Your stay with us is coming to an end and we hope you have enjoyed your tenancy. To help facilitate your move, we have created this Move-Out Guide. Carefully following these step-by-step instructions will help ensure that you receive the maximum refund from your security deposit.

The first step when planning to move-out is to give us at least a 30-day notice. This notice can be emailed to us or submitted through your online portal.

Now that you have given notice of moving-out, we will be advertising your unit and arranging for prospective Tenant(s) to view the property - we thank you in advance for being cooperative and flexible in showing the property. You will need to vacate the property by the date and time stated on your residential lease agreement. If you wish to change your move-out date, you will need to notify us immediately. All rent must be paid in full by your move-out date. Any outstanding rent charges, late fees and/or utility charges will be deducted from your Security Deposit and/or charged to you directly.

Moving Out Guide

Preparing the Property at Move-Out

When you are ready to move, if you have questions on how to prepare your residence for the move-out inspection, please call our office and discuss your concerns with us. We want your move to be a pleasant and successful one. The following are some steps to take to prepare for your move.

  1. REMOVE ALL BELONGINGS from your unit, storage unit, backyard and garage. We are not responsible for items left behind, and if we have to remove them you will be charged $65 an hour for removal fees in addition to the city dump fees. 
  2. File a change-of-address form with the Post Office and provide us with your new address. We are not responsible for undelivered mail. 
  3. DO NOT TURN OFF THE UTILITIES in your unit! We will have them transferred into our name the day after you move-out. If you turn the utilities off in error, you will be charged a reactivation fee and you will be liable for any damages that may occur due to frozen pipes, etc. 
  4. Do not unplug or turn off the refrigerator. Instead, change the dial to a low setting. 
  5. Clean your unit and return it to RENT READY STATUS, your convenience a checklist is provided below. If you are unable or unwilling to complete these tasks thoroughly, professional cleaners will be sent at your expense: the cost is $40/hr. 
  6. Replace ALL burnt out light bulbs, ALL chirping smoke detector batteries, furnace air filters (if applicable)
  7. Set thermostat to 20 celsius and shut off the main water meter
  8. DO NOT fill-in any nail holes in your unit UNLESS you have contacted us and asked for permission. The reason for this is some tenants in the past have used inappropriate ways to repair the walls such as filling nail holes with white-out, deodorant, toothpaste OR excessive amounts of putty. All of those are NOT acceptable ways to repair walls and cause more work than fixing. If we repair any of the said items OR if there are excessive nail holes, or damage to the walls, our maintenance team will do the repair on your behalf and remove the costs from your security deposit. 
  9. Return all keys, parking pass, clubhouse passes/keys and garage door openers. As long as you have the keys, you have possession of the property. You will be held liable for rent and utilities until the keys are returned to us. 

**COMMON MOVE OUT FEES THAT CAN BE AVOIDED**

Keys not turned in:

  • $200/unit key
  • $75/mail key
  • $100/garage door opener

ANY Maintenance issues caused by Tenant(s) $65 for labor (1 hour minimum) plus cost of materials used.

Cleaning: $40/hr (based on final inspection)

Light bulbs $4 for each standard bulbs $5 for other round bathroom vanity bulbs, $10 for flood or fluorescent bulbs

Smoke detector and thermostat batteries $5/each

Smoke detector units damaged/removed by Tenant(s) $30 each

Dirty/missing furnace air filter $20 - $60 each depending on the size

GENERAL CLEANING CHECKLISTS

When preparing to move out, thorough cleaning is essential. Please follow these cleaning guidelines:

  1. Comprehensive Cleaning

    • Clean both the interior and exterior of the property thoroughly.

  2. Specific Cleaning Areas

    • Include the following areas in your cleaning routine:
      • Vinyl or tile floors
      • Windows (inside and outside)
      • Window sills and door casings
      • Mini blinds
      • Drawers and shelves
      • All appliances
      • Sinks
      • Toilets
      • Bathtubs
      • Showers
      • Vanities
      • Light fixtures
      • Fireplaces
      • Removal of cobwebs (inside and outside)

  3. Tenant-Caused Dirt

    • Recognize that tenant-caused dirt is not considered normal wear and tear. Ensure that the property is returned in a clean and well-maintained condition.

  4. Exterior Cleanup

    • Pick up debris and animal feces from the exterior of the property and dispose of them in the appropriate trash receptacles.

CARPET CLEANING

Carpet cleaning is an important aspect of the move-out process. Please adhere to the following guidelines:

  1. Professional Carpet Cleaning

    • Professional carpet cleaning is typically required. The cost depends on factors such as how recently the carpets were professionally cleaned and whether pets have been present. KEEP RECEIPTS FOR PROOF

  2. Avoid DIY Machines

    • Do not rent carpet-cleaning machines or use home cleaning machines. Only professional steam cleaning from a reputable company is accepted.

  3. Recommendation for Carpet Cleaner

  4. Scheduled Carpet Cleaning

    • We will schedule carpet cleaning once you have moved out if you do not arrange it yourself.
    • If you choose to hire a different carpet cleaner, they must guarantee their work to our satisfaction
    • A receipt is required upon turnover of keys.
    • We will not reimburse for any carpet cleaning contracted by tenants.

WINDOW, COVERINGS AND BLINDS

When addressing window coverings, blinds and windows during the move-out process, please observe the following guidelines:

  1. Blinds

    • Wipe all blinds. Avoid using harsh chemicals on the blinds.

  2. Windows

    • Clean all windows inside and outside, excluding the outsides of second-story windows.

LANDSCAPE AND EXTERIOR

When preparing to move out, please attend to the landscape clean-up with the following guidelines:

  1. Landscaping Maintenance

    • Neatly mow, trim, prune, fertilize, and water the outside areas as specified in your rental contract.

  2. Trash and Debris Removal

    • Remove all trash and debris from the outdoor areas, placing them in the designated receptacles.

  3. Animal Feces

    • Pick up any animal feces, regardless of whether you have a pet or not.

TRASH AND JUNK REMOVAL

Proper disposal of trash is crucial during the move-out process. Please adhere to the following guidelines:

  1. Excess Trash Removal

    • If you have trash that exceeds the normal pickup, you are responsible for arranging to have it hauled away at your own expense. 
    • You will be charged for any and all items left in the unit

  2. Normal Trash Disposal

    • Place all other trash within the appropriate trash receptacles designated for normal trash removal.

  3. Avoid Overflowing Receptacles

    • Ensure that trash receptacles are not overflowed. Properly contain all trash within the provided receptacles.

By adhering to these guidelines, you contribute to maintaining the property in good condition and ensuring a smooth move-out process. If you have any questions or need further clarification on specific cleaning requirements, please feel free to contact our office for assistance.

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