Move-out Cleaning
Moving time is always a busy time, and you will have lots of things on your mind now that you have given notice you are moving. One of those things undoubtedly is how to get your deposits back promptly.
Contrary to what some tenants believe, we WANT to return your deposits, and we WILL return them to you so long as you leave your place "reasonably clean and undamaged. You're probably wondering, however, what "reasonably clean and undamaged" means, so we'd like to tell you how we interpret it and tell you also what you should do to get your deposits back.
"Reasonable clean" to us means as clean as you would leave your dwelling if you knew your best friend of favorite aunt were going to move in after you. To get it that clean, we expect you to clean the appliances, stove hood, and cabinets (under sinks, too) both inside and out; remove all non-adhe¬sive shelf paper; use an appropriate cleanser on the showers. tubs, toilets. sinks, mirrors, and medicine cabinets (inside as well); dust the ceilings (for cobwebs), baseboards, window sills, and closet shelving; wash the kitchen and bathroom walls and spot-clean the walls in the other rooms; wash the lights fixtures and windows inside and out; vacuum the floors; scrub the floor tile or linoleum; sweep the entry, and patio storage enclosure; remove all personal belongings (including clothes hangers and cleaning supplies); and dispose of all trash. PLEASE DO NOT SHAMPOO THE CARPETS. We prefer to do it ourselves.
"Reasonable undamaged" to us means that items which we have supplied should not be missing (including light bulbs) or broken; that there should be no new burns, cracks, chips, or holes in the dwelling or its furnishings; and that the paint on the walls should be sufficient to last at least two years from the time they were last painted. PLEASE DO NOT REMOVE ANYTHING YOU HAVE ATTACHED TO THE WALLS OR CEILING WITHOUT FIRST TALKING TO US, and please try to avoid nicking the paint in the halls and doorways as you move things out.
After you have returned the keys, we would like to inspect your dwelling with you to check it for cleanliness and damage, and unless we have to get prices on special work or replacements, we will refund all deposits owed to you at that time or soon thereafter.
We would appreciate hearing from you immediately if your moving plans should change.
We hope your moving goes smoothly, and we wish you happiness in your new home.