Move-Out Checklist: How to Leave Your Rental and Prove It
6 min read · Updated October 7, 2026
Your move-out is where your deposit is won or lost. Clean the right things, fix what's yours to fix, and document the unit after everything is out so you can show the condition you left it in.
Two to three weeks before moving out
- Re-read your lease for move-out, cleaning and notice requirements.
- Give written notice and ask whether your landlord does a move-out walkthrough.
- Pull up your move-in report and note anything that was already damaged.
- Patch small nail holes only if your lease allows it.
- Replace burnt-out bulbs and missing smoke detector batteries.
Cleaning checklist
- Kitchen: inside the oven, fridge, freezer, microwave and cabinets; degrease the range hood
- Bathrooms: scrub tub, shower, toilet, sink and mirror; remove mildew from grout and caulk
- Floors: vacuum carpets, mop hard floors, clean baseboards
- Walls: wipe off marks and fingerprints around switches and doors
- Windows: clean sills and tracks, dust blinds
- Remove every personal item, including from closets, storage and the balcony
Document the final condition
After the unit is empty and clean, photograph every room again using the same angles as your move-in photos. Same rooms, same items, same order. That makes it easy for anyone to compare before and after.
Rate each item again. If something was already Worn or Damaged at move-in, your two reports show it wasn't caused by you.
Normal wear and tear vs. damage
Landlords generally can't charge for normal wear and tear from everyday living. Typical examples:
- Usually wear and tear: lightly faded paint, minor scuffs, small nail holes, worn carpet in walkways, loose door handles
- Usually damage: large holes in walls, burns or pet stains in carpet, broken windows or blinds, unapproved paint colors, missing fixtures
Hand back the unit
- Return every key, fob, remote and parking pass and get a receipt if possible.
- Give your landlord your forwarding address in writing for your deposit.
- Keep your move-in and move-out reports together until your deposit is fully settled.
Compare move-in and move-out side by side
Duwelly links your move-out report to your move-in report and builds a comparison PDF that puts the photos and ratings for each item next to each other, flagging new damage, condition changes and items with no change.
Frequently asked questions
When should I take move-out photos?
After everything is moved out and the unit is cleaned, ideally on your last day, so the photos show exactly what you handed back.
Can my landlord charge for normal wear and tear?
In most places, no. Deposits are generally meant to cover unpaid rent and damage beyond normal wear and tear. Check your local rules for specifics.
Do I need my move-in report at move-out?
Yes. Your move-in report is what proves pre-existing damage. Comparing it with your move-out photos is the strongest evidence you can have.