Even under the best of circumstances, relocating or parting from a housemate can be difficult. If you prepare for this inevitability, the transition will be smoother for you and your housemate. You may even be able to keep a friendship even if the home-sharing was not successful. See the Move-out checklist to help you record the information that can serve as a record to share between the householder and home seeker.
Giving Notice
Both the householder and the housemate deserve fair notice of the decision to move. If you were not required to pay for the last month’s rent when you moved in, it’s only fair that you give the householder time to find a new tenant. She will likely want to offer a home tour to a potential new housemate.
Finalizing Payments
Bills might arrive after the housemate has moved out. Both parties should arrange for payment. If the housemate submitted a security deposit, the householder can deduct her part of the remaining bills before issuing a refund. If not, she should expect to pay the householder upon request. In either case, the housemate should give the householder a forwarding address and any other new contact information.
The householder should be prepared to provide information to the housemate about bills that have been paid or are due.
Sorting Belongings
You may have co-mingled belongings—kitchen utensils, appliances, garden tools, furniture, etc. It’s a good idea to make a list of your items. Review that with the householder before packing. If you purchased something together, you may need to negotiate ownership of the item.
Moving Out
The householder may want to be present for the move-out. She might help or oversee the process to ensure that the housemate removes only her own possessions and that no damage is done. The housemate should provide courtesy notification of the date and time of the move.
