Moving out of a rental comes with a long list of things to remember, and your security deposit is one of them. If you’re wondering how to get your security deposit back, the best place to start is before moving day.
A clean, well-documented move-out can make it easier to show that you’ve taken care of the property and followed the requirements in your lease. From reviewing your move-out instructions to taking photos after your belongings are gone, a little preparation can help you avoid preventable deductions.
If you’re getting ready to move out of an apartment, house, or other rental in Colorado Springs, here’s a practical checklist to help you prepare.
Key Takeaways
- Review your lease before you start cleaning or making repairs.
- Document the condition of your rental before and after your belongings are removed.
- Take care of reasonable cleaning and minor repairs that are your responsibility.
- Complete your final walkthrough and return every key, access device, and other item required by your landlord.
- Keep photos, receipts, emails, and other move-out records after you leave.
- If you disagree with a deduction, review your lease and applicable Colorado requirements before responding.
1. Read Your Lease Before You Move Out
Your lease is the first place to look for your landlord’s move-out requirements.
Don’t wait until the day before your move to read it. Look for information about cleaning, carpet or flooring, repairs, notice requirements, keys, parking permits, garage remotes, and the condition the property needs to be in when you leave.
Some properties also provide separate move-out instructions. If your apartment community or property manager gave you a checklist, read through it early enough that you have time to complete the requirements.
Make a list of anything you’re unsure about and ask your landlord or property manager before moving day. It’s easier to clarify and resolve anything before you’ve already moved, and will limit the stress on the actual move-out day or beyond.
Pay Attention to the Details
A move-out requirement may be easy to overlook because it isn’t part of your everyday routine.
For example, your lease or property instructions may address:
- Cleaning appliances
- Removing all trash
- Cleaning floors and carpets
- Returning parking permits
- Returning mailbox or gate keys
- Removing personal property
- Repairing tenant-caused damage
- Scheduling a move-out inspection
- Providing a forwarding address
Your lease should take priority over a generic moving checklist because the requirements can vary from one rental to another.
2. Make a Moving Checklist
Once you’ve reviewed your lease, turn the requirements into a checklist.
Separate the list into three categories:
Clean: What needs to be cleaned?
Repair: What damage or maintenance issue is actually your responsibility?
Return: What property, keys, remotes, or other items need to go back to the landlord?
This makes it much easier to work through the property without realizing on moving day that you’ve forgotten something.
It’s also helpful to give yourself time between finishing the move and handing over the property. If your movers finish loading at 2 p.m. and your keys are due back at 3 p.m., you won’t have much time to notice that a closet still needs cleaning or that something was left behind.
3. Document the Property Before You Move In
If you still have access to your original move-in inspection report, photos, or other documentation, keep them.
These records can be especially useful because they give you something to compare with the property’s condition when you leave.
If you took photos when you moved in, organize them somewhere you can easily find them. If your landlord provided a move-in condition checklist, keep a copy with your other lease documents.
You don’t need a professional camera. Clear photos from your phone can provide useful documentation when they’re taken carefully and kept with the rest of your move-out records.
4. Repair Damage That You’re Responsible For
Before you leave, walk through the rental and look for damage that occurred while you lived there.
Small issues can be easy to overlook when you’ve seen them every day. Look at walls, doors, floors, cabinets, appliances, fixtures, and other areas that may have been affected by your time in the property.
If something is clearly your responsibility and you can safely and appropriately address it, taking care of it before you leave may be worthwhile.
That doesn’t mean you should attempt every repair yourself.
Don’t try to repair electrical problems, plumbing issues, structural damage, gas-related problems, or other work that requires professional expertise. A poorly performed repair can create a bigger problem than the original issue.
What About Normal Wear and Tear?
Not every mark or sign of age means you’ve damaged the property.
Paint can fade. Carpet can show ordinary wear. Fixtures and appliances can become worn over time. The distinction between ordinary wear and tenant-caused damage can depend on the circumstances, the condition of the property, the lease, and applicable law.
