Move Out With Confidence: Tips to Keep Your Security Deposit

Jacalyn Fetsko • November 19, 2025

The Ultimate Moving Out guide for Larkin Tenants

We’re sad to see you go, but we're also excited for you as you begin this next chapter of your journey!

Before you move out, we wanted to share a few important reminders. Leaving your apartment clean and notifying maintenance of any outstanding issues is the best way to help ensure you receive the maximum amount of your security deposit back.

🧹 Remove All Personal Belongings

Before your final inspection, all personal items must be removed from the apartment, including:

Furniture
Food
Toiletries
Trash

Please do not leave behind items like plungers or toilet brush cleaners.

🧼 Thorough Cleaning Required

The apartment must be cleaned thoroughly and left in the same condition as when you moved in. This includes:

Kitchens and bathrooms
Appliances
Floors and baseboards

Be sure everything is spotless by the time of your inspection.

🛠 Patch Holes and Remove Hardware

All nails, screws, or hooks must be removed from walls, and any resulting holes must be properly patched.

🔑 Return All Keys and Fobs

Please leave all keys and fobs inside one of your kitchen drawers before you leave.

📬 Submit Your Forwarding Address

To receive your security deposit by mail, send your forwarding address to:

🧼 PROFESSIONAL CARPET CLEANING IS REQUIRED

Carpets must be professionally shampooed. You have two options:

Hire a professional company yourself and submit a copy of the receipt to our office.
We can schedule the cleaning for you and deduct the cost from your deposit.
Please note: DIY machines or rentals (like Rug Doctor) are not permitted. Refer to your lease’s move-out cost schedule for pricing details.

🚫 DO NOT LEAVE FURNITURE BEHIND

All furniture must be removed from the property. Do not leave furniture:

In the apartment
By the dumpster
In carports
In common areas
In storage spaces
Unremoved items will result in charges deducted from your deposit.

🏠 Update Your Address with USPS

To ensure you receive your mail, update your address and set up mail forwarding through the USPS. This can be done online or at your local post office. Any mail received after your move-out will be returned to sender.

💳 Cancel Autopayments

If you’ve set up automatic rent payments, please cancel them once you’ve submitted your notice to vacate

📑 Rental Insurance

Your rental insurance must remain active until your final day of occupancy. After that, you may cancel it directly through your provider.

🔌Cancel Utilities (If Applicable)

If you are responsible for utilities, be sure to cancel them for your move-out date. Utilities must remain in your name through your last day of occupancy.

📦After You Move Out

Once we complete your final inspection, your security deposit (minus any applicable deductions) will be mailed to the forwarding address you provide within 14 business days. If any portion is withheld, a detailed explanation will be included.

Please note: Security deposits cannot be applied toward last month’s rent or termination fees.

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out. Thank you for being a valued resident—we wish you the best in your next chapter!

< Older Post

Newer Post >

Tips on Preparing your Apartment for Cooler Weather

By Addyson Nunez • October 9, 2026

Winter in Vermont can bring freezing temperatures, snow, and plenty of cold-weather challenges. A little preparation before winter arrives can help keep your apartment comfortable, protect your home, and prevent avoidable maintenance issues. ❄️ Remove Your Window Air Conditioner If you have a window air conditioning unit, now is the time to remove it before temperatures drop below freezing. Leaving a window A/C installed throughout the winter can allow cold air and moisture into your apartment and may contribute to drafts, water damage, or damage around the window. Once removed, make sure the window is completely closed and secured. Please have them removed no later than 10/31. 🔥 Test Your Heat Before the really cold weather arrives, turn your heat on and make sure your apartment is heating properly. Check each room and make sure you are getting adequate heat throughout your apartment. If your heat isn't working properly, don't wait until the first major cold snap to report it. If you are experiencing a heating issue, submit a maintenance request through AppFolio as soon as possible. 🪟 Check Your Windows & Doors Make sure they: Close completely Lock properly Don't have noticeable drafts Don't have damaged weather stripping 🌡️ Keep Your Apartment Warm During the winter, it's important to maintain a consistent temperature in your apartment, especially when temperatures are extremely cold. Never turn your heat completely off during the winter. If you're traveling or away from your apartment, leave the heat on at least 60 degrees and maintain a safe indoor temperature to help prevent frozen pipes and other cold-weather damage. 🚫 Keep Heating Areas Clear Make sure furniture, curtains, rugs, boxes, and other belongings aren't blocking heating vents, radiators, or other heat sources. Keeping these areas clear allows warm air to circulate properly and helps your heating system work more effectively. 🚰 Help Prevent Frozen Pipes Freezing temperatures can create serious plumbing problems. Residents can help protect their apartments by keeping the heat on and maintaining a consistent indoor temperature. If you notice unusually cold areas, a lack of heat, or signs of frozen plumbing, contact property management promptly. 🛠️ When in Doubt, Submit a Maintenance Request If something doesn't seem right, don't wait for it to become a bigger problem. Whether it's a heating issue, drafty window, plumbing concern, or another maintenance issue, submit a request through AppFolio so our maintenance team can address it. Stay Warm This Winter! Taking a few simple steps before winter arrives can help keep your apartment comfortable and prevent cold-weather problems. From all of us at Larkin Realty , stay warm and enjoy the season! ❄️