Move-Out Checklist: What Tenants Should Do Before Leaving
The way you leave a property determines how your deposit dispute plays out. Document everything before you hand back the keys.
Before You Hand Back the Keys
The final hours in your rental are critical. Once you hand over the keys, you lose access — and you can't go back to take more photos.
Clean thoroughly
Cleaning disputes are the most common reason for deposit deductions. Document the condition after you've finished cleaning.
Photograph every room
Wide shots and close-ups. Cover the same areas you photographed at move-in if possible.
Capture appliances and fixtures
Open the oven, show the fridge interior, photograph sinks and showers. These are common dispute areas.
Why Timing Matters at Move-Out
Photos taken after you leave can be challenged.
If a dispute arises days or weeks after handover, how do you prove what condition you left it in? Photos taken on handover day, before you surrendered access, carry more weight.
Landlords often do their own inspection after you leave. If their photos show damage you didn't document, you're on the back foot.
How to Prepare Clear Records
Match your move-in coverage
If you photographed a room at check-in, photograph it now. Matching coverage makes comparison easier if there's a dispute.
Avoid gaps
Don't skip rooms or areas. A gap in documentation can be used against you.
Record meter readings
Final readings for electricity, gas, water. Photo the meters.
Note keys returned
How many keys, fobs, access cards. Get confirmation if possible.
How RentVault Helps at Move-Out
Keeps move-in and move-out records together
One place for your entire tenancy. Easy to compare before and after.
Preserves what was recorded at the time
When you seal your handover, records are locked with timestamps. No edits after.
Creates a clear summary if needed later
Download a Deposit Recovery Pack — a PDF with check-in vs handover evidence, ready to submit.
Move-Out Checklist (Quick Summary)
- Clean the property thoroughly
- Photograph every room — wide shots and close-ups
- Capture all appliances (inside and out)
- Record final meter readings
- Count and note keys returned
- Take photos BEFORE handing over keys
- Seal and store your records immediately
Don't wait until there's a dispute
By the time you realise there's a problem, you've already lost access to the property. Document on handover day, not after.