Move-Out Checklist
This free move-out checklist takes you through the practical steps of leaving a rental — cleaning, photographing the empty unit, returning keys, and giving your landlord your forwarding address in writing. It's a personal documentation aid, not legal advice, and it doesn't replace any move-out procedure your lease sets out.
Educational — information, not legal advice. Print or save it free.
A note on official forms: this checklist is a personal documentation aid. It is not a substitute for any condition or inspection form your landlord, your lease, or a housing program requires. If you're given an official form, complete and return that form as well.
- Reread your lease for any move-out requirements, such as cleaning steps or notice you owe your landlord.
- Photograph and video every room, closet, and appliance after you've removed your belongings.
- Photograph the unit cleaned, showing floors, counters, and appliances.
- Note the date and time of your final walkthrough in writing.
- Give your landlord your forwarding address in writing, and keep a copy.
- Return all keys, fobs, and garage openers, and get a written or photographed receipt confirming what you returned.
- Take and photograph a final utility meter reading if you're responsible for utilities.
- Request a written or photographed record of the unit's condition at move-out, ideally with your landlord present.
- Compare your move-out photos to your move-in photos to spot any real differences.
- Save copies of your last rent payment and any move-out related communication.
- Store your forwarding address confirmation, keys receipt, and photos together in your Renter Shield evidence vault.
- Check your state's deadline for the return of your security deposit (the app shows it), and mark it on your calendar.
- Keep a copy of your signed lease and any addenda even after you move out.
Keep your records in one place.
Renter Shield stores your photos, receipts, and messages in a private, time-stamped evidence vault — free to start.
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How to use this checklist
- Print this page or save it to your phone before your last week in the unit.
- Work through the cleaning and repairs items, then photograph every room once it's empty.
- Give your landlord your forwarding address in writing, and keep a copy for yourself.
- Return every key, fob, and opener, and ask for a receipt or written confirmation.
- Keep your photos, receipts, and confirmations together in one place.
Common questions
Is this move-out checklist legal advice?
No. It's a practical aid for the logistics of leaving a rental. Renter Shield publishes legal information and tools, not legal advice; it is not a law firm, and this page is not attorney-reviewed.
Do I need an account to use it?
No. It's free to read, print, or save with no account, and nothing you check off or print is sent to us.
Does this replace my lease's move-out instructions?
No. If your lease or landlord sets out a move-out procedure — notice, cleaning standards, key return — follow that. This checklist helps you document that you did, and keeps your own record organized.
About this tool
Renter Shield is a renter-protection app: state-specific rights information, deadline reminders, a private on-device evidence vault, and calm, professional letter drafts. This checklist is one of its free tools — it stays free, with or without the app.
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Private by design: everything on this page stays with you. Nothing you check off, fill in, or print is sent to us.
Your copy: you may print or share this page for personal use. Not legal advice.
Printing for others: schools, housing offices, legal-aid programs, and community organizations are welcome to print and set out unmodified copies of this checklist for the people they serve, with attribution to rentershield.app. Doing so does not imply any partnership with or endorsement by Renter Shield.