Moving Out

view of downtown chicago from road

When you are ready to move out of your apartment, check the lease for the defined move-out notice period. This will typically be 30, 60, or 90 days. Make sure to notify your manager in writing of your intentions and get the manager’s acknowledgment of the notification. Make an appointment with the manager when you are ready to move out to jointly inspect the conditions of your unit. Have your move-in inventory form handy to compare the conditions of the unit from when you moved in to now.

Security Deposit

If you have fulfilled all of the conditions for the return of your deposit (as outlined in your lease), then your manager is required to refund your security deposit and/or provide you with a written, itemized list of any deductions within 30 days after you vacate or 30 days after they receive your forwarding address. If you do not agree with the property owner’s deductions, make sure to discuss the issue with them.

Options for Early Move-Out

Sometimes there are just some situations in which you must leave before your lease is up. Moving out before your lease expires is a breach of contract, and no matter how valid you believe your reasoning, the property owner may be entitled to damages. You may be liable for the rent you owe for the remainder of the months in your lease and not paying this rent could lead to a lawsuit. All is not lost, however. You still have options for moving out early.

  • Negotiate: It may be possible to negotiate with the property owner to allow you to terminate your lease. If you and the property owner reach an agreement, get it in writing and have it signed by both parties.
  • Sublease: This is an agreement in which you rent your apartment to another person with the property owner’s permission. In this case, you are still responsible for the apartment, including rent and damages. A basic sublease contract is usually available from the property manager. Consult with your property manager first.
  • Reletting: Much like a sublease, but the actual lease contract is changed to add the new tenant and delete the old tenant. The original tenant is still responsible for paying rent until a new tenant is found and then is typically charged a reletting fee. Once an agreement is made, all parties should sign and keep an original copy.

This information was created by the DePaul University Division of Student Affairs.