Move-Out Checklist
Before you move out
Following these steps as you prepare to move out can help ensure you get your security deposit back, and gain a positive rental reference from your landlord.
Give notice before moving out
If you have a month-to-month agreement, you must give your landlord written notice at least 30 days before you move out. Find out more about giving proper notice in the California Tenants Handbook.
- You can write to your landlord or use our 30-day notice form (PDF). Check your rental agreement to see if a method of giving notice is specified, or ask your landlord if they prefer mail or email.
- If you have a lease agreement and wish to move before the lease period expires, get legal advice – it can be very expensive to break a lease. See our Tenant Legal Resources page for free and/or low-cost legal advice resources.
Clean your rental
Clean the rental thoroughly. Leaving your rental as clean (or better) as when you moved in can help ensure your entire security deposit is returned.
Use our Move-out Cleaning Checklist (PDF) as a guide.
- Remove discards, junk, and trash from the property. Don’t leave that stereotypical “free couch” on the front steps or in the yard. If any roommates moved out early, you are still responsible for removing items they left when the entire household moves out.
- The City of Santa Cruz offers free bulky item hauling at the end of the spring quarter.
Schedule a pre-move out inspection
Schedule a pre-move out inspection with your landlord to occur within two weeks of your move-out date. If further cleaning or repairs are needed in order for you to get your deposit back, you will have time to do so before you vacate the premises.
- By law you have the right to attend this inspection and to receive a list of items in writing to correct at the time of the pre-move out inspection. Learn more about move-out inspections in the California Tenants Handbook.
Notify utility companies
If needed, notify all utility companies of the date to terminate your responsibility for payment of services. Santa Cruz Municipal Utilities asks to be notified at least 2 days in advance.
Update your address
File a change of address with the Postal Service online. You’ll have the option to update your voter registration address at the same time.
After you move out
Return of your deposit
You are entitled to receive your deposit, or a portion of it with an itemized list of deductions, within 21 days of moving out and returning all keys. Learn more about security deposits in the California Courts Self-Help Guide.
- If you need help getting your security deposit back, the California Courts offer a security deposit demand letter generator that will create a letter citing Civil Codes.
- For additional guidance, check out our list of campus and community legal resources for renters.
