Handling Tenant Move-Outs

Inevitably, renters who move in will, at some point, move out. In fact, each year almost half of the tenants who live in unfurnished properties will move. As a landlord your goal is to make your tenants’ transition out as hassle-free as possible for all parties involved.

Follow this checklist to ensure move-outs go smoothly.

1. Prepare for the move-out when you move new tenants in. Before new tenants move in, take pictures of the property’s condition, document and inventory its contents in writing.



2. Provide tenants a written Notice of Intention to Vacate form.



3. Remind tenants of the stipulations for receiving their deposit back.



4. Establish what moving out means logistically: cleaning, key return procedures, and so on.



5. Provide tenants with fair prices for any damages, replacements or repairs you will have to make after they move out, such as a hole in the wall.



6. Distinguish between normal wear and tear, and actual damages. Tenants should only be charged for something that is beyond the normal effects of inhabiting a rental.



7. Return deposits promptly, as soon as you have determined any charges to be deducted.



8. Establish move-out procedures in the lease, including deposit refund procedures. Once this is in writing you and your tenant can both refer to it at any time during the tenancy to clear up any misunderstandings.

Move-outs can be stressful for everyone involved. Following pre-established procedures will make your and your tenants’ lives much easier.