Moving out requires planning. Follow this timeline and checklist to protect your security deposit and leave without issues.
Move-Out Timeline
When to Do What
60+ Days Before
- • Review your lease for move-out requirements
- • Decide whether to renew or leave
- • Start decluttering and packing non-essentials
30 Days Before
- • Give written notice to landlord
- • Schedule movers or rent truck
- • Start address changes (USPS, bank, etc.)
- • Gather move-in photos for comparison
2 Weeks Before
- • Schedule utility disconnection/transfer
- • Deep clean as you pack
- • Request final walkthrough with landlord
- • Plan final cleaning
Final Week
- • Final deep clean
- • Document everything with photos/video
- • Final walkthrough
- • Return all keys
- • Get proof of key return
Giving Notice
Your lease specifies how much notice you need to give. In California, month-to-month tenants must give at least 30 days notice.
- Check your lease — May require more than 30 days
- Put it in writing — Email is fine, keep proof
- Include key details — Move-out date, forwarding address
- Request confirmation — Ask landlord to acknowledge receipt
Cleaning Checklist
Clean Everything
Kitchen
- Inside oven and stovetop
- Inside refrigerator and freezer
- Inside cabinets and drawers
- Sink and disposal
- Countertops and backsplash
Bathroom
- Toilet inside and out
- Shower/tub and tile
- Sink and vanity
- Mirror and fixtures
- Cabinets and medicine cabinet
All Rooms
- Floors (vacuum, mop)
- Windows inside
- Blinds and tracks
- Closet shelves and rods
- Light fixtures and fans
Don't Forget
- Baseboards
- Light switch plates
- Door handles
- Inside appliances
- Patio/balcony
Final Walkthrough
Request a walkthrough with your landlord before you leave:
- Schedule in advance — Give yourself time to fix issues
- Bring your move-in photos — Compare condition
- Take photos during walkthrough — Document current state
- Ask about any concerns — Can you fix something now?
- Get it in writing — Note any agreed-upon deductions
Getting Your Deposit Back
In California, landlords have 21 days to return your deposit or provide an itemized statement of deductions.
Your Rights
- • Landlord must return deposit within 21 days
- • Any deductions must be itemized in writing
- • Normal wear and tear cannot be deducted
- • Receipts required for repairs over $126
- • You can request receipts for all repairs
If There's a Dispute
- Review the deductions — Are they legitimate?
- Send a demand letter — Request return of wrongful deductions
- Small claims court — If landlord won't respond
- Know the penalties — Bad faith deductions can result in 2x deposit returned