Leasing a rental property is a huge responsibility. Not only do you have to worry about making sure the rent is paid on time, but you also have to ensure the property is well-maintained. And, of course, when your lease term is up, you can’t simply walk away from the property. First off, you need to ensure the condition is just like the first time you rent it out. Hiring a professional end of lease cleaning will make your life easier. But there is more than just cleaning it. Before you can move out, other things need to be taken care of so that your landlord and/or property manager will not have any issues when you leave.
Notify Your Landlord or Property Manager
As soon as you know your lease is up, let your landlord or property manager know. It’s important to ensure that both parties are in agreement about when the lease is ending and that you don’t end up owing more money than necessary. In addition, if your landlord wants to make any changes or repairs to the property, they will need advance notice. Not only is it courteous to make sure your landlord or property manager knows when you’re leaving, but in most cases, it’s also required by law.
Repair and Clean Up
If you want your security deposit back, then the rental property must be in good condition. That means all repairs and damage should be taken care of before you leave. This could include patching any holes in wall hangings or painting a room if there are scuff marks on the walls. Also, don’t forget to clean the property from top to bottom. Hiring a professional end of lease cleaning company will guarantee your place is spotless.
Document the Condition
It’s always a great idea to walk through the rental property with your landlord and document any issues. You can do this by taking photos or videos of each room and having them signed off on by both parties. This way, there will be no surprises when it comes time for the security deposit to be returned. After all, your landlord or property manager will be able to see the property’s condition when you leave.
Return Keys and Remotes
Don’t forget to return all keys and remotes given to you when you first moved in. This includes any garage door openers, mailbox keys, building keys—anything given to you. It’s also a good idea to provide your landlord with copies of the keys you had made during the lease, just in case they were lost. In some cases, you may be required to pay for the re-keying of the locks.
Aside from those above, before leaving, ensure you follow through with any agreements made during your lease. This includes paying all outstanding bills and submitting your final rent payment. In addition, if there was a pet deposit or extra fees for having a pet, make sure those are taken care of as well. And that’s how you can ensure that your security deposit will be returned to you while being a good tenant.