I hate money.

[timrehix]

I wrote a review on my old apartments and posted it on http://www.apartmentratings.com. From what I read it appears that my situation is very common to the people moving out from there.

When I decided to move out it was less than 60 days till my lease was up. So to give my 60 days I

Comments

[jadewik]

Any apartment will hit you with fees and things when you move out. It's best to go in their office and ask them EXACTLY what they expect when you move out. Most of the time, they provide that information with the original lease when you move in-- legally, they have to provide it then.

Some of them like to add in extra cleaning fees-- especially if you break your lease (not applicable here). So just be sure you coordinate with them. All the time. In writing. (Cover your Ass). If they told you they're waiving those fees, ask them if it would be too much trouble to get that in writing and keep a copy of it in your files.

I actually got lucky because an apartment I was leaving didn't cancel the renters insurance when I switched it over to my husband's insurance agency after I got married... but I'd given them paperwork TWICE (once when I did the prelim insurance paperwork and once when I got the actual insurance document). They didn't file the actual insurance document and didn't cancel my policy and were going to charge me several months of back-insurance... but there was the proof I'd talked to them way-back-when about changing insurance. They removed the fee.

You're also supposed to give them written notice when you're moving out. Don't just go in and say, "Hey, I'm moving out in a couple months." Make it official with a letter. Sign it. Date it. Keep a copy in your records.

As a general rule, leave the apartment looking as clean-- if not cleaner-- that when you first started renting. They look for ways to charge you cleaning fees and utility fees. Throw out all your trash when you move. Clean every surface-- floors, walls and counters. Make sure you sweep and mop under/behind the refrigerator (let it defrost before you move out and mop up the condensation). Also, don't forget to clean the drip pan under the stove and replace the drip pans (most dollar stores sell these). You'll also want to completely turn off the power at the breaker prior to leaving and turning in keys-- this will help you avoid them tacking on any utility fees. It doesn't hurt to note everything you cleaned and document it quickly with a disposable camera.

Also-- I always like to take a camera to any place I move into before I move all my junk over. If they try to charge you for something that was damaged prior to you moving in, then they won't be able to. Be picky and write everything down. Don't feel bad about it either because that's how they make a quick buck when you move out. Make sure all your maintenance requests have been filled before you move out too-- so nothing is broken or missing and you won't have to pay to fix it.

... a lot of good this does after the fact, but if you ever rent on your own again it's good stuff to know.