optional

A Move Out Checklist is optional in most states. Many landlords still choose to use one, because of the legal advantages it can grant.

Landlord Benefits

A Move Out checklist provides the following benefits for a landlord:

  • Ensures a smoother move-out process
  • Keeps the landlord organized
  • Minimizes potential disputes with the tenant
  • Identifies necessary repairs
  • Increases the likelihood of a rental property returned in good condition
  • Speeds up turnaround for getting a new tenant into the rental unit

Tenant Benefits

A Move-out checklist also benefits the tenant:

  • States the tenant’s obligations in clear terms
  • Motivates keeping the property in good condition
  • Reduces the potential for stress or conflict in the move-out process

What a Tenant Move Out Checklist Should Include

A landlord may modify their Tenant Move Out Checklist (as allowed by law), depending on their property and process for ending leases. In most cases a checklist includes cleaning procedures and expectations for the property condition upon move-out.

The most important items in a Tenant Move Out Checklist are the tasks a tenant must complete before move-out. The Tenant Move Out Checklist should include the following items:

  • Scheduling. The tenant must schedule a date for the inspection of the property, plus a time to return keys and other similar items
  • Cleaning Requirements. The checklist should, with as much detail as possible, list the specific rooms (e.g. living room, kitchen, etc.) and items (e.g. shower, appliances, etc.) to be cleaned, plus cleaning type to be performed (e.g. sweeping, mopping, vacuuming, etc.)
  • Painting. If a tenant paints the rental unit for any reason, they are responsible for returning the walls back to their original color and condition
  • Removal of Trash and Personal Belongings. The tenant must remove trash and personal belongings from within the rental property, including designated outdoor areas such as a patio or deck
  • Appliances and Miscellaneous Items. Tenants must confirm the following items are in proper working order:
    • Appliances
    • Light fixtures
    • Electric fixtures
    • Plumbing
    • Heating/AC
    • Smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors
  • Damages. The tenant must notify the landlord of any damage to the property, referring back to any documentation prepared during the move-in inspection
  • Security Deposit. The tenant must provide a forwarding address for return of the security deposit

This list is not comprehensive. Landlords may provide greater detail on a move-out checklist as necessary (or, even better, on the initial move-in checklist).

warning
Do not forget to document charges for any costs incurred for incomplete items on a Move Out Checklist.

When To Send a Move Out Checklist

In general, the best time to provide a Move Out Checklist is as part of move-in documentation, at least one week before moving in. This gives enough time for tenants to review and understand the checklist before moving in. Providing a checklist before move-in also lets a tenant review the condition of items on the rental property before the lease starts.

What Comes After the Move Out Inspection?

While in most cases the move-out process goes smoothly, that is not always the case. A responsible landlord prepares for situations where there might be a difficulty or dispute.

Tenant Does Not Move Out at the End of Their Lease

A tenant who delays the move-out inspection by moving out late may be held financially responsible. Depending on the state and lease agreement, a landlord may be able to do the following:

  • Charge for additional rent
  • Withhold the tenant’s security deposit
  • Charge additional penalties and fees

A tenant who refuses to move out at the end of a lease may require an eviction process.

Making Record of the Property’s Condition

When it’s time to inspect the premises, document all findings in multiple ways. First, take pictures of the condition of the property. There should be a signed and dated set of photos for both the landlord and the tenant.

Second, fill out the detailed Move Out Checklist, with information as specific as possible.

example
Describe damage with reference to all relevant details, like “6-inch brown stain on the wall above the stove,” rather than just “wall damage.” Nonspecific damage claims are hard to justify in court.

Incomplete Checklist or Damages

The Move Out Checklist should detail what happens if the tenant does not complete required tasks and/or does not leave an issue-free property when moving out:

  • Tenant Did Not Provide a Completed Move Out Checklist. The landlord should notify the tenant the security deposit will not be returned until completion of required tasks
  • Damage to the Property. The landlord should warn the tenant of an intention to deduct from the security deposit to perform repair or work that was the tenant’s responsibility
warning
Landlords may lose rights to deduct for damage if they prematurely tell a tenant they will get their full deposit back.

What To Do if the Tenant Leaves Property Behind

If a tenant leaves property behind, the landlord should take the following action:

  • Take inventory of belongings left behind
  • Safely store all items
  • Mail a copy of the inventory to the tenant’s last known address (by certified mail, to document proper delivery of the notice)
  • Provide the tenant with a location and window of time for claiming the property (in compliance with any state or local requirements)
  • If the tenant does not timely claim the property, the landlord can then dispose of the it in compliance with state and local laws

For more information on abandoned property, click here.

Security Deposit

The move-out checklist should inform the tenant about the expected timeline for the return of the security deposit.

The amount of time a landlord has to return a tenant’s security deposit and/or notify them of any deductions depends on state (and sometimes city). This chart provides a state-by-state list of the various required timeframes:

State Security Deposit Return Deadline
Alabama 60 days
Alaska 14 days if there are no deductions, otherwise, 30 days
Arizona 14 days (excluding weekends and legal holidays)
Arkansas 60 days
California 21 days
Colorado One month
Connecticut 30 days
Delaware 20 days
Florida 15 days if there are no deductions, otherwise, 30 days
Georgia 30 days 
Hawaii 14 days
Idaho 21 days or during the period provided in the lease but not more than 30 days
Illinois 45 days if there are deductions, otherwise, 30 days
Indiana 45 days
Iowa 30 days
Kansas 30 days 
Kentucky 30-60 days
Louisiana One month
Maine 30 days, or 21 days for at-will tenancy
Maryland 45 days
Massachusetts 30 days
Michigan 30 days
Minnesota 3 weeks, or 5 days if the building or rental unit is legally condemned
Mississippi 45 days
Missouri 30 days
Montana 30 days, or 10 days where no damage was found during the walk-through inspection
Nebraska 14 days
Nevada 30 days
New Hampshire 30 days
New Jersey 30 days; 15 days for victims of domestic violence; and 5 days if the tenant was displaced
New Mexico 30 days
New York 14 days
North Carolina 30 days
North Dakota 30 days
Ohio 30 days
Oklahoma 45 days
Oregon 31 days
Pennsylvania 30 days
Rhode Island 20 days
South Carolina 30 days
South Dakota 14 days
Tennessee No statute
Texas 30 days
Utah 30 days
Vermont 14 days
Virginia 45 days
Washington 30 days
Washington D.C. 45 days
West Virginia The sooner of 60 days or 45 days after the new tenant moves in
Wisconsin 21 days
Wyoming The later of 30 days after termination or 15 days from receipt of the tenant’s new address

Sometimes tenants move out without properly cleaning or repairing things they’ve broken. In these situations, the landlord may withhold part or all of the tenant’s security deposit. These steps help ensure a lawful withholding process:

  • Document Actual Damages. Make sure the inspection documents damage, not just normal wear and tear
  • Provide Notification. Notify the tenant in writing with an itemized list of the damages, the cost for any repairs, and the amount of security deposit being withheld
  • Retain Documents. Keep receipts of all payments relating to cleaning and repairs (and make copies for the tenant, as needed)
  • Return Remaining Security Deposit. Return any unused portion of the security deposit to the tenant

For more information on security deposits, here are additional resources on Security Deposit law.

Sources

Other Rental Templates