Move-out Checklist

The main reason for a Security Deposit is to assure that residents take reasonable care in the occupancy of the rental property.

Reasonable care means the premises should be returned to the owner in about the same condition as they were when originally rented. Normal wear and tear is expected.

This assumes residents will need to spend some time and effort in cleaning the rented premises prior to vacating.
   
Our policy is to return your Security Deposit in full, less allowed deductions, rather than have to spend our time and your money to clean it. It is considerably cheaper for a tenant  to clean the premises themselves than for us to do it.  Some Landlords charge a cleaning fee regardless of the condition of the apartment/house. We have chosen not to do this, this giving the tenant(s) an opportunity to save money by thoroughly cleaning the premises themselves.  If, however, we need to clean the premises, a deduction from the Security Deposit will be made.

In some situations, a Security Deposit cannot be returned in the 30 period required by law due to extraordinary circumstances, such as flea and pest infestation, certain repairs which require more than 30 days to remedy, etc. You will be notified in writing in the event such a situation exists.    

Do not perform repairs or repaint the walls or woodwork. More often than not, tenant repairs and repainting cause more damage and reduce the Security Deposit refund.

If you have any questions regarding the refund policy, please call us at 417-832-0659.

and lastly....By way of reminder, the Lease and Missouri Tenant Law does not allow you to deduct last month's rent from the Security Deposit.



Here are some general guidelines.

Walls & Woodwork

Clean dirty or marked walls. If we have to completely repaint a room, that could be cause for us to deduct time and materials.
Normally, we touch up the affected areas with color matching paint.
Do not use "stick-on's"/adhesives or make excessive or unreasonable holes in the walls for picture  hanging, etc.
Woodwork, such as doors and doorframes, should be wiped free of fingerprints, smudges, etc.


Floors

Tile and vinyl floors need to be swept and wiped down.
Wood floors need to be dust-mopped.
Carpets need to be vacuumed.
Please do not shampoo the carpets.
We will remove carpet stains; please do not attempt to do this yourself.


Kitchen

Sinks and faucets need to be clean and free of calcium deposits.
Appliances need to be cleaned and free of grease and splatters.
Oven needs to be cleaned, preferably with Easy-Off, then wiped down.
Countertops, shelves and drawers need to be emptied and wiped clean.
Refrigerator and microwave need to be washed clean, inside and out.
There should be no food, cans, bags, debris, trash, etc. left behind.


Bathroom

Sinks, faucets and countertops need to be thoroughly cleaned and free of calcium deposits.
Medicine cabinets, shelves and drawers need to be wiped clean.
Shower and tub need to be clean of dirt, mildew and soap scum, including soap tray and windowsill, if any. Do not use a scouring pad or abrasive/harsh chemicals on fiberglass or cultured marble tubs and surrounding walls.
Toilet, including the base and seat area, needs to be scoured clean of calcium deposits, stains, dirt, etc.



Windows and sliding glass doors

Windows and windowsills need to be wiped clean.
Sliding glass doors (interiors) need to be cleaned with Windex.
We will repair damaged screens and deduct from the deposit appropriately.
If the mini-blinds are soiled due to smoking, they will be cleaned by a professional and the cost will be deducted from the deposit. The cost is about $10 per blind.


Trash and Debris

The rental unit should be left in an overall clean condition, free of trash and debris and personal possessions, such as furniture, boxes, etc.
 
If we have to remove and haul away any items, the cost of disposal will be deducted from the deposit.

 

In conclusion…

Some normal wear and tear is expected and allowed. Please tell us if something is broken and/or inoperable.

On a perfect move-out, we generally do not have to do much to make the unit ready for the next renter.

If we have to make repairs and/or do extensive cleaning/painting, we will deduct these expenses from the deposit.

Please contact us if you have any questions.

Graham Properties
 1246 East Catalpa Street
 Springfield, MO 65804
 Phone: (417) 832-0659 | Fax: (417) 832-0716

 
info@GrahamProp.com | http://www.GrahamProp.com