We are truly grateful that you chose Rambler as your home this year. As move-out approaches, we want to provide you with a few important reminders to help ensure a smooth and stress-free process.
While we’re sad to see you go, we’re excited for the new adventures that await you!
This article covers the following topics to help you prepare for move-out:
Early Move-Out: What You Need to Know
If you are planning to leave before July 31st, please come to the leasing office to complete your move-out process. Damages are assessed for each room independently and associated with the resident(s) occupying that space. Common area charges will be determined after ALL roommates have completed the move-out process and returned keys to the office. Common area charges will be divided equally among all residents in the unit.
Please note: Even if you return your keys early, you are still responsible for all payments for the remainder of the lease, including utilities. Returning your keys does not release you from your lease agreement early. If you would like to relet your apartment, read our article on How to Relet My Apartment at Rambler.
Steps for Move-Out
The move-out process consists of the following:
- Clean and clear your unit
- Return your keys
- Forward your mail
1. Clean and Clear Your Unit
Use the list below to ensure your unit is move-out ready to avoid additional charges.
Kitchen
- Refrigerator: Remove all food and debris and clean the refrigerator and freezer.
- Stove: All the obvious areas and the exhaust fan filter (located above the stove).
- Microwave: Please remember to clean the inside and outside of the microwave.
- Dishwasher: Remove debris and wipe inside surfaces. *Tip: run your dishwasher one final time with nothing in it to make sure it is nice and clean.
- Sink: Clean sink and parts (stopper, strainer, faucet, etc.).
- Cabinets and Drawers: Remove all items, and wipe down the drawers and cabinets inside and out.
- Floor: Sweep and mop.
- Appliances: Give a good sweep of the broom and mop under appliances as well as surfaces.
Bathroom
- Shower: Thoroughly clean the shower and tub with a household cleaner.
- Toilet: Clean the toilet, inside and out.
- Sink: Clean the entire sink and counter with a household cleaner.
- Mirror: Please use glass cleaner.
- Floor: Sweeping and mopping.
- Cabinets and Drawers: More wiping, removing of lining, and disinfecting.
General
- Washer/Dryer: Wipe down inside and out and around the lid to remove any residue, and don’t forget to remove all clothing from the machines.
- Furniture: Dust, clean, vacuum, and spot treat.
- Blinds and Windows: All blinds should be dust-free and in good working condition.
- Charges will occur for the replacement of any blinds that are broken unless noted on your move-in condition form.
- Ceiling Fans: Dust the blades and light fixtures.
Free download: Cleaning Checklist
Clearing Your Unit
Make sure to fully clear out your unit, including all personal belongings from walls, drawers, cabinets, closets and under appliances. Walk through each room and around the perimeter to double-check nothing is left behind. The unit should be returned in the same condition as when you moved in. Once you’re fully moved out, you can turn in your keys—just note there may be delays if there is a high volume of residents attempting to turn in their keys at one time.
2. Return Your Keys
Your keys need to be returned at the time of move out, or by mail, no later than the official move-out day of July 31st at noon, NO EXCEPTIONS.
ALL of the following items must be turned in:
- Bedroom Key
- Front Door Key/FOB
- Mailbox Key
- Parking Pass (if applicable)
All items must be returned together. Charges will apply for any missing items. TV remotes do not need to be returned, but please leave them out in the open to avoid charges.
3. Forward Your Mail
When turning in your keys, provide a forwarding address for your Final Statement and any eligible deposit refund. Rambler is not responsible for forwarding mail or packages. All other mail will be returned to the sender. You can forward your mail through USPS here: www.postalforwarding.com.
Damage Assessments: What to Expect
After your move-out process is complete, a unit inspection will be completed by a Rambler Athens team member. Since our team works around the clock, we cannot accommodate requests to schedule a specific unit inspection time. However, your original Move-In Condition Form will be carefully compared to the move-out inspection conducted by our staff to ensure that you are not charged for any pre-existing damages. Any damage to the unit that is not listed on your move-in inspection form will result in damage charges.
Damages or cleaning issues in shared spaces (living room, kitchen, balcony, laundry room) will be split among all roommates. If you believe you are not responsible, you may submit a written dispute after receiving your final statement.
All charges for damages are assessed based on the cost of labor and materials. Please refer to the Fee Schedule Addendum for a detailed list of damage charges. If you choose to attempt a repair yourself, make sure to consult our maintenance staff about industry standards. If the repair is not up to standards, you run the risk of paying to have the work redone correctly.
While normal wear and tear up to a certain extent is acceptable and expected, cleaning does not fall under the category of wear and tear. Keep this in mind as you prepare your apartment for move-out.
Top 5 Most Common Move-Out Charges
- Holes in the wall larger than a photo frame nail, and nails/screws left in the wall
- Trash removal (don’t forget hangers, curtains, rods, and the inside of drawers)
- Cleaning of ceiling fans/window sills/baseboards
- Floor cleaning (this includes sweeping and mopping under those beds!)
- Cleaning of common areas, including the microwave and oven
Charges for Items Left In the Unit
Rambler is not responsible for any personal items left in the unit. A $25 fee per bag of trash will be charged to your account for the removal of personal items. One item equates to one bag of trash until the trash bag is full. Any items left behind in the unit or in the hallway after noon on July 31st will be considered abandoned and will not be stored.
Final Statement
You’ll receive your final statement by email and by mail (to your forwarding address) within a week of move-out. You have 30 days from the date of your final statement to pay any charges. Unpaid balances may be sent to collections.
To dispute a charge, send a written explanation to [email protected] within 72 hours of receiving your final statement. Disputes submitted after this window will not be considered. Please do not send any disputes until your final statement has been received.
Thank you so much for being a Rambler resident this year—it’s been a pleasure having you with us! If you have any questions or concerns about the move-out process, please reach out to our leasing team!
