Move-Out Information

Move-Out Checklist

  • Checklist Form (PDF – opens in new tab)
  • This checklist form is the same as the one mailed to your unit
  • Review information below for USPS MAIL FORWARDING to forward your mail and prevent misdelivered items.  This is the most common issue from past residents – please plan ahead and review the info below in detail.

Providing Proper Notice:

  • Please fill out the move-out form below when your entire apartment is vacating – DO NOT use this form when only one roommate or part of the apartment is moving out.  Notice of Intent to Move-Out (PDF) 
  • All occupants (original tenants and sub-tenants) must sign the same move-out form
  • If your apartment prefers an earlier or later move-out date than your lease end date please contact the office for details and/or approval
  • Please provide a valid mailing address for the return of your security deposit.  All occupants in the apartment must agree on the same mailing address. Alternatively, residents may request to pick up the check at the office.
  • Submit completed move-out forms to the office in person, via mail, or email (Leasing@northberkeleyproperties.com)

Mail Forwarding

  • IMPORTANT – once an apartment is re-rented to a new group we cannot provide access to the mailbox to check for old mail.  North Berkeley Properties cannot guarantee the new residents will hold onto or forward mail in your name so it is very important to forward your mail.  Every year we receive up to a hundred or more requests to check lobbies or mailboxes for shipments and mail.  As a small office we do not have the resources / staffing to check mailboxes of vacant units
  • Forward your mail with USPS Online Form
    • USPS Mail forwarding only does not forward packages / parcels from FedEx, UPS, or private carriers like Amazon.  Please make sure you re-route these packages separately with each private company.
  • Please do this for every occupant / roommate living in your unit
  • Remember to update your mailing address for these common entities:
    • College Seniors / Graduates – Update your mailing address for your diploma!  Every year we have dozens of requests to look for diplomas mailed to the old apartment address.  A replacement diploma costs $60
    • UC Berkeley (financial aid office, diploma/registrar office, student job/work study, tax forms / paychecks, etc.)
      • Employer (current and former employers may mail tax forms with your SSN # 1-year after your move-out)
    • Banking institutions (credit card statements, bank statements, etc)
    • Voter registration California Registrar of Voters
    • Department of Motor Vehicles (Driver’s license and/or car registration)
      • Remember – parking tickets, FasTrak toll invoices/violations, etc are mailed to your car’s registered address
      • Change vehicle registration or license mailing online with the DMV California DMV Change of Address
    • Health insurance provider, physician, hospital, pharmacy, etc.
    • Delete your old mailing address from online retailers and make sure the old apartment address is not on the ‘1-click’ or automatic order option (Amazon.com, Zappos, etc.)
    • Relatives / family members / friends – we have reports of postcards, wedding invitations, grandma’s cookies, etc. mailed to the wrong address
    • Magazines / newspapers
    • Grocery or meal prep delivery services
    • AAA membership, club membership, etc.

Ending Utilities:

  • Please remember to contact PG&E (gas / elec provider) to end your service on your move-out / lease end date
  • REFUND OF PG&E DEPOSIT:  If you paid a deposit when starting utilities please make sure to update the mailing address with PG&E – it may not notify you to do this and will mail your utility deposit back to your old apartment address.
  • Residents of 2414 Dana will also need to contact EBMUD (water / sewer provider) to stop water billing
  • Remember to end service with your internet provider and contact them for returning equipment (wifi router, cables, modem, etc.) to avoid service charges or fees for missing equipment.  Residents should do this early as some providers may mail you a pre-paid shipping box to return equipment.  The office commonly receives inquiries from residents that have moved out asking if they can check the apartment for a forgotten router or modem.  Once keys are returned and maintenance starts work on the apartment abandoned items may be discarded.
  • SONIC AND LMI.net Customers: If you have fiber service please only return the wireless router.  The modem (not the same as router) that is mounted on the wall of your unit and includes an AC plug typically stays with the apartment.  Confirm with your service provider for details.

