Move IN

• Call the utilities at least a week before you move: electricity, telephone, cable, gas, water.

• Secure boxes and other moving aids. Arrange for transportation of personal items and furniture.

• Complete a move-in checklist by documenting all aspects that are damaged and/or in need of repair. A Condition Inventory is provided below for your use. Have a witness, use a camera, or request that the property manager or landlord conduct a walk-through with you. It is important to be able to authenticate the date of the photos or video taken.

Move OUT

• Give notice in writing 1 to 3 months in advance before deciding to move out. (A sample Notice of Intent to Vacate Letter is provided.)
• When moving out, make a thorough check similar to the move-in procedures with the landlord present, if possible. Identify damages that may be considered above normal “wear-and-tear.” Sign and date the inventory or similar document in front of the landlord or other witnesses.
• Clean the property thoroughly.
• Complete an address forwarding form with the post office.
• Contact all utility companies to terminate their services.
•  Return keys in person before the final date of the lease to avoid being charged additional rent.
• Give the manager or landlord a forwarding address if your security deposit will be returned.

Utility Service

Contact all utility services several days before moving to schedule appointments for connections. Some apartment complexes have preferred utility service providers and will require you to use that service. Otherwise, consult several utility service providers to receive estimates for services to get better rates. To locate utility companies, consult the phone book, ask friends, request a referral from the landlord, or search the Internet.

A useful website to assist with connecting new service or transferring existing service is www.connectutilities.com. ConnectUtilities, Inc assists with connecting your electricity, gas, phone, cable, satellite, DSL, Internet, and more in a single website that allows you to transfer, connect or cancel utility services in minutes. Also see Utilities under Resources.  [Louisiana State University does not endorse, approve, or recommend particular services, but provides them as a resource only.]

Storing Your Property

A self-storage facility may be the best option if the new apartment is too small to hold all of your belongings or if you need to store your personal property between moves. Consider price, location, security, hours of access, and length of time needed. Add that cost to your monthly and annual budgets.
 

Getting Back Your Deposit

The Louisiana Lessee’s Deposit Act requires the landlord to return deposits within 30 days after the end of the lease, provided that the tenant fulfilled the lease obligations and submitted a forwarding address. If any part of the deposit is retained, the landlord must send the tenant an itemized list of deductions and any remaining balance within one month. If the landlord fails to return the deposit or to send the itemized list within one month, the tenant may sue in Small Claims Court to recover the deposit. It is advisable to give a grace period of five days to allow postal mail to reach your new residence.

Tenants should request deposit refunds by certified mail, receipt requested, on the last day of tenancy. The tenant should give a forwarding address in this letter and keep a copy for his/her records. Apply for refunds of additional deposits at the same time as you request the return of security or damage deposits. Money that is collected as a “fee or charge” for pets or other items is not covered by the Act and may or may not be recoverable according to the terms of the lease.
 

Renter's Insurance

Your personal items are not protected from theft, vandalism, fire, or water damage under the property owner’s insurance. To protect your belongings, purchase renters’ insurance. After purchasing the insurance, create a report of personal belongings. Write down items or categories with cost estimates such as electronics, appliances you have furnished, furniture, jewelry, and clothing. It is also a good idea to have pictures of your belongings. Many insurance companies have household inventory sheets available to aid in calculating how much coverage is needed.

If you are a still on your parent’s/guardian’s insurance plan or agreement, consult their agency for reasonable policies. You can also purchase personal property insurance from many agencies. Ask the property manager if they have an agreement with any particular agency that may offer reduced rates for multiple customers.

NOTE:  Please be sure to check our Resources section for much more information, including additional worksheets and checklists.