4 Steps to Moving Out of an Apartment on Good Terms
Living in an apartment community is a fantastic experience for a number of reasons and suits the lifestyle of many. However, when it comes to moving out of your unit, definitive steps must be taken to ensure you get your deposit back and more importantly, leave on good terms. Any serial renter can attest to the importance of a clean rental record. Since the majority of apartment communities and private landlords check rental history, much like a driving or employment record, following the etiquette involved in renting is always advisable.
Step 1: Give Proper Notice
When moving out of your unit,
it is general practice to give a 30-day notice prior to vacating when you are on month-to-month contract terms. However, even if you have reached the end of your leasing agreement, the apartment community will usually still require a month’s worth of notice in communicating if you plan to renew your lease or not. Either way, it is in everyone’s best interests to give your notice in writing. It’s always a good idea to check with your leasing agent to make sure that 30 days is their standard, as some communities require various time frames for vacate notices. Failure to comply with your leasing agent’s policies will likely prevent you from receiving your deposit back, and could also put a negative mark on your rental record.
Step 2: Leave the Unit How You Got It
Prior to moving out of your apartment, thoroughly clean, sanitize, and deodorize it for the best chance at having your deposit returned and leaving on good terms. This includes removing any carpet stains and filling any dings or nail holes in the walls. Always make sure that you don’t leave any items behind in the unit.
There are times when certain damage is already present upon moving into your unit. Creating a list for you and your agent to sign off on prior to you moving anything in is recommended so the community can’t end up charging you for any repairs that you didn’t cause at the end of your residence there.
Step 3: Follow Any and All Rules of the Community
Thoroughly reading your leasing contract will ensure that you are aware of any of the community’s nuances and regulations that you wouldn’t be able to otherwise anticipate. Curfews, parking restrictions or subletting rules are particular items to pay attention to. Living according to the rules outlined by your leasing agent will leave you more likely to move out on good terms and keep your record clean.
Step 4: Remain Current
Definitely the most obvious, remaining current on your rent is the most important responsibility of any rental situation. In extreme cases, simply communicating with your leasing agent if you encounter financial hardship is the best way to stay in good graces with your community.
Now that you know what it takes to become a good renter, you will now understand why these steps are so important to moving out of your unit on good terms and enjoying an immaculate rental history.
