Move-Out

Moving out of your apartment is the last step in the rental process! While it is exciting, we recognize this process can be a little overwhelming. There’s so much to do! To make your transition into your new place run smoothly, review the information below, including how to dispose of your unwanted items!

One place to do this is to join the PantherCycle Facebook Group.

 

Move-Out reminders
  • It’s illegal to throw furniture and uncontained garbage on the curb, and you can be fined by the city. Check out the buttons at the top of this page to learn how you can dispose of unwanted items!
  • Schedule a free pickup with local second hand stores to take furniture and goods you no longer need.
  • Review your lease for your end-of-lease responsibilities and make a plan.
  • Decide on cleaning responsibilities or hire a cleaning service that can be cheaper than the money you could lose from your security deposit, and take photos before your move-out inspection.
  • Schedule a move-out inspection with your landlord to review any charges.
  • Write your forwarding address down for your landlord so they know where to send your security deposit.
  • Security deposits must be postmarked within 21 days of the end of your lease.
  • Update your address with UWM on your PAWS account.
  • Update your address with the post office at usps.com. This costs $1.
  • Remove the utilities (We Energies, trash and sewer, cable, internet, etc.) from your name.
Terminating your lease agreement

Pay close attention to the language in your lease. The type of lease you have matters! Is it a month-to-month or a term lease? Term leases have a fixed amount of time, typically 1 year for UWM students. Your lease will have a termination date listed. Different leases have different requirements for minimum number of days notice as well.

Be vigilant of automatic renewal clauses. This automatically renews a lease unless either the landlord or tenant gives notice of non-renewal, which is due a set number of days before the lease ends. Additionally, in order for a landlord to enforce automatic renewal, the tenant must receive a written reminder from the landlord 15-30 days before the tenant must give notice to stop the lease from renewing. Landlords legally cannot fail to remind tenants of the renewal written in a lease and still require tenants to renew their leases.

It is in your best interest to notify your landlord via written notice of your intent to move based on your lease requirements. Check your lease. The Off-Campus Resource Center recommends sending notices via certified mail so that you have proof that the written notice was delivered. Additionally, always ensure you include a forwarding address where your security deposit can be returned to.

Giving notice to your landlord that you're moving out

To know exactly how much notice you need to give before moving out of your apartment, check your lease.Most leases require 60 days, but can be up to 90 or as little as 30 days. Since this time period varies lease to lease, make sure you check this well in advance.If you don’t give proper notice, you could lose your security deposit or be held responsible for several months’ rent.The delivery method should also be specified in your lease. Usually, a written notice is required.​ See an example of written notice on this website: https://www.lscd.com/node/31/notice-lease-termination-letter-tenant-landlord

Enlisting help

Check out these moving companies to help make your move easier!

This is important to do in advance. If you plan on getting a moving truck, it is recommended to make reservations 2 months in advance. Book one as soon as possible to guarantee a vehicle for your move out date, especially during busier moving times such as the end and beginning of the academic year. If you plan to have family and friends help, having a few cars/trucks to move your things can be helpful. Confirm that they all know what time you need to be out of your rental, and you give yourself plenty time to move everything out. Ensure you have time to do one final walk-through with your check-out sheet.

Starting/stopping your utilities

Around two weeks before you move, call your utility providers and schedule your turn off/on dates.You want to turn the utilities off at your current apartment the day after you move out (to avoid the electric and water being shut off while you are trying to move boxes – especially in the summer). Schedule the utilities to be turned on at your new apartment the day before you move in so you’ll have electric and water when you are moving in.

Changing your address

Make sure your mail makes it to your new home address by visiting your local post office, or going online to submit a change of address. Notify credit card companies or your personal bank of your new address, and remember to change it in PAWS. Touch base with We Energies and any other service providers to transfer services to your new address as well.

Packing tips

Start packing your personal belongings at least 2 weeks ahead of time, varying on how much you own. It will take some time to make sure you have everything packed and ready to go. It can be helpful to use clear totes so you can see what is inside, or grab a few sharpies or colored duct tape to easily identify boxes. Keep similar items together and label everything for an organized unpacking experience as well. For example, you may want to have a couple boxes designated for kitchenware and others for bathroom supplies. After you go through your things, make a box of items you don’t need/use anymore and donate them. Make sure you are following guidelines before bringing all your unwanted items to a location.

Cleaning your apartment

Try to get your apartment as close to its original move-in condition as you can. Some normal wear and tear is to be expected, but make it your goal to erase the year (or years) you spent in the apartment.

Make sure to repair/clean things, such as:

  • Removing nails or screws from walls
  • Fill in holes with putty
  • Use cleaning products for toilet, sink, mirror, counter top, floor, stove, fridge, etc.
  • Vacuum if carpeted
  • Mop and sweet if hardwood floors
  • Don’t forget things like cleaning out your fridge & cleaning your oven​/ stove

Once your apartment is sparkly clean, make sure you take some pictures, just in case you need proof of the apartment’s condition. If your landlord spots something after you move out, you can refer to your pictures to see if it is something you overlooked or if it possibly occurred after you vacated the property.

Join PantherCycle and properly dispose of your unwanted items!

Check out PantherCycle! Here you can post and pick through items posted by other UWM students for Free!

Donate or properly dispose of unwanted items with the City of Milwaukee

Final Inspection

Deliver the key to your landlord after you do a walk-through inspection. The Neighborhood Housing Office recommends doing a walk-through with your landlord so any discrepancies can be addressed immediately. If you are not doing a walk-through, take photos of the move-out conditions of your apartment or house. Ask your landlord when you can expect to receive your deposit back, and then set a reminder in your personal calendar to follow up. Give the landlord a forwarding address to receive your security deposit or the list of itemized cost of charge and deductions from the security deposit. Landlords are required to return this minus any deductions within 21 days of your move out.