How to Move Out of Off-Campus Housing

Take these steps when moving out of an off-campus property.

Notify your landlord.

• Check your lease/ rental agreement to make sure you are not vacating the property before your lease expires. Your lease is a legally binding contract. If you must move out before your lease expires, be prepared to pay additional rent or damages.
• Give your landlord at least a 30-day notice (PDF) of your departure, in writing, even if you are renting for a fixed amount of time. Keep a copy for your records.

Remove your possessions.

Remove all your belongings, including any trash or items that you wish to discard.

Note: If the property was furnished, move all furniture to its original position.

Clean the property, and repair any damage.

• Clean floors, carpets, walls, closets, fixtures, appliances, etc. Give particular attention to the bathrooms, stove, oven, and refrigerator.
• Repair any damages to property or appliances.

Schedule final arrangements.

• Coordinate discontinue dates with the utility, phone and cable companies.
• Set a date to make a final inspection with your landlord. Be sure to use the same rental inventory checklist (PDF) that was created the day you moved in.
• Verify any miscellaneous charges you may be responsible for prior to your last rental period.
• Leave your contact information with your landlord to enable the prompt return of your security deposit. The landlord must provide you with an itemized list of any deductions from your deposit within 21 days after you leave.
• Return all keys to the landlord.
• Provide a forwarding address to the Post Office.