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End of Contract: Staying, Moving, or Switching Apartments

All contracts end in mid-August. Be sure to review your contract for the exact end date. If you plan to move out before the original end date of your contract, please check the Contract Guide tab for information on selling your contract and moving mid-contract.


All roommates are responsible for cleaning. The cleaning checklist is divided into four job areas, so please coordinate with your roommates to ensure all tasks are completed. Roommates who move out without completing a formal check-out with the office are still responsible for their share of the cleaning.


If you are staying or switching apartments, you may notice a short gap between your two contract dates. You do not need to move out during this time—your contract simply rolls over. This gap allows for maintenance and cleaning before the new contract year. During these weeks, maintenance staff, carpet cleaners, and possibly regular cleaners may enter your apartment. Please expect some noise or activity and make sure your belongings are secure. We will do our best to keep you updated on specific timelines, such as when the carpet cleaners will arrive.


The following sections outline the procedures and expectations for different move-out scenarios.

Moving

Thank you for choosing to live at Casa Dea. Your move-out date is the same as the contract end date listed on your rental agreement. If you have a scheduling conflict with your assigned check-out time, you must contact the office to arrange a new appointment. All rescheduling requests must be submitted at least one week before your original check-out date. Last-minute changes will not be accepted.


Unless otherwise arranged with the office, you are required to be present for your final check-out inspection. Any tenant who fails to complete a final check-out — including being present for the inspection — will forfeit their security deposit. Before your inspection, all personal belongings must be removed from the apartment, and your cleaning responsibilities must be fully completed.


If you have moved out prior to the final cleaning inspection, you are still responsible for your portion of the cleaning. Regardless of how long you have been gone, you must return for the final inspection unless prior arrangements have been made and you have officially checked out with the office.


Be sure to clear out your storage cage and leave behind any shared auxiliary keys, such as laundry, lounge, storage cage, or mailbox keys. If any utilities are in your name, you are responsible for contacting the providers to cancel service effective on your move-out date. All roommates are responsible for paying their share of utility bills through the end of the lease. Return your apartment key and parking sticker to the person conducting your check-out inspection. If otherwise arranged, these items may be placed in the rent drop box or turned in directly to the office.

Staying

On the last day of the contract, we will conduct move-outs and cleaning checks. You’re welcome to switch beds or rooms, but please wait until after final inspections for roommates who are moving out. If you are staying, you do not need to be present for this cleaning check; however, those moving out must attend their final inspection. Please review the Final Cleaning Checklist and treat this inspection as a deep clean — more thorough than a regular cleaning check. The checklist is divided into four job areas, so coordinate with your roommates to ensure all tasks are completed. Roommates who move out without completing a formal check-out with the office are still responsible for their share of the cleaning. These inspections ensure the apartment is ready for incoming roommates. If a reinspection is needed, the office will contact you.


You may notice that the dates on the two contracts are not back-to-back. You are not required to leave during this time — your contract simply rolls over. This gap allows us to complete maintenance and cleaning before the new contract year. During these weeks, maintenance staff, carpet cleaners, and possibly regular cleaners may be in and out of your apartment. Please expect some noise or activity and keep your belongings secure.


Lastly, remind your roommates to remove all personal items from cupboards, closets, and storage cages. After confirming with those who have moved out, anything left behind may be discarded. Over time, apartments often accumulate unclaimed items, so move-outs are a good opportunity to sort through shared spaces, identify what belongs to whom, and remove anything unwanted.

Switching Apartments

On the last day of your contract, we will conduct move-outs and cleaning checks. If you are switching apartments, you must complete both a Transfer Readiness Cleaning Check and a Final Move-Out Inspection for your current apartment, and you should be present for both. During your Transfer Readiness Cleaning Check, we’ll provide your new apartment key and let you know when your new space is ready — usually within an hour or two, depending on how the previous check-out goes. When you’re ready for your Final Move-Out Inspection, please contact the office to schedule it.


The Transfer Readiness Cleaning Check should be treated as a deep clean — more thorough than a regular cleaning check. Review the Final Cleaning Checklist, which is divided into four job areas, and coordinate with your roommates to ensure all tasks are completed. We will conduct the Transfer Readiness Cleaning Check at the same time as the regular move-outs.


We understand that you may need time to transfer your belongings between apartments. You may keep your old key for a day or two, if necessary, but we recommend completing your move the same day to maintain the apartment in good condition for inspection. Once you’re done, return your old key to the office or drop box, and make sure the doors are locked when you leave.


If you are the last person moving out, the entire apartment — including all shared areas — must be cleaned. All personal belongings, including those in cupboards, closets, and storage cages, must be removed. Anything left behind may be discarded. Move-outs are the best opportunity to go through shared spaces, identify what belongs to whom, and remove any unwanted items. Over time, apartments can accumulate unclaimed items, so thorough cleaning is essential.


If you have questions or need to schedule your transfer or inspection at a different time, please contact the office.


All roommates are required to complete a cleaning inspection! This document is a review of what is on the website in case you would prefer the printed version.


The Final Cleaning Checklist is broken into four job areas — all of which must be completed. It lists the specific tasks required for check-out and outlines what will be reviewed during the end-of-contract cleaning check.


The Release Form must be completed by tenants who are moving. Please complete the Release Form prior to your check-out. Provide your full forwarding address for deposit processing.



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