The NYC Renter's Move-Out Checklist

30 Days Before Move-Out

• ✓Give written notice of your move-out date (required by your lease — typically 30-60 days)
• ✓Review your lease for any specific move-out requirements
• ✓Schedule a pre-move-out inspection with your landlord if possible
• ✓Request a written list of any potential deductions in advance
• ✓Start gathering your original move-in photos for comparison

The Week Before: Document Everything

This is the most important step. Before you move a single piece of furniture out:

• ✓Walk through every room with your phone recording video
• ✓Take photos of every wall, floor, ceiling, appliance, and fixture
• ✓Photograph any pre-existing damage that was there when you moved in
• ✓Take close-ups of scuffs, marks, or wear — showing they are minor
• ✓Record yourself testing every light switch, outlet, appliance, and faucet
• ✓Photograph all windows and window locks
• ✓Timestamp every photo and video (your phone does this automatically)

Move-Out Day

• ✓Clean the apartment thoroughly — oven, refrigerator, bathroom, all floors
• ✓Patch any nail holes with spackling (or accept a small deduction)
• ✓Replace any burned-out light bulbs
• ✓Return all keys, fobs, and parking passes — get a receipt
• ✓Take final photos and video after cleaning but before leaving
• ✓Do a final walkthrough with your landlord if they are available
• ✓Get any move-out inspection form signed by both parties

Normal Wear and Tear vs Damage

Your landlord cannot deduct for normal wear and tear. Understanding the difference is critical:

• Normal wear (not deductible): Small scuffs on walls, minor carpet wear from walking, faded paint from sunlight, small nail holes from pictures
• Damage (deductible): Large holes in walls, deep carpet stains, broken fixtures, burns, unauthorized paint colors

The longer you lived there, the more wear is considered normal. A 5-year tenancy will show more wear than a 1-year tenancy — and that's legally expected.

After You Leave: The 14-Day Law

Under NY law, your landlord must return your security deposit within 14 days of your move-out date. Any deductions must be itemized in writing. If your landlord fails to return the deposit within 14 days, they may forfeit their right to make any deductions and owe you the full amount plus damages.

If Your Landlord Withholds Your Deposit

• ✓Send a certified letter demanding return of the deposit
• ✓File in NYC Small Claims Court (free, no lawyer needed, for claims up to $10,000)
• ✓Bring all your photos, videos, and move-out documentation
• ✓Courts generally favor tenants who have thorough documentation

Before You Move: Write a Review on RenterBuzz

Your experience — good or bad — helps the next renter. Was the landlord responsive? Did the building match its listing? Did management try to unfairly withhold your deposit? Share it on RenterBuzz so future tenants can make informed decisions.