Move-Out Checklist

Complete every item on this checklist before returning your keys. Your security deposit will be returned within 30 days of move-out per North Carolina law, minus any deductions for items below.

North Carolina law requires deposit return within 30 days of lease end.

A forwarding address is required. Please provide one in writing before your final day.

We offer a pre-move-out walkthrough during your final week. This gives you a chance to address any issues before your keys are returned. to schedule.

Throughout the unit

  • All walls returned to move-in condition (holes patched and painted to match, scuffs cleaned)
  • All light fixtures working (replace any burned-out bulbs)
  • All light fixture covers cleaned
  • All window sills wiped down
  • Windows cleaned on interior surface
  • Blinds or window coverings dusted and wiped
  • All interior doors open and close properly, handles clean
  • All floors swept, vacuumed, and mopped
  • All closets emptied, wiped out
  • Smoke and CO detectors tested and functioning
  • All trash removed from unit and exterior

Kitchen

  • Oven interior cleaned (racks removed and cleaned separately)
  • Oven exterior and control panel wiped
  • Stovetop, burners, and drip pans cleaned
  • Refrigerator interior cleaned (all shelves, drawers, door gaskets)
  • Refrigerator exterior wiped
  • Microwave interior and exterior cleaned
  • Dishwasher interior cleaned, filter removed and rinsed
  • Dishwasher exterior wiped
  • All cabinet and drawer interiors wiped
  • All cabinet and drawer exteriors wiped
  • Countertops cleaned
  • Sink scrubbed and faucet polished
  • Garbage disposal cleaned (run with ice and salt or disposal cleaner)
  • Exhaust fan/vent cover cleaned or filter replaced

Bathrooms (all)

  • Toilet cleaned inside and out (bowl, seat, base, behind)
  • Tub and/or shower scrubbed (tile, grout, door/curtain)
  • Shower head wiped
  • Sink scrubbed and faucet polished
  • Mirror cleaned
  • All cabinet interiors wiped
  • Exhaust fan cover cleaned
  • Floor scrubbed including grout

Bedrooms and living areas

  • All carpet vacuumed thoroughly
  • All hard floors swept and mopped
  • Walls inspected and returned to move-in condition
  • Closets emptied and wiped

Final steps

  • Provide written forwarding address for deposit return
  • Cancel or transfer Duke Energy service (effective move-out date)
  • Cancel or transfer City of Durham water service (effective move-out date)
  • Cancel or transfer internet service
  • Set up mail forwarding with USPS
  • Return all keys (specify count in your lease) on or before final day
  • Contact us to schedule final walkthrough (recommended — see note above)

Tip: Print this checklist or save a screenshot to use as you clean.