The best way to handle a messy move-out is to prevent it from happening. Miscommunication is the number one reason tenants leave behind unwanted items. They “thought” the next tenant might want that broken coffee table. (Spoiler: They don’t.)
As a property manager, your best defense is a clear, signed agreement. 📝
We recommend providing every tenant with this basic “Broom Swept” standard checklist 30 days before move-out:
✅ ALL personal property must be removed. (This includes hangers, cleaning supplies under the sink, and items in storage lockers.) ✅ Furniture is NOT permitted in the dumpster. (Provide them with donation resources or our number for a pre-move-out pickup.) ✅ Floors must be swept clean of debris. ✅ Refrigerator and cabinets must be completely empty.
Why is this crucial? 🛡️
If they sign this checklist and still leave a unit full of junk, you have a rock-solid paper trail to justify withholding the professional cleanout fee from their security deposit.
When the system fails and you’re left with a disaster, Junk Gone Fast provides photo-documented invoicing that holds up in small claims court.
Set expectations early, and have a backup plan. We are that plan. 💪
