Yes, you should drop off the keys, but you should also be
sure to leave a forwarding address. And if you'd like the
security deposit returned somewhere aside from your
forwarding address, make sure to leave that with your
landlord too. Let your landlord know where to send the
security deposit.
look, and if you decide to go ahead with it seriously think about
hiring a professional to return it to the way it was.
Tie Up
Loose
Ends
Overall, your security deposit is probably a pretty large sum of
money, so it's worth a little extra work to make sure it's refunded
to you. Communicating with your landlord and keeping adequate
records are probably the best thing you can do to make sure you
get that money back.
Clean Thoroughly
Here's a handy cleaning checklist for move-out. Give
the full list a look, but here are some subtle items you
might forget about:
• Remove all nails and screws from walls and ceiling.
Putty over them smoothly.
• Consider replacing the toilet seat if it looks "unsavory."
• Scrub the oven. Take out the shelving, drip pans and burners and clean those, too.
In our leases at Windermere we include a check list so there are no questions
about what is required at move-out. This is one area though that I would say it is
worth it to hire professional cleaners to do the job. If you spend 8 hours cleaning
and it is not of the "professional level" then the landlord will order a professional
cleaning and the funds will come from your security deposit. No need to spend
the time and the money - hire cleaners to do it right the first time.
When You
Move Out
