Moving Out of a Rental: How Do I Get My Deposit Back?

• Read your lease for how much notice you must give before you move out. Note the date your lease ends.

  RenterLaw editorial

• Give your landlord written notice of your move-out date. Keep a copy and note the day you sent it.

  RenterLaw editorial

• Ask your landlord to check the home with you before you move out. Whether your landlord must offer this differs by state.

  RenterLaw editorial

  This rule depends on where you live. See the rule in every place we cover.

• Clean every room. Take out all your things and trash.

  RenterLaw editorial

• Take everything you want to keep. What happens to things you leave behind differs by state.

  RenterLaw editorial

  This rule depends on where you live. See the rule in every place we cover.

• Take dated photos and video of every room after you clean. Include floors, walls, appliances, and any damage that was already there.

  RenterLaw editorial

  This rule depends on where you live. See the rule in every place we cover.

• Compare your photos with your move-in photos and any move-in condition report (a list of damage already there when you moved in). Keep both together.

  RenterLaw editorial

• Give back every key. Ask for a written receipt, or take a dated photo of the keys when you hand them over.

  RenterLaw editorial

• Give your landlord your new address in writing. Whether you must do this to get your deposit back differs by state.

  RenterLaw editorial

  This rule depends on where you live. See the rule in every place we cover.

• Find out how many days your landlord has to return your deposit. The deadline differs by state. Write the date it ends on your calendar.

  RenterLaw editorial

  This rule depends on where you live. See the rule in every place we cover.

• Ask for a written list of anything your landlord takes out of your deposit. What a landlord can take out differs by state.

  RenterLaw editorial

  This rule depends on where you live. See the rule in every place we cover.

• Check each charge against your photos. Ask for receipts or bills that show what your landlord paid for repairs or cleaning.

  RenterLaw editorial

• Find out if your landlord can bill you for more than your deposit. The rule differs by state.

  RenterLaw editorial

  This rule depends on where you live. See the rule in every place we cover.

• If you disagree with a charge or the deposit is late, write to your landlord. Say what you think is owed, and keep a copy of the letter.

  RenterLaw editorial

Published by Nazanin · October 4, 2026

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