Telling Your Landlord That You Are Going To Move

• If you and your landlord agreed that you would "give notice" - tell him or her ahead of time that you are going move - you must do so.
• Even, if you don't have to, you should give notice. This will help protect you against owing extra rent.

You can tell your landlord in person, but you should put it in writing also.

• Sign and date the notice.
• Give your landlord a copy.
• Keep a copy for your records.
• Putting it in writing will protect you against paying extra rent because it shows that you gave proper notice.

If you rent from month-to-month, you should give at least 30 days' notice.

• This gives the landlord time to show your home to new renters.
• You must let your landlord show the home.
• In turn, he or she should let you know ahead of time (usually 24 hours) before he shows the home, although your lease may speak to this.

• You must leave the place in the same or better shape as when you moved in. Doing so will help your chances of getting your deposit back.
• Tenants do not have to pay for normal wear or tear. "Normal wear and tear" happens when buildings are used over time.
• Tenants do have to pay for damage. Damage happens when tenants abuse or neglect their homes.

• If your carpet has a hole in it where people have walked from the living room to the kitchen through the years, it is normal wear and tear.
• It's not normal wear and tear if the hole is from your dog chewing the rug.
• If your toddler has left a grape juice stain, that is not normal wear and tear.

Sometimes a tenant's idea of clean does not match up with the landlord's.

• If you can, have your landlord take a look at the place before you leave.
• Ask if there is anything else she wants cleaned. That way there will be no surprises when you ask for the return of your damage deposit.
• This also gives you a chance to clean or repair things at your landlord's request.

Make sure all things in the home are in their proper place before filling out the checkout sheet.

• Your checkout sheet should be the same as the check-in sheet you filled out when you moved in.
• If you can, walk through the place with your landlord. You should both sign the checkout sheet. Don't sign if you don't agree with damage listed.
• If your landlord won't inspect the place with you, fill out the checkout sheet yourself. Mail it to your landlord and keep a copy for your files.

• It's always a good idea to have a witness go through the apartment with you.
• That person can also sign the checkout sheet. Make sure your witness is someone who will be a good person to bring to court. It should be someone who is easy to believe.
• Take pictures of the apartment when you move in. Take them again when you move out. If htere is a dispute this will help you prove to a judge that you did not cause damage.