If you’re unsure whether something is normal wear or damage, don’t automatically spend money trying to repair it yourself. Document the condition and ask your landlord or property manager what they expect.
5. Clean the Rental Thoroughly
Cleaning is one of the most practical things you can do before turning over the property.
Start with the areas that are easy to forget:
- Inside cabinets and drawers
- Behind and underneath appliances
- Baseboards
- Windows and windowsills
- Light fixtures
- Closets
- Bathroom surfaces
- Kitchen appliances
- Floors
- Outdoor areas that are part of your rental
You don’t necessarily need to make the property look brand new. Focus on meeting the requirements in your lease and leaving the home in the condition you’re responsible for maintaining.
If your lease requires professional carpet cleaning or another specific service, follow those requirements and keep the receipt.
Don’t Forget the Final Trash Run
Take everything with you that you’re supposed to remove.
That includes obvious trash, but also furniture, boxes, food, decorations, cleaning supplies, and other belongings you don’t intend to leave behind.
If you’re hiring professional movers, make sure everyone knows which items are staying and which are going. A box left in the back of a closet can be easy to miss once the main rooms are empty.
6. Take Photos and Video After the Home Is Empty
Once your belongings are out and you’ve finished cleaning, document the property again.
Take photos of each room, including floors, walls, doors, closets, bathrooms, appliances, and other areas covered by your lease’s move-out requirements.
It’s helpful to take wider room photos as well as closer photos of anything that could be questioned later.
If appropriate, take a short video walkthrough while moving through the property. Keep the original files rather than relying only on edited versions or screenshots.
Make Your Photos Easy to Understand
Don’t take hundreds of random pictures without a system.
Walk through the property in the same order every time. For example:
- Entryway
- Living room
- Kitchen
- Bedrooms
- Bathrooms
- Closets
- Laundry area
- Garage or storage areas
- Outdoor spaces
This creates a simple visual record of the property after your belongings have been removed.
Keep the photos with your other move-out documents. If you email relevant documentation to your landlord or property manager, keep a copy of the email as well.
7. Schedule a Move-Out Inspection When Possible
If your landlord or property manager offers a move-out inspection, take advantage of it.
An inspection gives both sides an opportunity to look at the property before the tenancy is fully wrapped up. If the landlord identifies something they believe needs attention, you’ll have an opportunity to ask questions and determine what needs to happen next.
Some landlords or property managers have specific inspection procedures, while others may not conduct a formal walkthrough. Follow the instructions provided by your property.
If you’re allowed to attend the inspection, bring your move-out checklist and documentation with you.
8. Keep Receipts for Cleaning and Repairs
If you pay for something related to your move-out, keep the receipt.
That could include:
- Professional cleaning
- Carpet cleaning
- Repair materials
- Professional repairs
- Junk removal
- Other services specifically required by your lease
Receipts help you keep track of what you’ve done and can provide documentation if a question comes up later.
Don’t assume that paying for a service automatically means your landlord must accept it as satisfying a lease requirement. Make sure the work you pay for actually addresses the requirement.
9. Return Every Key, Remote, and Access Device
Before leaving, make a list of everything you received when you moved in.
That might include:
- Apartment keys
- House keys
- Mailbox keys
- Garage remotes
- Gate remotes
- Parking permits
- Building access cards
- Storage keys
Your property may have different requirements, so check your lease and move-out instructions.
If you return something in person, ask whether you can receive confirmation. If you’re instructed to leave keys in a specific location, follow those instructions and document when and how you returned them.
10. Give Your Landlord a Forwarding Address
Make sure your landlord or property manager has a current mailing address for you.
If you’re moving to another home, provide the new address as instructed. If you don’t yet have a permanent address, ask your landlord what information they need and how you should provide it.
You should also update your mailing address with USPS and update important accounts separately. Mail forwarding is helpful, but it shouldn’t be your only plan for changing your address.
11. Don’t Leave Your Belongings Behind
A move can get chaotic once the truck is loaded, especially if you’re moving out of an apartment with storage closets, balconies, garages, or other areas that aren’t part of the main living space.
