We know that moving can feel stressful, especially considering the cost of moving trucks, a new security deposit, purchases for your new apartment, and, often, move-out fees. These fees, more common for dwellers in high-rise apartment buildings, are non-refundable and can cost hundreds of dollars. Luckily, our experts at AptAmigo have helped thousands of people relocate and can teach you how to avoid fees when you move out.
Are you searching for your dream apartment? Reach out to AptAmigo to find the perfect neighborhood and apartment for you. With expert advice, local insight, and access to the best deals in the market, there’s no better way to apartment hunt.
Related: The Ultimate Apartment Tour Checklist
How to Avoid Fees When You Move Out
Review Your Lease
Look at your lease to check the tenant requirements during the move-out process. This document details all of the landlord’s expectations for renters so that you can ensure a smooth and inexpensive move out. Some apartments require you to hand over your keys on the last day of your lease (for example, returning keys on the last day of August versus the first day of September), while other landlords are more lenient and offer a time frame, such as 3-5 days after your official lease has expired.
Your lease should also note how far in advance you need to give notice of your plans to vacate. Some apartment complexes assume that, unless you extend your lease, you will move out by the lease-end date, but other landlords require a 30- or 60-day notice, regardless of your lease-end date. If you can’t find this information in your lease, reach out to your landlord to confirm their expectations.
On the day you moved into your current apartment, you most likely paid either a security deposit or a move-in fee. Landlords usually give back a security deposit after you return the keys and they check whether you met the lease’s cleanliness stipulations. Security deposits tend to be handled more subjectively because the amount you get back relies on your landlord’s interpretation of your unit’s condition. Thus, review the cleaning requirements listed in your lease so that you can prepare for your departure accordingly.
If you paid a move-in fee, however, your landlord will not refund it when you leave; it covers the basic move-out costs incurred when a tenant moves. You should expect to pay no additional charges beyond that fee upon moving out, assuming that you leave the unit in decent shape when you vacate. While this option may seem less favorable, it does guarantee that you will not receive a surprise bill in the mail.
Ask For Move-Out Instructions
Your lease may not include all of the move-out instructions you need. We recommend double-checking with management to see if they are looking for any specific line items during move-out inspections. Oftentimes, they will offer insight and guidance on the necessary cleaning and repairs.
One of our team members, Laura, noted that “some apartments have tenants fill out a sheet when they move in and when they move out that details any big or small damages they find. This process can help protect them from fees associated with damages that were present when they moved in.” Even if your apartment requires you to fill out a sheet, it doesn’t hurt to take pictures as documentation along with the form when you move in.
Related: If you’re already in the middle of your move-out process, check out our ultimate moving checklist.
Clean!
Once you know what to expect in terms of cleaning requirements, pull out your spray bottles and put on your rubber gloves. It is almost always cheaper to clean the space yourself than to hire someone to do it for you.
If you leave place dirty, the apartment complex will almost always overcharge for basic cleaning services. For example, our content marketing associate, Heather, was once charged $40 for the removal of a bag of trash that she accidentally left in the kitchen. So, be as thorough as possible. Consider making your own detailed checklist to confirm that you covered every surface and cabinet.
Pro tip: get all the nooks and crannies. Check the places you typically wouldn’t clean: behind the toilet, on the tops of cabinets, and around door frames. If you get the apartment fully ready for the next tenant to the landlord’s satisfaction, you are more likely to receive your whole deposit back.
Repair Damages
Hanging up shelves and pictures can give your apartment that cozy, personal touch that really makes it feel like home. However, doing so can leave holes and cause damage to the walls. But not to worry, these small damages are easy to repair. Run to the nearest hardware store and pick up some spackle and paint.
Sometimes, your apartment’s maintenance team will give you a small cup of paint upon request because they often buy it in bulk and store it for this exact purpose. If not, take a chip of paint from the wall; most hardware stores can match the color. Then, simply fill the holes and paint over the spackle. It’s a simple fix that will save you a lot of deposit money.
If you own a pet, address any stains, scuffs, or scratches that might have popped up over time. Renting a carpet cleaner will cost less than what your landlord will charge to bring in a carpet cleaning service.
Do a Walk-Through
Now that your apartment looks squeaky clean, check to see if someone from the property management company can do a walk-through with you. Doing so allows you to identify any remaining issues and prevents you from receiving any additional charges. This action also demonstrates your intent to leave the apartment in perfect shape.
So, even if a small concern comes up, you increase your chances of getting your security deposit back. Acting forthright and transparent about what needs to be done will generally go a long way with your property management company.
Take Photos and Videos
Once you feel confident that your apartment looks picture perfect, take photos and videos. As mentioned previously, we recommend taking photos when you move in as well, to make sure you don’t pay for damages caused by past tenants. Taking photos again when you leave an apartment matters because it gives you evidence of how you left the space in the rare event that they try to charge you for damage that occurred after you vacated.
Finalize the Move-Out
Congratulations! You almost finished moving out of your apartment and can finalize your move-out. Check your to-do list, take one last stroll through the space, and return your keys. Confirm that they know where to send your security deposit, and you’re done.
Now for the fun part: moving into your new apartment. If unpacking when you arrive seems like a daunting task, never fear. We broke down the process for how to unpack your essentials in one day.
Looking For Your Dream Apartment?
If you need help finding your next apartment, reach out to AptAmigo. Simply let us know your preferences, favorite neighborhood, and any other relevant information, and one of our apartment experts will compile a list of buildings you’ll love. Pick your favorites from the list, and our team will schedule tours (or gather virtual tours) of the apartments you’re interested in so that you don’t have to. As your apartment dream team, we’ll be here for any questions or concerns you might have along the way. The best part? It’s completely free.
Read Next: How to Start Decorating Your Apartment
* The original version of this article was first published on September 14, 2020.
