What can a landlord deduct from a deposit?

That is governed by your lease and state law, but the common line is damage beyond normal wear and tear, unpaid rent and cleaning required to meet the agreed standard. Dated photos are your best protection.

When should I stop utilities?

Schedule service to end the day after handover, not the day of, so the property has power and water for the final walkthrough.

Do I need professional cleaning?

Only if your agreement requires it. Some leases specify professional carpet cleaning with a receipt, so check the language before booking.

Checklists

What you are responsible for when you move out

A room by room and account by account checklist of what has to be cleaned, cancelled, transferred, documented and returned before you hand over the keys.

By Elijah Canfield, Founder, Hire Best Pros · Updated September 9, 2026

Elijah Canfield is the founder of Hire Best Pros. He writes and edits the site's consumer guides, with a focus on how home service and moving projects are priced, scoped and compared.

Movers carrying boxes from a house to a truck parked at the curb on a local move

Moving out is three jobs: leave the property in the condition your lease or sale agreement requires, close or transfer every account tied to the address, and document the handover so a dispute later has evidence. Work backward from the handover date, book utilities and cleaning early, and photograph everything on the last day.

Key points

Photograph and date every room after the last item is out.
Utility transfers are easier to book two weeks out than two days out.
Read the lease or sale agreement for the specific cleaning standard required.

Four weeks out

Give required written notice and confirm the exact handover date
Re read the lease or sale agreement for cleaning, repair and return conditions
Book movers or moving labor for the date
Request a pre move inspection if your landlord offers one
Start using up freezer and pantry food

Still need a crew for the date?

Get moving quotes

Two weeks out

Schedule electric, gas, water, internet and trash to stop or transfer the day after handover
File a change of address and forward mail
Update the address on banking, insurance, licensing, subscriptions and employer records
Arrange parking or elevator reservations at both addresses
Book a cleaner or carpet cleaning if the agreement requires it

The last week

Return borrowed items and collect anything loaned out
Cancel local services such as lawn care, pest control and deliveries
Empty and defrost the freezer, and clean the refrigerator
Pack an essentials box for the first night
Confirm the crew, the address and the arrival window

Condition of the property

Patch nail holes and touch up if the agreement calls for it
Replace burnt out bulbs, batteries in smoke detectors and furnace filters
Clean appliances, cabinets, bathrooms and floors
Remove all trash and anything left in the garage, attic or shed
Return the yard to the required condition
Report any damage rather than hiding it, since discovered damage costs more

Handover day

Photograph or video every room, closet and appliance after it is empty
Take final meter readings and photograph them
Return every key, fob, remote and mailbox key, and get a receipt
Confirm in writing where the deposit or final statement will be sent
Leave manuals, warranties and spare parts for the next occupant when appropriate

Common questions

What can a landlord deduct from a deposit?: That is governed by your lease and state law, but the common line is damage beyond normal wear and tear, unpaid rent and cleaning required to meet the agreed standard. Dated photos are your best protection.
When should I stop utilities?: Schedule service to end the day after handover, not the day of, so the property has power and water for the final walkthrough.
Do I need professional cleaning?: Only if your agreement requires it. Some leases specify professional carpet cleaning with a receipt, so check the language before booking.