Before you hand over the property, check every space.
Open closets. Look inside cabinets. Check the garage. Look behind doors and under sinks. Check patios, balconies, storage areas, and any other space included with the rental.
If you’re working with professional movers, do a final walkthrough after the crew has finished loading. This is a simple way to catch something before you officially leave.
12. Protect the Property During Moving Day
Some damage happens during the move itself rather than during everyday living.
Large furniture can scrape walls. Boxes can leave marks on floors. Moving equipment can damage door frames if it isn’t used carefully.
Before moving day, think about the areas that will get the most traffic. Protect floors and vulnerable surfaces as appropriate, and make sure pathways are clear.
If you’re hiring professional movers, discuss access conditions before the crew arrives. Let us know about stairs, narrow hallways, elevators, long carries, parking limitations, or other access challenges that could affect how belongings need to be moved.
For apartment moves, check whether your building requires an elevator reservation or specific loading-area procedures. Taking care of those details ahead of time can make moving day much easier on everyone.
13. Be Careful With Last-Minute Repairs
Once the apartment is empty, you may notice things that weren’t obvious while your belongings were inside.
Don’t panic and start repairing everything you see.
Take a photo first. Think about whether the issue is actually your responsibility. Review your lease and any move-in documentation, and ask your landlord or property manager if you’re unsure.
A rushed repair can sometimes cause more damage than the original problem.
14. Keep Your Move-Out Records
After you’ve handed over the property, don’t immediately delete everything.
Keep your:
- Lease
- Move-in inspection documentation
- Move-out checklist
- Photos and videos
- Cleaning receipts
- Repair receipts
- Emails with your landlord
- Inspection documentation
- Key-return confirmation
- Proof of your forwarding address
Store everything together until you’ve received your security deposit and confirmed that the matter is settled.
If there is a disagreement about a deduction later, having organized records is much more useful than trying to remember what the property looked like months earlier.
What If Your Landlord Deducts Money From Your Security Deposit?
If you receive your security deposit back and the amount is less than expected, don’t immediately assume the deduction is valid or invalid.
Start by reviewing the documentation you received from your landlord or property manager. Compare the deductions with your lease, your move-in and move-out records, and any applicable Colorado requirements.
If you disagree with a charge, keep your communication factual and in writing. Explain which deduction you’re questioning and provide relevant documentation, such as photos, inspection records, receipts, or emails.
Colorado has laws governing residential security deposits, so the specific rules that apply to your situation can depend on the circumstances of your tenancy. If you’re unsure about your rights or believe a landlord has improperly withheld your deposit, consider consulting an appropriate Colorado housing or legal resource rather than relying on a general moving article.
A Colorado Springs Move-Out Checklist
If you’re renting in Colorado Springs, add a few local considerations to your general move-out checklist.
Check Your Property’s Rules
Apartment communities, condominium buildings, and rental properties can have their own requirements for moving trucks, elevators, loading areas, parking, and move-out appointments.
Ask your property manager:
- Do I need to reserve an elevator?
- Where can a moving truck park?
- Is there a designated loading area?
- Are there specific moving hours?
- Do I need a move-out inspection?
- Where should keys or access devices be returned?
Getting these answers before moving day can help prevent a situation where your moving crew arrives but can’t access the building or loading area.
Watch the Weather
Colorado weather can change quickly, and moving conditions aren’t always the same from one day to the next.
Winter moves may involve snow or ice around entrances and walkways. Summer moves can bring intense heat and dry conditions.
Check the forecast before moving day and communicate with your moving team if weather could affect access to the property.
Should You Hire Movers When You’re Trying to Protect Your Deposit?
Hiring professional movers doesn’t guarantee that a security deposit will be returned, but professional moving help can reduce some of the physical and logistical challenges of moving out.
A move is easier to manage when heavy furniture is handled carefully, hallways and doorways are protected, and the property is left empty so you can focus on your final cleaning and inspection.
We can help with residential and apartment moves, including the heavy lifting involved in getting furniture and belongings out of a rental. Depending on the move, our team can also help with tasks such as furniture disassembly and reassembly.
