Move-Out Guide for Residents

A helpful step-by-step guide to preparing your rental home, returning possession, and understanding what happens after you move.

Moving can be busy, and we want to make your move-out as straightforward as possible. This guide explains the process and the most common things to complete before leaving your Rentals America home. Please also follow your lease, any written move-out or early termination agreement, and instructions from your Property Manager.

Looking for a quick reference? Jump to the Final Move-Out Checklist near the end of this guide.

Your Move-Out Process: What to Expect

1. Confirm Your Move-Out Arrangements. Make sure you understand your move-out deadline and coordinate key-return instructions with your Property Manager.
2. Prepare and Clean the Property. Remove your belongings, complete the required cleaning, and arrange for professional carpet cleaning as required by your lease.
3. Complete Your Final Walkthrough. Check for remaining belongings, cleaning needs, or maintenance concerns.
4. Return Possession. Follow your Property Manager’s instructions for returning keys, remotes, and access devices. Keep required utilities active through your move-out deadline.
5. Receive Your Security Deposit Accounting. After move-out, we’ll assess the property’s condition and provide the required accounting and any applicable refund.

The sections below explain each step in more detail. You can also jump to the Final Move-Out Checklist near the end of this guide.

Cleaning and Property Condition Requirements

Remove all personal belongings and trash. Clean the home thoroughly, taking its move-in condition and ordinary wear and tear into account. Your lease and property-specific instructions may contain additional requirements.

Professional Carpet Cleaning: Have carpets professionally cleaned before surrendering possession, including carpeted closets, as required by your lease. Arrange pet-related treatment where needed and required, and keep your paid receipt.

Clean kitchens, bathrooms, living areas, storage spaces, and applicable outdoor areas thoroughly. Use the detailed Final Move-Out Checklist below as you prepare.

Returning Keys and Possession

Return of Keys and Remotes: Follow the key-return instructions provided by your Property Manager. Return all keys, remotes, gate cards, and other access devices by your applicable move-out deadline, and confirm that you have vacated.

Utilities: Keep required utilities active through your applicable move-out deadline. Secure doors and windows before leaving.

Moving out and returning keys do not automatically cancel remaining rent, fees or other obligations under an enforceable lease or early termination agreement. If you have questions, contact your Property Manager before the deadline.

Move-Out Inspection and Property Assessment

After possession is returned, we arrange a condition assessment. We consider available move-in documentation, photographs, the home’s age and condition, the length of occupancy, and applicable lease terms. This helps us distinguish ordinary wear and tear from cleaning needs, missing items or damage.

Arizona law allows you to be present at the move-out inspection. If you would like to attend, ask your Property Manager to notify you when the inspection will take place.

Before leaving, take dated photos of the property and report any outstanding maintenance concerns to your Property Manager.

Understanding Ordinary Wear and Tear

Ordinary wear and tear means gradual deterioration from normal use, such as faded paint or carpet wear in common walking areas. Damage may include large holes, broken fixtures, significant stains or missing items. The circumstances and condition of each property matter; these examples are not automatic charge determinations.

For more examples, read Normal Wear and Tear vs. Tenant Damage.

Security Deposit Accounting and Refunds

Security Deposit Accounting: We provide an itemized accounting of lawful deductions and return any remaining deposit as required by applicable law. Deductions may include unpaid amounts lawfully owed, cleaning beyond the required condition, missing items or damage beyond ordinary wear and tear, subject to the lease and state law. Your deposit is not automatically a substitute for the last month’s rent.

Forwarding Address and Electronic Refunds: Provide your forwarding mailing address even if you prefer an electronic refund. In most cases, electronic refunds are available when you confirm your preference with your Property Manager. Availability, consent, and delivery of required notices remain subject to applicable law.

Questions About Charges: If you have questions about an assessment or a deduction, contact your Property Manager. We can explain the charges, review supporting information, and discuss your concerns.

Security Deposit Deadlines in Arizona

Under A.R.S. § 33-1321(D), the landlord generally must provide the itemized accounting and any amount due within 14 days, excluding Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays, after termination of the tenancy, delivery of possession and demand by the tenant.

Arizona statute: A.R.S. § 33-1321

Final Move-Out Checklist

Use this checklist as you prepare to return the property. Follow any additional requirements in your lease or property-specific instructions.

