How to Do a Move Out With a Landlord
- 1
Do not move out in the cover of darkness.Jupiterimages/Brand X Pictures/Getty Images
Give your landlord adequate time to rent the place after you leave. This means you should tell him as soon as you know that you are moving when you plan to move out. The lease may require you to notify the landlord within 30 to 60 days ahead of time. Whether it is in the lease or not, it is common courtesy to let your landlord know your intentions. If the landlord decided to kick you out, you would want to know as far in advance as possible; you should extend the same courtesy to him. - 2). Read your complete rental agreement and lease. There should be instructions regarding security deposits, move out notification, and anything else that may pertain to leaving. If the rental agreement requires a move out letter, make sure to write a letter to your landlord in the time specified in the document.
- 3). Clean the place. Try to make it look as close as possible to the way it looked when you moved in. The apartment does not need to look pristine, as reasonable wear and tear is expected, but it should be as clean as possible. Also, remove nails and spackle over any holes.
- 4). Keep documentation of everything, including a copy of any correspondence between you and your landlord. Take pictures after you have cleaned and keep them on your computer. Many people make the mistake of thinking that because they are on friendly terms with their landlord, that person will act favorably toward them. Most of the time this is true, but just in case future disagreements arise, protect yourself and save all documents.
- 5). Lock the door and then return all the keys. Include a letter to your landlord, enclose the keys and turn them in at a specified location, like the rental office. Attorney A. Joseph Ross suggests having a friend come and witness the handover or take a picture. In the letter, include a forwarding address to where the security deposit should be sent.
