Move-Out Policy

To help ensure a smooth transition and maximize the return of your security deposit, please carefully review and follow the guidelines below.

 

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

  • Vacancy Requirement: All furniture and personal items belonging to Resident must be removed from the home and yard prior to the move-out inspection.
  • Utilities: Utilities must remain active in Resident’s name for three (3) days after turning over possession or after the lease expiration date—whichever occurs last—to allow time for the move-out inspection.

 

MOVE-OUT INSPECTION

Please note that move-out inspections are conducted independently by our team and not in the presence of the Resident. Resident is encouraged to complete their own independent move-out inspection and take accompanying photos for Resident’s own records prior to turning over possession.

 

SECURITY DEPOSIT PROCESSING TIME

The security deposit refund and/or itemized disposition letter will be mailed to your forwarding address (if provided) within the time required by state law:

  • Colorado: Within 60 days
  • Florida: Within 30 days

The processing time period begins the day after the later of the lease end date, or the date Resident returns possession. Please refrain from inquiring about your deposit until the applicable time frame has passed.

 

CLEANING

In most cases, you are not required to clean the interior of the property yourself, as your lease likely authorizes the landlord/property manager to coordinate professional cleaning after move-out, with the cost deducted from your security deposit.

  • The final charge for cleaning varies based on the condition in which the property is left. A home that has not been well maintained or is left excessively dirty may incur a higher cleaning fee.
  • This professional cleaning is mandatory and will be completed even if you or a vendor you hire cleans the property.
  • However, in rare cases, your lease may not include this provision. If your lease does not authorize us to coordinate professional cleaning, you are responsible for having the property professionally cleaned, or clean it yourself to professional standards, prior to move-out. If cleaning is not completed to professional standards, charges may still be assessed.

Ultimately, your lease establishes the policy pertaining to cleaning of your property at move-out. Please review your lease agreement to confirm which scenario applies to you.

 

CARPET CLEANING (if property has carpeting)

Similarly, in most cases, you are not required to arrange for carpet cleaning, as your lease likely authorizes us to coordinate professional carpet cleaning after move-out, with the cost deducted from your security deposit.

  • Pricing for carpet cleaning varies depending on the square footage and whether specialty services (e.g., stain or pet odor treatment) are needed.
  • This professional carpet cleaning is mandatory and will be completed even if you or a vendor you hire cleans the carpets.
  • However, in rare cases, your lease may not include this provision. If your lease does not authorize us to handle carpet cleaning, you are responsible for ensuring all carpets are professionally cleaned and providing a receipt showing that you had it completed by a professional carpet cleaning vendor. YOU MAY NOT CLEAN CARPETS YOURSELF. If carpet cleaning is not completed or not done to standard, charges may be assessed.

Again, we recommend reviewing your lease to confirm your responsibilities regarding carpet cleaning, as the lease ultimately governs the carpet cleaning policy.

 

RESIDENT TASK LIST:

Below is a general checklist of move-out responsibilities. This list is not exhaustive and may not reflect the specific features or conditions of your rental property. Additional requirements may apply based on your individual lease and property.

 

PERSONAL PROPERTY/TRASH REMOVAL

  • Remove all personal belongings from the house, garage, and yard.
  • Remove all trash and debris prior to inspection; this may require a special pickup with your local waste service provider.

 

PAINTING

  • If walls have handprints, stains, or scuff marks, repaint the entire wall with a matching color—do not spot paint.
  • Do not leave unpainted spackle or patchwork. Any unpainted repairs will result in charges for full wall painting.

 

FLOORING (non-carpeted)

  • Sweep and mop all hard-surface flooring.
  • For hardwood floors, we recommend using a cleaning product such as Bona.

 

REPAIRS

  • Repair or replace damaged window screens or screen doors.
  • Repair any damage caused by pets.
  • Address all non-wear-and-tear damage not documented at move-in.
  • Replace all burned-out light bulbs, including those in ovens, microwaves, and range hoods. If bulbs are hard to access, consider hiring a handyman.

 

YARD/LANDSCAPE

  • On your final lease day, mow, edge, trim, rake, and water the yard.
  • Weed all flowerbeds or rock beds, and trim any overgrown bushes.
  • Rake/remove fallen leaves.
  • (Colorado properties only): Ensure the driveway and sidewalks are free of snow and ice.

 

MISCELLANEOUS

  • Discontinue phone, internet, and cable service. Do not disconnect gas, electric, or water until 3 days after your lease end or move-out date, whichever is later.
  • Ensure the final water bill is paid; unpaid water bills will delay deposit processing.
  • Replace HVAC air filters if they are older than 90 days.
  • Replace batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide alarms if not changed within the last 6 months.
  • Hot Tubs: If your property includes a hot tub, have it cleaned and chemically balanced unless the owner provides professional maintenance as part of your lease.
  • Swimming Pools: If applicable, have the pool cleaned and chemically balanced unless owner-paid professional service is provided.