Moving out of a rental home can be a stressful process, especially if you want to ensure you get your full security deposit back. As a tenant, you are responsible for returning the rental unit in the same condition as when you moved in, aside from normal wear and tear. Here is an in-depth guide on how to return your rental home to quality condition before moving out.
Inspect the Property Thoroughly
The first step is to thoroughly inspect the rental home to identify any damages or issues that need to be addressed.
Create a checklist
I go through the entire property room by room and make a detailed checklist of any repairs, cleaning tasks, or conditions that need improvement. I pay special attention to:
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Walls and ceilings – Look for holes, scuffs, dirt marks, or anything that needs to be wiped down or repainted.
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Floors – Check for stains or damages to tile, hardwood, laminate, etc. Flooring should be cleaned thoroughly.
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Doors and cabinets – Look for scratches, dents, or any hardware that needs to be fixed. Cabinet interiors should be wiped down and any shelves or drawers that are broken should be noted.
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Appliances – Test appliances and look inside ovens, fridges, dishwashers etc. for any dirt or damage.
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Fixtures and plumbing – Check for leaky faucets, shower heads, or toilets. Examine sinks, tubs, and toilets thoroughly for stains or damages.
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Outdoor areas – Inspect yards, decks, garages, and outside walls for any issues.
Take photos
I also take dated photos of any damages for documentation. This will protect me in case the landlord tries to pin pre-existing damages on me later.
Clean Thoroughly
The property should be cleaned from top to bottom before returning it. Here are some cleaning tips:
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Walls – Spot clean any dirty marks on walls. Sugar soap helps remove grease or dirt buildup.
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Floors – Sweep and mop all floors, including under appliances and furniture. Vacuum and steam clean carpets if needed.
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Kitchen – Wipe down cabinets inside and out. Clean the oven, stovetop, and exhaust hood thoroughly. Don’t forget the fridge, microwave, and dishwasher.
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Bathrooms – Disinfect and scrub tile, grout, showers, tubs, sinks, and toilets. Remove all soap scum, mineral deposits, and mildew.
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Outdoors – Sweep debris from patios, decks, driveways, etc. Remove any weeds from landscaping.
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Windows – Clean inside and out, including sills, screens, and window tracks.
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Ventilation – Vacuum out vents, fans, and air conditioning filters if accessible.
Make Repairs
For any damages beyond normal wear and tear, I will need to make the appropriate repairs. Some examples include:
- Patching holes in drywall
- Fixing cracked tiles or grout
- Tightening loose door knobs or cabinet hinges
- Replacing burnt out light bulbs
- Fixing leaky faucets or shower heads
- Re-sodding dead patches in the lawn
- Removing stains from carpets
For larger repairs, I may need to hire a professional. Be sure to get the landlord’s approval first for any major repairs.
Touch Up Paint
Painting is one of the best ways to freshen up a rental and conceal any minor scuffs or marks on the walls.
- For small holes or nail marks, I just use a small paintbrush to touch up with the matching wall color.
- For larger areas, I repaint entire walls with a paint that matches the existing color.
- I paint cautiously near ceilings, baseboards, and edges to avoid getting paint where it doesn’t belong.
- For a smooth finish, I apply two coats of paint using a mini roller, letting the first coat fully dry before adding the second.
Replace Air Filters
Replacing air filters is typically the tenant’s responsibility in a rental home. Before moving out, I install new filters in the furnace, AC units, and any vent fans. This prevents dust buildup that could affect air quality for the next tenants.
Clean Out and Organize Closets
Cleaning and organizing closets before moving out helps me see exactly what belongs to me vs. the property. I:
- Remove all my belongings and supplies like cleaning products.
- Wipe down shelves and vacuum closet floors.
- Check for rodent droppings or insects that need to be removed before moving out.
- Install new closet rods if the old ones are loose or broken.
Hire Professional Carpet Cleaners
Carpets require specialized cleaning to remove embedded dirt, stains, and allergens. While I can vacuum and spot clean carpets myself, for a thorough clean before move-out, I hire professional carpet cleaners to deep clean the carpets. This leaves them fresh and new looking for the next residents.
Check the Property at Night
After completing cleaning and repairs, I do one final walkthrough at night to check for any issues that are easier to spot under interior lighting. I look for:
- Burnt out light bulbs that need replacement
- Any recently made scuffs or marks on walls
- Carpet stains that were concealed by furniture
- Lingering odors
- Pests like spiders or cockroaches
This final inspection ensures I address everything necessary for returning the rental home in flawless condition.
Take Final Documentation Photos
As a final step, I take dated photos documenting the cleaned and repaired rental home before turning in the keys. This includes photos of any repairs made, such as holes patched, new paint, replaced carpets or fixtures, etc.
Thoroughly documenting the condition of the rental upon moving out safeguards against being charged for pre-existing damages.
By following this comprehensive process, I can ensure I meet my obligations as a tenant and get my full security deposit back when returning a rental home to quality condition. A little bit of extra time and effort goes a long way to maintain positive relations with the landlord.