Preparing for your move-out:

  • If you have an automatic online bill pay option for rent payments please make sure this is set to end on your last month of occupancy.  You must stop auto payments scheduled thru AppFolio OR your own banking provider
  • The apartment will receive a move-out packet with a Ziploc baggie to return all apartment keys to the office.  The packet will also quote you on the last month’s rent which may be prorated if your move-out date is mid-month.
  • Please review the move-out checklist carefully – start preparing early and do not wait until the last minute to do things like mail forwarding, hiring a mover, discarding trash/items
  • If you have any bulky items (mattresses, futons, sofas, etc.) or electronics (TV, monitors, etc.) please contact the office (Maintenance@northberkeleyproperties.com).  We may be able to offer flat rate hauling services for certain items.  For convenience, some items may be left in the unit for our crews to haul away once you have received permission to do so

Plan ahead and coordinate your move-out / apartment cleaning.  Don’t wait until the last minute and realize you need to clean your unit and move-out items.  These are actual images of how apartment units were left for building maintenance.

Cleaning your Apartment:

  • The #1 tip is to start early – do not wait until the last minute.  Talk with your roommates now and discuss who will be responsible for specific cleaning duties and/or removing furniture
  • Check your apartment for any carpet stains or heavily soiled areas that may require steam cleaning
  • Residents may wish to consider hiring a professional cleaning service.  The office can provide a quote or offer a flat rate cleaning option for most apartments.  In some cases, the office will coordinate our cleaners to clean the apartment after you move-out – please contact us early to inquire about this option as appointments are limited.
  • If residents hire their own cleaners they should provide a copy of the receipt to the office when keys are returned.  It is highly recommended that you show your cleaners the move-out checklist as any missed items or poorly cleaned areas may still affect the deposit.
  • Review the move-out checklist – nearly all cleaning deductions will be listed on the checklist form
  • The most commonly missed issues are bathroom/kitchen areas – the inside of kitchen appliances (fridge, microwave, stove, oven) should be cleaned and free of crumbs/grease
  • Please note that we do not charge residents to clean/replace the grease drip pans on electric stoves.  The general surfaces of the stovetop and inside oven should still be cleaned.
  • Minor paint chips/scratches are considered “normal wear and tear” – residents should NOT touch-up paint.  Major paint damage (entire walls, large dents, gashes, etc.) may be considered as “damage”
  • Minor holes (push pin holes, picture frame nails, etc) do not need spackling and will be patched at no cost.  Larger holes (TV mounts, shelving units, etc.) may need spackling done but not touch-up painting.

Move-Out Day:

  • All keys should be returned to the office by 12:00 PM (NOON) as specified in both the move-out form and your lease agreement.  Please note it is NOT midnight or end of business day
  • Residents will accrue daily use/rent charges until all keys are returned to the office – please make sure one roommate does not accidentally take a key set away with them
  • Please use the Ziploc baggie provided in the move-out packet to return ALL keys together
  • If you have multiple roommates moving out at different times/days it is recommended that all keys be left with the roommate moving out last so all keys can be returned together.
  • DO NOT leave the keys in the unit – bring the Ziploc bag with all the keys to the office directly.  If we are open you may bring it direct to the front desk.  The rent drop box can also be used to return keys to our office
  • DO NOT leave loose keys in the drop box
  • Charges will apply for any “lost” or kept keys
  • Please make sure you return all keys (mailbox, garage, laundry, storage, trash, common area, and unit keys)
  • NEVER mail keys in a standard envelope – USPS processing may cause the keys to bend or puncture envelopes.  Many keys mailed to the office are lost during processing by the post office.  Residents are charged for all lost keys.

Security Deposit:

  • The security deposit is generally returned within 21 days of your move-out date
  • If you do not receive your deposit after 21 days please notify our office via (Leasing@northberkeleyproperties.com) so we can look into the issue
  • Any deductions will be itemized by category and cost
  • Deductions may also include unpaid rent, accumulated late fees, and other items
  • If you have any questions regarding the deposit please email Leasing@northberkeleyproperties.com

Did you know? California has $10+ Billion in Unclaimed Property

  • Many individuals forget to forward their mail which results in unclaimed refunds, checks, etc. issued by private companies and organizations.  After 3-years these funds are handed over to the State of California for safekeeping.  Rightful owners can claim these funds from the State Controllers Office
  • Residents may find that their old PG&E deposit refund, lost rebate check, or overpayment are waiting to be claimed.
  • California Unclaimed Property Search