Moving Out

Moving out of your apartment/house can be a very hectic time, but there are a number of steps you need to take during the move-out process:

• Make sure you have provided prior notice (PDF Document) to your landlord for when you will be vacating the premises. Some landlords require 60 days or more notice, but to find out your landlord's policy, check your lease and call to make sure you have notified them appropriately. Remember: Even if you verbally notify the landlord, you must still provide this notice in writing!
• Provide your landlord with a forwarding address, so that they know where to mail your security deposit (preferably send certified mail), and always keep a copy for your records.
• Clean your apartment/house thoroughly! Remember: Your landlord can deduct money from you security deposit for damages and items not properly cleaned.
• Fill out the Move-Out Checklist (PDF Document), documenting the condition of the property once you have moved out. Send a copy to your landlord and make sure to keep a copy for your own records.
• Take pictures and video-tape the unit. When video-taping the unit, make sure to document the date (i.e. Hold a newspaper from that day and video-tape this). NOTE: When video-taping, make sure to do this in one taping (do not pause or stop the tape at any time!).
• If you do not have a dvd-recorder, OCSS offers a rental dvd-recorder for a small rental fee of $15. Simply contact our office to schedule a dvd-recorder rental date/time. If possible, please reserve the equipment at least one week in advance. We do not guarantee the availability of this camera, but rather offer this for rental to the best of our capabilities. You can schedule a rental date/time by calling our office at 614.292.0100 or schedule a dvd-recorder rental on-line.
• Don't forget to return the keys to the landlord by the end of the lease term!

Return of Your Security Deposit

• Your landlord is required to return your security deposit (PDF Document), or an itemized list of deductions, within 30 days of the end of the lease term (assuming they were provided with a forwarding address in writing before the lease term was over). If you are having issues with the return of your security deposit, contact the Student Housing Legal Clinic or schedule an appointment online.
• If your security deposit is wrongfully withheld, contact the Student Housing Legal Clinic.
• "Notice Requesting Wrongfully Withheld Security Deposit" (PDF Document)