Whether you are unpacking your first box or locking the door for the last time, a thorough checklist is the single best way to document a unit’s condition and comply with Michigan’s 14-day security-deposit demand rule. Clear photos, meter readings, and written notes prevent “he-said-she-said” surprises and give both tenant and landlord an objective record if disputes land in small-claims court.
Move-In Checklist
- Photograph the exterior and every room. Capture front entry, windows, appliances, and serial numbers. Store originals in a cloud folder and email a copy to yourself for a timestamp.
- Record utility meter readings. Snap clear images of electric, gas, and water meters and send them to the providers the same day to avoid being billed for the previous tenant’s consumption.
- Test smoke and CO alarms. Press each test button and log the chirp. If batteries are missing or alarms fail, request replacements immediately under MCL 554.139 to keep the premises “fit for intended use.”
- Check hot-water temperature. Run hot water for two minutes, place a cooking thermometer under the stream, and document anything above 120 °F to prevent scalding—and potential code violations.
- Operate every window and lock. Open, close, and latch each sash. Sticky tracks or broken screens should be listed on your inspection sheet and emailed to maintenance.
- Document carpet stains with scale. Place a coin beside any spot before photographing so size is obvious. Courts view scaled photos as more credible evidence in deposit disputes.
- Inventory keys, remotes, and fobs. Note the exact count of front-door keys, mailbox keys, garage clickers, and parking passes. Request a written receipt from management the same day.
- Review lease addenda for extra rules. Pet addenda, painting clauses, or satellite-dish provisions often have hidden fees. Note any exceptions agreed upon so they don’t resurface at move-out.
| Area | Condition on Day 1 | Photos Taken ✔︎/✖ |
|---|---|---|
| Living Room | ||
| Kitchen | ||
| Bathroom | ||
| Bedroom 1 | ||
| Bedroom 2 | ||
| Hallways | ||
| Basement | ||
| Exterior Storage / Garage |
Move-Out Checklist
- Schedule a walk-through seven days before vacate. This early walkthrough lets you fix minor issues instead of paying inflated “management rates” after you leave. Use our moving-notice scheduler to lock in the date.
- Deep-clean high-deductible areas. Ovens, fridge gaskets, and tub grout often draw the biggest cleaning fees. A $10 degreaser today can save $75 in charges later.
- Patch nail holes. Use color-matched putty or drywall compound. Michigan landlords routinely charge $5-$10 per unpatched hole under “wall repair.”
- Replace missing bulbs and batteries. Burned-out bulbs are easy deductions. Swap them yourself for a couple of dollars instead of a $20 “maintenance visit.”
- Photograph identical angles used at move-in. Side-by-side shots make it nearly impossible for a landlord to blame you for pre-existing damage.
- Hand-deliver your forwarding address letter. Keep a stamped copy for proof. Michigan law gives landlords 30 days to return the deposit once they have a forwarding address.
- Submit a demand letter if the deposit stalls. After 30 days, send a certified deposit demand letter. Statute allows up to double damages if the landlord withholds without cause.
| Item | Purpose | Pack/Buy ✔︎ |
|---|---|---|
| Magic Eraser | Scuffs on walls & doors | |
| Heavy-duty Degreaser | Oven & stovetop residue | |
| Microfiber Cloths | Dusting without lint | |
| Vacuum with Brush Head | Carpet edge cleaning | |
| Putty Knife & Spackle | Filling nail holes | |
| Gallon Zipper Bags | Collect hardware & screws |
Printable Moving Checklist
- Update utilities shut-off date
- Start USPS address change
- Transfer renters-insurance end date
- Photograph meter readings on move-out
- Collect appliance manuals
- Defrost and clean refrigerator
- Lock windows & patio doors
- Return parking permits
- Backup smart-lock codes
- Gather all spare keys
- Wipe blinds and window tracks
- Empty and clean garbage disposal
- Remove personal items from storage areas
- Check attic or crawl space for boxes
- Sweep garage and dispose of chemicals properly
- Reset thermostat to energy-saving mode
- Take last-day photos of every room
- Confirm deposit return timeline via email
- Cancel automatic rent payments
- Leave welcome note and contact email for landlords
30-Day Moving Timeline
Moving gets chaotic fast, so a day-by-day roadmap keeps you from forgetting critical tasks. At Day 30 you should deliver your written notice to vacate, schedule a walk-through, and order free USPS address-change packets in case the online form glitches. By Day 21 lock in a moving truck—weekends book up quickly after college spring terms end in Michigan. On Day 14 start purging closets and hazardous items that movers won’t touch, like leftover paint or half-empty propane tanks.
Day 10 is when you should photograph appliance serial numbers for warranty claims and record meter readings for a mid-cycle estimate. Around Day 7 submit final maintenance requests so the landlord cannot blame you for pre-existing issues. In the final 72 hours, focus on cleaning kitchens and bathrooms: ovens take six hours to self-clean and dry time for bathroom caulk can be 24 hours, so build that buffer. Use sticky notes on doors—“Room Complete” or “Needs Photos”—to keep helpers on task. Finally, Day 0 is key hand-off; bring two printed copies of your move-out inspection sheet and snap a selfie with the keys to time-stamp possession transfer.
Utility Transfer & Address Change Guide
Transferring utilities is more than a phone call. Start with electricity and gas because DTE and Consumers Energy can require a three-business-day lead time for account activation. Water bills in many Michigan cities ride on the landlord’s master account, so verify whose name must appear on the meter before you move. Internet providers usually offer self-install kits, but schedule pick-up early; rural UPS Stores may have limited stock.
When forwarding mail, the online USPS form costs $1.10 for identity verification. Bookmark the confirmation page and save the email; landlords sometimes require proof to ensure they can mail your deposit. Don’t forget digital addresses: bank statements, insurance policies, Amazon Prime, and voter registration. Michigan allows same-day voter updates at clerks’ offices, but updating early prevents last-minute lines. Finally, photograph the back of each utility meter on move-in and move-out days. Submitting the images with your account number in the subject line creates an evidence trail if billing disputes arise—a common headache when old tenants leave estimated reads behind.
Deposit Recovery Strategy
A well-executed exit strategy can mean the difference between a full refund and a months-long court battle. First, email your forwarding address on move-out day—Michigan’s Security Deposit Act gives landlords 30 days from receipt, not possession, to return funds. Second, assemble a digital “evidence deck” that includes the signed move-in checklist, side-by-side photos, and any repair receipts paid out-of-pocket. Compress everything into a single PDF under 25 MB so it uploads smoothly to MiFILE if small-claims litigation looms.
Within a week, follow up with a polite confirmation email: “This is to confirm you received my forwarding address on [date].” Courts view this as reasonable diligence. If the itemized list arrives with questionable charges—think “$150 blind cleaning” for a single missing slat—reply with a seven-day objection letter, citing MCL 554.613. Certified mail isn’t legally required for objections, but the tracking number boosts credibility. Finally, set a calendar alert for Day 45 after move-out; if no refund appears, file a small-claims case immediately to preserve leverage. Proactivity signals to landlords that you know the statute—and your rights.
Frequently Asked Questions
This generator offers general guidance, not legal advice. Consult a qualified attorney for advice on your specific situation.