Apartment Move-Out Checklist
Prepare your apartment for inspection, avoid surprise fees, and give yourself the best shot at getting your security deposit back. Start with this template, then adjust the tasks to match your lease and move-out requirements.
Use this template
Create a checklist from this move-out template, then add, remove, or reorder tasks based on your landlord’s checklist and your apartment layout.
Great for move-out week. Upgrade to Pro to save, reuse, and export your move-out checklist as a PDF.
Apartment move-out checklist preview
Here’s an example of what your apartment move-out checklist might look like. Use it as a starting point and customize the tasks to match your lease, your landlord’s expectations, and the condition of your place.
Before you start cleaning
- • Confirm your move-out date and time with the landlord or property manager
- • Review your lease and any official move-out checklist they provided
- • Schedule a move-out inspection if required
- • Arrange for utilities to be transferred or shut off after move-out
General cleaning
- • Dust ceiling fans, light fixtures, and vents
- • Wipe down baseboards, doors, and light switches
- • Clean inside windows and window sills
- • Vacuum carpets and sweep/mop hard floors
- • Remove all nails, screws, and hooks from walls (if allowed by lease)
- • Patch small holes and scuffs where appropriate
Kitchen
- • Empty and wipe down all cabinets and drawers
- • Clean inside and outside of refrigerator (and freezer); remove any food
- • Clean oven, stovetop, and range hood (including grease filters)
- • Wipe countertops, backsplash, and sink
- • Clean dishwasher filter and run a cleaning cycle if needed
- • Take out all trash and recycling
Bathrooms
- • Scrub toilet, sink, shower, and tub
- • Remove soap scum and any mildew from tiles and grout
- • Clean mirrors and countertops
- • Wipe down cabinets and drawers
- • Mop the floor and empty trash
Bedrooms & living areas
- • Remove all personal belongings, décor, and furniture (unless otherwise agreed)
- • Dust shelves, blinds, and closet rods
- • Wipe closet shelves and check for left-behind items
- • Repair minor nail holes and remove scuff marks where possible
Final walk-through
- • Take date-stamped photos of every room after cleaning
- • Make sure all keys, fobs, and parking passes are collected
- • Verify that appliances are turned off and doors/windows are locked
- • Drop off keys as instructed by your landlord or property manager
Why an apartment move-out checklist matters
Most move-out charges come from simple things: missed cleaning tasks, small repairs, or forgotten items. When you’re tired from packing and moving, it’s easy to overlook details your landlord will notice.
A clear checklist gives you a plan. You know exactly what to clean, fix, and document so move-out day is more organized and less stressful — and you have a better chance of getting more of your deposit back.
Pro tips for using this checklist
- • Start move-out cleaning a few days before your actual move date if you can.
- • Keep basic cleaning supplies and tools in a separate “move-out kit” box.
- • Focus on kitchens and bathrooms first — they’re inspected most closely.
- • Take plenty of photos after cleaning as proof of the condition you left it in.
- • Compare your finished checklist with any official landlord checklist before turning in keys.
Apartment move-out checklist FAQ
Will this guarantee I get my full deposit back?
No checklist can guarantee that, because it depends on your lease, local laws, and the condition of the apartment. But following a detailed move-out checklist gives you a much better chance of avoiding preventable charges.
Is this checklist only for apartments?
It’s written for apartments, but you can easily adapt it for moving out of a rental house, townhome, or condo. Just remove or add tasks to fit your space.
What if my landlord already has their own move-out list?
Use both. This template covers common cleaning and documentation tasks, while your landlord’s list covers their specific expectations. Combining them can help you avoid missed items.
Can I reuse this checklist for future moves?
Yes. With NeedChecklist Pro, you can save this as your “Apartment Move-Out” checklist and reuse it every time you move, adjusting tasks as needed for each new place.
Getting ready to move out?
Start with this template, then tailor the tasks to your lease, building rules, and any notes from your landlord or property manager.
About this template
This apartment move-out checklist template covers common cleaning, repair, and inspection prep tasks renters face at the end of a lease.
Use it as a quick starting point, then customize it inside NeedChecklist so it matches your specific building, lease, and move-out process.
Save, edit & export with Pro
- Save this checklist and reuse it for future moves
- Edit and refine tasks based on past move-out experiences
- Export as a clean PDF to print and check off as you go
- Share with roommates so everyone knows what needs to be done