Tenant Guide
Move-Out Guide
Everything you need for a smooth move-out — and the best shot at a full deposit return.
Thank you for letting us know you're moving on. Whether your plans are changing or it's simply time, we want your last few weeks with us to be as smooth as your first day. This guide walks you through the entire move-out process — what to do, when to do it, how to return your keys, and exactly when to expect your deposit. Read it early: a little planning now is the difference between a stressful exit and a full deposit refund.
The Road from Notice to Deposit
Here's the whole road, start to finish
- 1 Give written notice — at least 20 days before your lease ends.
- 2 Schedule your optional pre-move-out inspection (recommended).
- 3 Clean the home top to bottom using the checklist below.
- 4 Return all keys to our office on or before your last day.
- 5 We complete the final inspection — after your keys are returned.
- 6 You receive your deposit disposition statement and any refund within 30 days, through your tenant portal.
Step 1
Giving Notice
Your move-out begins with written notice, and we need it no less than 20 days before your lease end date. The preferred way to submit your notice to vacate is through your online tenant portal — from the Contact Us page. You can also submit notice in writing by email to Info@AtlasManagement.group.
Step 2
Before You Go
- • Provide a forwarding address in writing — this is where we send any deposit refund. Your deposit disposition statement is delivered through your tenant portal.
- • Keep utilities on and in your name through your move-out date so we can complete the final inspection with power and water.
Step 3
The Two Inspections
Pre-move-out inspection (optional, recommended)
A standard walkthrough we can do before you leave. We'll point out anything that would likely be deducted from your deposit — giving you the chance to handle it on your own terms and save the cost. Just reach out to schedule it.
Final inspection (after keys are returned)
We complete the final inspection only after you've returned your keys and the home is empty. This is the inspection that determines your final charges, comparing the move-out condition of the home to your original move-in condition report.
Step 4
The Cleaning Checklist
Cleaning is the single biggest factor in how much of your deposit comes back. Work through this room by room and check off each item as you go.
Kitchen
- Countertops cleaned and sanitized
- Sink and faucet cleaned, sanitized, and free of buildup
- Range / stovetop cleaned; pull out and clean the sides and floor beneath
- Oven thoroughly cleaned inside, including racks and door glass
- Range hood, fan, and intake vent cleaned and degreased
- Microwave cleaned and sanitized inside and out
- Refrigerator / freezer emptied, cleaned; pull out and clean sides, top, and seals
- Dishwasher cleaned inside and out; wipe down seals and filter
- Cabinets and drawers cleaned inside and out
- Floors vacuumed and damp-mopped
- Windows, sills, ledges, and blinds cleaned
- Walls, baseboards, doors, switch plates, and outlet covers wiped down
Bathrooms
- Toilet thoroughly cleaned and sanitized, including the base and behind
- Tub, shower, tile walls, and glass free of soap scum and mildew
- Vanity, sink, faucet, and chrome fixtures cleaned and polished
- Cabinets, drawers, and mirrors cleaned
- Exhaust fan cover cleaned and dust-free
- Floors cleaned and sanitized
- Windows, sills, and blinds cleaned
- Walls, ceilings, baseboards, and doors wiped down; remove any mildew
- Light fixtures, switch plates, and outlet covers wiped down
Bedrooms
- Ceiling fans and light fixtures cleaned
- Closet shelves, doors, and trim wiped down
- Floors vacuumed (carpet) or vacuumed and damp-mopped (hard floors)
- Windows, sills, ledges, and blinds cleaned
- Walls, baseboards, doors, switch plates, and outlet covers wiped down
Living, Family & Dining Rooms
- Ceiling fans, vents, and light fixtures cleaned
- Floors vacuumed (carpet) or vacuumed and damp-mopped (hard floors)
- Windows, sills, ledges, and blinds cleaned
- Walls, baseboards, doors, switch plates, and outlet covers wiped down
Laundry Room
- Washer and dryer pulled out; clean behind them and wipe down exteriors
- Countertops, cabinets, and shelving cleaned and sanitized
- Floors vacuumed and mopped
- Exhaust fan, ceiling fan, and light fixtures cleaned
- Walls, baseboards, doors, switch plates, and outlet covers wiped down
Hallways & Stairs
- Floors vacuumed and mopped
- Stair banister and railings wiped down
- Closet shelves, doors, and trim wiped down
- Ceiling light fixtures cleaned
- Walls, baseboards, switch plates, and outlet covers wiped down
Garage, Patio & Exterior
- Garage swept and spot-mopped; remove all stored items
- Patios and balconies swept; remove debris
- Entry doors and screen doors wiped down
- Exterior entry areas tidied and free of personal items
Whole-Home Finishing Touches
- Replace all burned-out or missing light bulbs
- Test smoke and carbon-monoxide detectors; replace batteries
- Replace batteries in smart door locks, keypads, and other smart devices
- Wash the HVAC / AC filter and leave it on the kitchen counter to dry (or replace it)
- Wipe down the thermostat; dust the top of the water heater
- Vacuum fireplace(s); clean floor vents and registers
- Remove cobwebs from corners and ceilings
- Remove all personal belongings, trash, and items from storage areas
Step 5
Returning Your Keys
Returning your keys is the official end of your tenancy — so this step matters more than any other. All keys must be returned to our office on or before the last day of your lease agreement.
- •During business hours: call our office or knock on the door — we're glad to take your keys in person.
- •After hours: drop your keys in the dropbox outside our office. Seal them in an envelope labeled with the property address and all tenants' names.
Return keys to: 706 W. Garland Ave., Spokane, WA 99205
Your Deposit
When to Expect It Back
After the final inspection, we prepare an itemized deposit disposition statement that accounts for any refund or charges. The most common reason a deposit is reduced is cleaning — which is exactly why the checklist above matters. Washington law (RCW 59.18.280) gives us 30 days from the end of your tenancy to issue your statement and any refund due. It's shared through your tenant portal, along with copies of any receipts and invoices, and you keep portal access after move-out so you can revisit them any time.
Questions
Common Questions
Can I get my deposit back faster? +
We issue disposition statements within the 30-day window. Returning your keys promptly and giving us a forwarding address right away are the two things that keep it moving.
What if I leave items or trash behind? +
Anything left in the home, garage, storage, or yard is removed and disposed of, and the cost is deducted from your deposit. Please take everything with you.
Do I have to hire professional cleaners? +
It's not required — you're welcome to clean it yourself. The home simply needs to meet the move-in-ready standard on the checklist above. If you do hire out, share this checklist with your cleaners, and feel free to ask us for the vendors we regularly use — they already know our standards.
What if I disagree with a charge? +
Reach out to our office. We'll walk you through the move-in and move-out documentation behind any charge so you can see exactly how it was determined. Copies of all receipts and invoices are shared in your tenant portal when your move-out is finalized — and you keep portal access afterward.
We're here to help
Questions before you go? We'd rather answer them now than surprise you later. Reach out any time.