Get Your NYC Security Deposit Back

A practical move-out punch list can help you document the apartment and address obvious repair items before handoff.

Before you hand over the keys, walk through the apartment with two goals: document the condition clearly and take care of repair items that are actually your responsibility. Lease terms, building rules and New York law can affect what a landlord may charge, so use this as a maintenance checklist rather than legal advice.

Start With Your Lease and Move-In Records

Review your lease, move-in photos and any written building rules before deciding what to repair. Normal wear, tenant-caused damage and required restoration can be treated differently, so document what you found and keep copies of communications.

The Move-Out Punch List

Walls

• Remove unwanted hooks, anchors and mounting hardware where appropriate.
• Patch obvious holes or damage that you are responsible for.
• Clean marks and scuffs before deciding whether touch-up painting is needed.

Kitchen & bath

• Clean grease and residue from appliances and surfaces.
• Address failed caulk or obvious maintenance items if they are within your responsibility and permitted by the building.
• Report active leaks, plumbing problems or other building-system issues instead of attempting work outside your scope.

Floors & doors

• Clean floors and carpets as required by your lease or handoff agreement.
• Tighten simple loose hardware where appropriate.
• Check that doors, cabinets and windows operate normally and report anything that appears to be a building issue.

Document Everything

Photograph every room after cleaning and repairs, including close-ups of any areas that were previously damaged. Keep the photos, move-out communications and any walkthrough notes together. If you have a legal dispute about a deposit or deductions, use an appropriate tenant-resource or legal professional rather than relying on a maintenance article.

The Practical Move

Bundling patching, painting, mounting removal, door or hardware adjustments and other general repair items into one punch list can make a move-out easier to scope. Regulated plumbing, electrical or other licensed-trade work should be separated and handled by the appropriate professional.