I have only been a landlord for a couple of years but more then once I have witnessed the filth and destruction that people leave behind when they move. It has made me realize why some landlords charge such high damage deposits. My latest tenant left holes in the walls, cat feces on the floors, an unbelievable stench and dirt everywhere. She moved her things out and that was it, she didn’t raise a finger to clean. I wish I had charged her a damage deposit but when she moved in I considered her a friend. She had come to me asking for a place to live. I knew she was strapped for cash so I rented my home to her for cheap and didn’t’ charge her a deposit. What a mistake, I won’t do that again. Lesson learned.
Several years ago I helped a friend pack up for a big move from Salt Lake City to Austin. We cleaned her entire home from top to bottom. Nothing was excluded. Up until that point I had never realized all that goes into to moving out of a home.
When you move out of a home it should be left in the same condition in which you received it, or better. Your landlord should not be cleaning up cat feces, patching holes or trying to cleanse the home of horrible smells. There is no excuse for leaving someone’s home dirty or damaged. It is disrespectful and bad manners. Below is my “Departure Check List”. If you follow this list you should have a happy landlord that is sorry to see you go and happy to give you back your damage deposit.
End-of-Lease DEPARTURE CHECK LIST
KITCHEN
Empty and clean both the refrigerator and freezer.
DO NOT leave any food items
Clean the oven and stove top and replace any burner bibs that cannot be cleaned; remove the
oven drawer in order to clean underneath, and clean the drawer before you replace it.
Clean the floor and counter tops, wipe cabinet doors, drawers and shelves.
Scrub the sink. Clean the floor under the sink.
BATHROOM
Scrub toilet, sink, tub and shower walls
Wash floor.
Discard your used soap
LIVING ROOM/BEDROOMS
Sweep and mop floor (clean/spot clean if necessary).
Dust/oil doors, door frames and window frames
LOFT SPACES
Dust and remove all cobwebs.
OUTDOORS
Pick up any debris that have accumulated during your stay. Do not leave debris behind. If upkeep of the yard is your responsibility then mow the yard and pull any weeds before you leave.
EVERYWHERE
Lights/fans: Be sure to replace any light bulbs that have burned out. Dust all light fixtures and fans. Wash fixture covers
Clean any pet stains on walls or floors
Dust walls and remove all cobwebs.
Make any necessary repairs or replace any items that may have been damaged or lost during your stay.
WINDOWS
Wash off sills, vacuum window tracks, wash windows, lock.
GARBAGE/RECLYCABLES
Bag and toss all garbage into the bins provided; put all recyclables into bins provided.
DO NOT LEAVE GARBAGE/RECYCLABLES INSIDE THE HOUSE OR OUTSIDE THE BINS. IF
NECESSARY TAKE GARBAGE TO THE DUMP.
Lock all doors and windows upon departure.
The Dizzy Lizard 