MoveReady
Tenant Rights & Deposit Recovery

Apartment Move Out Checklist

The essential guide for apartment renters. Avoid lease break penalties, establish a legal paper trail, and ensure 100% security deposit return.

Step 1: Notice LetterSend 30 or 60 days before move
Step 2: Walkthrough RightsRequest inspection 14 days out
Step 3: Key ReceiptWritten handoff proof on move day
Interactive Generator

Notice of Intent to Vacate Letter

Fill in your details below to generate a legally sound, state-compliant notice letter.

PREVIEWFormatted for Certified Mail or Email
Date: November 9, 2026

To: Oakwood Property Management
From: Alex Mercer
Current Rental Address: 742 Evergreen Terrace, Apt 3B

SUBJECT: 30-DAY FORMAL WRITTEN NOTICE OF INTENT TO VACATE

Dear Oakwood Property Management,

Please accept this letter as formal written notice that I will be vacating the property located at 742 Evergreen Terrace, Apt 3B on or before 2026-12-09, pursuant to the provisions of our residential lease agreement and applicable state law.

I request that we schedule an initial joint pre-move-out walkthrough inspection within the 14 days prior to my departure, allowing me the opportunity to remedy any legitimate deficiencies to ensure the full return of my security deposit.

Please direct all future correspondence and my full security deposit refund (along with an itemized deduction statement and contractor receipts, if any) to my official forwarding address:

100 Elm Street, Apt 4, Austin, TX 78701

Please acknowledge receipt of this notice in writing at your earliest convenience. Thank you for your cooperation during my tenancy.

Sincerely,

Alex Mercer
Phone: (555) 019-2834
Email: tenant@example.com
The 4 Most Common Apartment Traps
  • 1. Giving Oral or Text-Only Notice: In nearly all US jurisdictions, phone calls or casual texts do not satisfy legal lease notice requirements. Always send a certified letter or email with delivery confirmation.
  • 2. The Missing Key Charge: Landlords charge between $75 and $150 per lost electronic key fob or deadbolt key. Return every duplicate made.
  • 3. Paint Deductions for Normal Nail Holes: Small 1-inch picture nail holes are considered standard wear and tear in most states. Fill them with lightweight spackle paste to avoid bogus $200 repainting deductions.
  • 4. Leaving Utilities Shut Off Early: If power is turned off before final inspection, landlords may bill you for reconnect fees or cleaning delays.
Pre-Move Inspection Checklist
  • Schedule joint walkthrough 10 to 14 days before move out.
  • Have the landlord point out specific items they plan to charge for.
  • You retain the legal right to fix those items yourself before official surrender.
  • Always request a written copy of the signed move-in condition checklist for comparison.