When planning to move out of your apartment there are certain obligations that you have to your landlord.
1. GIVE WRITTEN NOTICE - Generally a 30 day notice is required but check your lease as some counties allow for a 60 day notice.
2. GIVE NOTICE ON THE FIRST DAY OF THE MONTH - This can be tricky so be careful. In some cases if you give your notice even a day late you can end up paying for an extra month's rent. Find out what your landlord's policy is.
3. YOU MUST GIVE WRITTEN NOTICE EVEN IF YOUR LEASE IS EXPIRING. Your landlord will generally assume that you will stay on month to month unless he hears otherwise from you.
4. IF YOU LIVE IN A HIGH RISE RESERVE THE FREIGHT ELEVATOR EARLY.
5. SPEND THE TIME NECESSARY TO CLEAN YOUR APARTMENT THROUGHLY. If your lease states that you must have the carpets professionally cleaned then do so. Also if a de- flea and/or de-tick treatment is called for because of your pet make sure that the work is done.
6. GET YOUR LANDLORD TO DO A WALK THROUGH INSPECTION WITH YOU. He will then be able to point out any potential damages that you will be charged for.
7. YOU GENERALLY DO NOT HAVE TO REPAINT YOUR APARTMENT UNLESS YOU HAVE CHANGED THE COLOR OF THE WALLS. The lease may stipulate that you must return the walls to their original color. If you have darkened the walls and the landlord has to put an additional coat of paint to cover it, he will change for the second coat of paint.
8. BE SURE TO LEAVE A FORWARDING ADDRESS FOR YOUR SECURITY DEPOSIT. Leaving your old apartment in good condition is very important. Your new landlord will call your past landlords to check on what the condition of the apartment was when you left as well as to ensure that you gave proper notice. Just paying your rent on time is not enough.
