Residents
Moving Out Guide
A step-by-step guide to ensure a smooth move-out and maximize your security deposit return.
Do not forget to provide adequate written notice before moving out. Most leases require 60 days written notice before your lease end date.
Step by Step
Your Move-Out Checklist
Submit Written Notice
Provide written notice per your lease terms (typically 60 days before move-out). Include your move-out date and forwarding address.
Review Move-Out Requirements
Check your lease for cleaning standards, repair responsibilities, and required condition at move-out. Download our move-out checklist if provided.
Schedule Final Walk-Through
Contact our office to schedule your final walk-through inspection. This helps identify any concerns before you leave.
Complete Repairs
Fix any damage beyond normal wear and tear. Small repairs now can prevent larger deductions from your security deposit later.
Deep Clean the Home
Clean all areas thoroughly including appliances, floors, windows, bathrooms, and walls. The home should be in move-in ready condition.
Handle Utilities & Mail
Transfer or cancel utilities effective your move-out date. Set up mail forwarding with USPS and update your address with important contacts.
Return Keys & Access Devices
Return all keys, garage openers, access cards, and mailbox keys at move-out. Missing items may result in charges.
Provide Forwarding Address
Ensure we have your forwarding address for your security deposit return and any final correspondence.
Cleaning & Repair Requirements
What we expect at move-out
Kitchen
Clean appliances inside and out, wipe down cabinets, scrub sink and counters, clean floors and baseboards.
Bathrooms
Scrub toilets, tubs, showers, sinks, and tiles. Clean mirrors, cabinets, and fixtures. Remove any mold or mildew.
Floors & Carpets
Vacuum and mop all floors. Carpets should be professionally cleaned if specified in your lease. Remove all stains where possible.
Walls & Ceilings
Fill small nail holes, remove marks and scuffs, touch up paint if needed. Leave walls in clean, neutral condition.
Windows & Doors
Clean all windows inside and out, wipe down window sills and tracks. Clean door frames and remove any marks.
Outdoor Areas
Mow lawn, trim bushes, remove trash and debris from yard, patio, and garage. Leave outdoor spaces tidy.
Security Deposit Return
Timeline
Delaware law (25 Del. C. § 5514) requires your deposit to be returned within 20 days of lease termination. Maryland law (MD Code, Real Property § 8-203) allows up to 45 days. The clock starts when you surrender the property, provide a forwarding address, and return all keys.
Allowable Deductions
Deductions may include unpaid rent, damage beyond normal wear and tear, excessive cleaning fees, or unreturned keys/devices. Normal wear and tear — faded paint, minor carpet wear, small nail holes — cannot be deducted.
Itemized Statement
You will receive an itemized statement detailing your deposit return or explaining any deductions with supporting documentation (receipts, invoices, or reasonable estimates).
Forwarding Address
Your deposit will be mailed to the forwarding address you provide. Make sure we have the correct address before you move — without one, the return clock does not start.
Ready to Start Your Move-Out Process?
Submit your written notice through the resident portal and reach out to our team with any questions about the move-out process.