1. Give Proper Notice (Most Renters Forget This)

Before you start cleaning or packing, check your lease.
Most Little Rock properties require 30 days' written notice—email alone may not count.

Action steps:

• Check your lease for notice requirements
• Submit notice in writing
• Request written confirmation from the landlord
• Document your move-out date

Skipping this step is how renters accidentally lose part of their deposit.



2. Patch, Repair, and Touch Up the Walls

Little holes matter.
Anything bigger than a nail hole can be considered “damage” in many leases.

Fix before inspection:

• Patch nail and screw holes
• Touch up scuffs and scratches
• Remove Command hooks properly
• Wipe baseboards and trim

Tip: Many Arkansas complexes charge $50–$150 for “wall repair.” Do it yourself for a few bucks.



3. Deep Clean the Kitchen (This Is Where Most Deductions Happen)

Kitchens reveal everything.
Even if you’re generally clean, neglected areas stand out during inspection.

Clean thoroughly:

• Inside and outside of cabinets
• Behind and under appliances
• Stove burners, drip pans, oven racks
• Refrigerator shelves and drawers
• Microwave interior
• Countertops and sink

Take photos when you’re done—documentation is your best friend.

4. Scrub the Bathroom Like You Mean It

Landlords judge bathrooms harder than anything else.

What to clean:

• Tile and grout
• Shower walls and tub
• Toilet (top to bottom)
• Mirror and vanity
• Behind the toilet
• Exhaust vent cover

Pro tip: Hard water stains around Little Rock show up fast. Vinegar does wonders.

5. Floors Matter More Than You Think

Nothing signals “bad tenant” like dirty or damaged flooring.

Before move-out:

• Vacuum carpets (get edges)
• Mop hard floors
• Clean corners and under appliances
• Check for pet stains or odors

If you had pets, deodorize. Many landlords charge heavily for this.

6. Replace Burnt-Out Light Bulbs & Dead Batteries

Simple, cheap, and often overlooked.
A burnt bulb can be written up as “maintenance needed,” which becomes a charge.

Checklist:

• Light fixtures
• Ceiling fans
• Bathroom vanity bulbs
• Smoke detector batteries

Ten minutes here can save you money later.

7. Remove All Trash and Personal Items

If you leave anything behind—even one bag—the complex may charge a disposal fee.

Before locking the door:

• Check every closet
• Clear balcony or patio
• Empty cabinets
• Remove all trash
• Don’t forget storage spaces

Left-behind junk is a common deduction in Little Rock multi-family buildings.

8. Take Photos of Everything

This protects you from “mystery deductions” that appear weeks later.

Document:

• Every room from multiple angles
• Appliances inside and out
• Flooring
• Walls
• Bathrooms
• Patio/balcony
• Entryway

Store your photos and move-out confirmation email together.

9. Schedule a Walk-Through if Possible

Not all complexes do this, but if yours does—take advantage of it.

Ask the manager to walk through with you so you can fix issues on the spot instead of being billed later.

10. Make Move-Out Day Easy: Hire Pros

Here’s the truth: the longer you take to move out, the sloppier the cleaning becomes.

When you’re in a rush, mistakes happen—and deposits shrink.

Elite Movers can pack, load, and move your belongings fast, leaving you the energy to finish the checklist properly.



This is paragraph text. Click it or hit the Manage Text button to change the font, color, size, format, and more. To set up site-wide paragraph and title styles, go to Site Theme.

Your Move-Out Checklist (Quick Version)

• Give written notice
• Patch wall holes
• Deep clean kitchen
• Deep clean bathrooms
• Clean floors
• Replace bulbs & batteries
• Remove trash
• Document everything
• Return keys and parking passes
• Schedule movers if needed

Moving out of your apartment soon?

Whether you're heading across Little Rock, upgrading in North Little Rock, or relocating out of town, Elite Movers can make your move cleaner, faster, and deposit-friendly.

Get your free quote today and let us take the stress off your move-out day.

FAQ: Apartment Move-Out in Arkansas