Kitchen

• Empty and wipe out cabinets and drawers; clean counters, backsplash and sink.
• Clean the oven, stovetop, microwave, refrigerator, dishwasher and other provided appliances inside and out.
• Clean accessible areas around appliances when safe; do not move heavy or connected appliances yourself.
• Remove food, empty ice and turn off the ice maker; leave the refrigerator plugged in.
• Sweep and mop floors.

Bathrooms

• Clean and disinfect toilets, tubs, showers, sinks, counters and fixtures.
• Remove soap scum and mineral buildup; clean mirrors, cabinets, drawers and floors.

Living Areas, Bedrooms, and Closets

• Empty all rooms, closets, cabinets, garage and storage areas.
• Clean floors, baseboards, doors, handles, switches, shelves, window sills and tracks.
• Clean accessible windows, mirrors, blinds and reachable fixtures safely.
• Replace bulbs and HVAC filters if required by your lease; report unsafe or broken items rather than attempting risky repairs.

Carpets — Professional Cleaning Required

• Have carpets professionally cleaned before surrendering possession, including carpeted closets, as required by your lease.
• Arrange appropriate pet-related treatment if needed and required under the lease.
• Keep the paid cleaning receipt and provide it to your Property Manager if requested. Professional cleaning does not automatically eliminate responsibility for damage beyond ordinary wear.

Exterior and Outdoor Areas (If Applicable)

• Remove belongings and debris from patios, balconies, garage and storage areas.
• Complete landscaping and pet-waste removal required by your lease; clean artificial turf as appropriate.
• Empty and return trash and recycling containers to their designated locations.

Final Walkthrough and Administrative Reminders

• Check cabinets, drawers, closets, garage and outdoor areas for remaining items.
• Take dated photos of each room and any condition you wish to document.
• Report outstanding maintenance issues or damage to your Property Manager.
• Secure doors and windows, and confirm utilities remain active through your deadline.
• Return all access devices exactly as directed by your Property Manager and confirm that you have fully vacated.
• Provide your forwarding mailing address and confirm your electronic refund preference with your Property Manager.
• Review and cancel recurring rent payments through your bank or the Rentals America portal when no longer needed, after confirming final obligations.
• Contact your Property Manager with questions about the process or any deposit deductions.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I Leave Keys Inside the Property?

  Not unless your Property Manager specifically instructs you to do so. Follow the provided return process for all keys and access devices.

• Can I Attend the Move-Out Inspection?

  Yes. Arizona law allows residents to attend the move-out inspection. Ask your Property Manager to notify you when the inspection will take place. A narrow exception applies to certain evictions involving a reasonable fear of violence or intimidation.

• Do I Need to Have Carpets Professionally Cleaned?

  Yes, professional carpet cleaning is required under applicable Rentals America lease terms. Include carpeted closets, arrange appropriate pet treatment when needed, and retain your receipt.

• Can I Turn Utilities Off When I Finish Moving?

  Keep required utilities active through your applicable move-out deadline. Contact your Property Manager if you are unsure of the date.

• What If I Move Out Before My Lease Ends?

  Please review your lease and any early termination agreement. Returning possession does not necessarily end outstanding financial obligations.

• Will I Be Charged for Ordinary Wear and Tear?

  Ordinary wear and tear is distinguished from damage. Charges depend on the facts, the lease and applicable law.

• When Will I Receive My Security Deposit Statement?

  The legal deadline depends on the state and applicable triggering conditions. See the Security Deposit Deadlines in Arizona section above, and provide a forwarding address.

• Can I Receive My Security Deposit Refund Electronically?

  In most cases, electronic refunds are available if you confirm that you prefer this method. Ask your Property Manager about available options and any authorization needed. Please provide a forwarding mailing address even if you select an electronic refund.

• What If I Have Questions About Security Deposit Deductions?

  Please contact your Property Manager. We can explain the itemized charges, review supporting information and discuss your questions or concerns. If you believe there is an error, let us know promptly.

Questions? Contact Your Property Manager

We appreciate your help in leaving the home ready for its next residents. If you are uncertain about a requirement, please reach out before moving out so we can clarify it.

This Move-Out Guide is general information and does not replace applicable law, your lease or a signed agreement. Applicable law and enforceable agreements govern if terms differ.