Move-Out Checklist for Landlords: Deposit, Cleaning and Make-Ready
The short answer
At move-out, inspect the unit against the move-in photos, document damage beyond normal wear and tear, return the deposit with an itemized list within your state's deadline, then book cleaning and repairs right away so the unit is rent-ready within days, not weeks.
Inspect against move-in
Walk the unit with your move-in photos or checklist in hand. Photograph every room, and note anything beyond normal wear and tear: holes in walls, broken fixtures, stains, missing items.
Normal wear and tear — faded paint, light scuffs, worn carpet in walkways — generally can't come out of the deposit. Damage can.
Return the deposit on time
Every state sets a deadline for returning the deposit, often 14 to 30 days, and most require an itemized list of deductions. Missing the deadline can cost you the right to deduct anything, so put the date on your calendar the day the tenant gives notice.
Book make-ready before the tenant leaves
Schedule cleaning and repairs for the day after move-out. A move-out cleaning typically runs about $200 to $400, and drywall patching about $300 to $930. Every vacant week costs you rent, so line up pros in advance.
Frequently asked questions
What can a landlord deduct from a security deposit?
Generally unpaid rent and damage beyond normal wear and tear, such as holes in walls or broken fixtures. Rules vary by state, so check yours.
How long does a landlord have to return a deposit?
It depends on the state, commonly 14 to 30 days after move-out, usually with an itemized list of any deductions.