The important part is to understand what you need before moving day. If you’re only looking for help with the physical move, you don’t necessarily need to hand over every part of the process.
Your Final Move-Out Checklist
Before you officially leave your rental, take a few minutes to run through this list:
- Read your lease and move-out instructions
- Complete required cleaning
- Make appropriate repairs
- Remove all belongings and trash
- Check closets, cabinets, garages, patios, and storage areas
- Take photos of every room after it’s empty
- Complete a move-out inspection if available
- Save cleaning and repair receipts
- Return all keys, remotes, permits, and access devices
- Provide your forwarding address
- Keep copies of important move-out records
- Confirm that you’ve completed all property-specific requirements
The goal isn’t to make the rental look untouched. It’s to leave the property according to your lease requirements, document its condition, and keep enough records to explain what happened if questions arise later.
Need Help Getting Everything Out?
A well-organized move-out gives you one less thing to worry about when you’re preparing to hand over your rental.
At Little Red Wagon Moving, we help Colorado Springs residents with residential and apartment moves. Our team can handle the physical work of moving furniture and belongings so you can spend your time on the other details that come with leaving a home, including cleaning, documentation, and your final walkthrough.
If you’re preparing for an upcoming move, request a free moving estimate and tell us what you need help with. We’ll use the details of your move to help you determine what kind of moving assistance makes sense for you and your family.
Frequently Asked Questions About Getting Your Security Deposit Back
How can I increase my chances of getting my security deposit back?
Start by reviewing your lease, completing the required cleaning and repairs, documenting the property after it’s empty, returning all keys and access devices, and keeping your move-out records. The specific requirements for your rental depend on your lease and applicable law.
Should I take pictures when I move out?
Yes. Take clear photos of each room and important areas of the property after your belongings have been removed and cleaning is complete. Keep the original photos with your other move-out documentation.
Should I clean my apartment before moving out?
You should follow the cleaning requirements in your lease and any move-out instructions from your landlord or property manager. Pay attention to areas that are easy to overlook, such as inside cabinets, appliances, closets, bathrooms, floors, and baseboards.
What should I do during a move-out inspection?
Bring your lease and move-out checklist, walk through the property carefully, and document any concerns. If the landlord identifies damage or cleaning issues, ask for clarification and take your own notes or photos when appropriate.
Can my landlord charge me for normal wear and tear?
The treatment of normal wear and tear depends on the applicable law, the condition of the property, your lease, and the circumstances involved. If you’re unsure whether a condition is ordinary wear or tenant-caused damage, document it and seek appropriate guidance before agreeing to a disputed charge.
Should I keep my cleaning receipts?
Yes. Keep receipts for cleaning, repairs, carpet services, or other work you pay for as part of your move-out. They provide a record of what you did and can be useful if questions arise later.
What happens if I leave furniture behind?
Don’t assume your landlord will simply keep or dispose of it for free. Remove belongings that you’re required to take with you and check your lease for move-out requirements. If you have large furniture you don’t want to move yourself, arranging professional moving help before your move-out date can prevent a last-minute problem.
Do I need to return my garage remote?
If your property gave you a garage remote, gate remote, parking permit, access card, or other device, check your lease or move-out instructions to see how it should be returned. Make a list of everything you received when you moved in so nothing gets overlooked.
Do I need a move-out inspection?
Some landlords and property managers offer or require a move-out inspection, while others may handle the process differently. Check your lease and ask your property manager what their procedure is.
Can professional movers help me get my security deposit back?
Movers can’t guarantee the return of a security deposit because that depends on the condition of the property, your lease, your landlord’s requirements, and applicable law. We can, however, help you move your belongings out so you can focus on cleaning, documenting the property, and completing your move-out requirements.
How early should I start preparing for a move-out?
Start by reviewing your lease as soon as you know you’re moving. Then work backward from your move-out date to schedule your movers, complete your packing, arrange any required cleaning or repairs, and leave enough time for your final walkthrough and documentation.
