Tenant Move-Out Checklist
A clear list to hand your tenant before they leave: what to return, what to clean and who to call. Untick what does not apply and download it as a PDF or Word file.
TENANT MOVE-OUT CHECKLIST
- Tenant(s)
- [Tenant name]
- Rental property
- [Rental property address]
- Move-out date
- [Move-out date]
Please complete the items below before you return the keys on [Move-out date]. Checking each one off will help the move-out inspection go quickly.
Before you leave
- Give your forwarding address in writing
- Remove all personal belongings, including from storage, the garage and outdoor areas
- Take out all trash and recycling
- Arrange to stop or transfer utilities that are in your name
- Return all keys, garage remotes and parking passes
- Arrange a time for the move-out inspection
Cleaning: all rooms
- Vacuum carpets and sweep and mop hard floors
- Wipe baseboards, doors, light switches and window sills
- Clean windows and mirrors on the inside
- Remove nails, hooks and tape from walls
- Dust blinds, ceiling fans and light fixtures
- Replace burned-out light bulbs
Cleaning: kitchen
- Empty and clean the refrigerator and freezer
- Clean the oven, stovetop and range hood
- Clean the microwave and dishwasher, inside and out
- Wipe out cabinets and drawers and clean the counters
- Clean the sink and faucet
Cleaning: bathrooms
- Clean the toilet, tub, shower and sink
- Clean mirrors, cabinets and drawers
- Mop the floor
Outside areas
- Sweep the patio, balcony or porch
- Mow and tidy the yard, if that is your responsibility under the lease
- Clean up after pets
Questions? Contact [Landlord name].
How to use a move-out checklist
Send it early, so nothing is a surprise on the last day.
1. Tailor the list
Enter the tenant, the address and the move-out date. Untick items that do not apply to this unit and add anything specific to it.
2. Give it to the tenant early
Send the checklist when you receive notice that the tenant is leaving, not the week they move. It gives them time to do the work or ask questions.
3. Use it at the walkthrough
Bring a copy to the move-out inspection and go through it together, alongside the condition checklist from move-in.
What a tenant move-out checklist should include
A good move-out checklist tells the tenant exactly what you expect, in plain words, before they hand back the keys.
The move-out date and the address
So there is no doubt which unit the list is for and when everything needs to be done.
Keys, remotes and passes
Every key, garage remote and parking pass that was handed over at move-in.
A forwarding address
Ask for it in writing. You will need somewhere to send mail and anything owed after the tenancy ends.
A room-by-room cleaning list
Kitchen appliances, bathrooms, floors and walls. Specific tasks are easier to follow than "leave it clean".
Belongings, trash and utilities
Everything removed, including from storage and outdoor areas, and utilities in the tenant's name stopped or transferred.
How to reach you
A phone number or email for questions, and how to arrange the move-out inspection.
Tenant move-out checklist questions
Short answers for landlords and tenants.
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