Resident Move-Out Frequently Asked Questions

This Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) guide accompanies the Golden State Property Management (GSPM) Resident Move-Out Handbook. It is designed to answer the questions we receive most often, explain why our policies exist, and help you avoid unnecessary security deposit deductions. If you have questions after reviewing this guide, please contact your Property Manager before returning possession.

Before You Move Out
Cleaning, Repairs & Vendors
Returning Possession
Security Deposit

Before You Move Out

What happens if I don't provide a forwarding address?

We strongly recommend providing a forwarding address before you move out.

Your forwarding address is used to mail your Deposit Disposition Statement and any security deposit refund.

If you do not provide a forwarding address, these documents will be mailed to the rental property address in accordance with California law.

Providing a forwarding address helps avoid delays in receiving your security deposit information.

Can I move out before my lease expires?

Yes. However, moving out before your lease expires does not automatically end your financial obligations under your Lease Agreement. Please contact your Property Manager as soon as possible to discuss your options before moving out. Early communication allows us to explain your lease obligations, discuss available options, and help ensure a smooth transition.

Should I update my mailing and delivery addresses?

Yes. Remember to update USPS, Amazon, online retailers, banks, credit card companies, insurance providers, the DMV (if applicable), your employer, and any subscription services before you move.

Do I need to cancel utilities?

Yes. Contact each utility provider to schedule disconnection or transfer of service effective on your move-out date.

What if my move-out date changes?

Notify GSPM immediately. Changes may affect inspections, scheduling, marketing, utilities, and possession.

Can I use my security deposit as my last month's rent?

No. Unless specifically authorized in writing, your security deposit may not be used instead of your final rent payment. The security deposit is held until after you return possession and is applied in accordance with your Lease Agreement and California law.

Cleaning, Repairs & Vendors

Can I hire my own house/ carpet cleaning company?

Yes. You may hire any cleaning company you choose. Vendors must comply with GSPM vendor requirements before work begins, including Commercial General Liability Insurance, Workers’ Compensation Insurance (when required by law), a Contractor’s License (when required), and a Certificate of Insurance naming GSPM as an Additional Insured if requested. Cleaning must meet the standards required by your Lease Agreement or additional cleaning may be deducted from your security deposit. We recommend hiring a professional cleaning company. If you use a GSPM preferred cleaning company and the work is unacceptable, GSPM will work directly with that vendor to correct the work at no additional cost to you.

Can I hire my own painter?

Yes. Vendors must comply with GSPM vendor requirements before work begins, including Commercial General Liability Insurance, Workers’ Compensation Insurance (when required by law), a Contractor’s License (when required), and a Certificate of Insurance naming GSPM as an Additional Insured if requested. Painting must meet the standards required by your Lease Agreement or additional painting may be deducted from your security deposit. We recommend hiring a professional painting company. If you use a GSPM preferred painting company and the work is unacceptable, GSPM will work directly with that vendor to correct the work at no additional cost to you.

Can I patch nail holes and perform touch-up painting myself?

Yes, but all work must be completed to a professional standard with proper texture, exact color match, sheen, and finish. Paint left behind may not match due to fading or age. Small differences often require repainting an entire wall, or adjoining walls, to achieve a uniform appearance. Corrective painting may be deducted from your security deposit. We recommend hiring a licensed painter. If you use a GSPM preferred painter and the work is unacceptable, GSPM will work directly with that vendor to correct the work at no additional cost to you.

Can I hire my own handyman?

Yes. Any handyman work must be approved by GSPM prior to work starting. Vendors must comply with GSPM vendor requirements before work begins, including Commercial General Liability Insurance, Workers’ Compensation Insurance (when required by law), a Contractor’s License (when required), and a Certificate of Insurance naming GSPM as an Additional Insured if requested. Work must meet the standards required by your Lease Agreement or additional work may be deducted from your security deposit. We recommend hiring a professional handyman company. If you use a GSPM preferred handyman company and the work is unacceptable, GSPM will work directly with that vendor to correct the work at no additional cost to you.

Maintenance Pro cannot be hired directly by residents and only performs work authorized by GSPM. Contact our office if you would like Maintenance Pro to perform work before move-out. If you use a GSPM preferred handyman and the work is unacceptable, GSPM will work directly with that vendor to correct the work at no additional cost to you.

What insurance is required for my vendor?

Depending on the work being performed, vendors may be required to provide Commercial General Liability Insurance, Workers’ Compensation Insurance (when required by law), a Contractor’s License (when required), and other documentation reasonably requested.

Why does my vendor have to name Golden State Property Management as an Additional Insured?

This helps protect everyone involved if an accident or property damage occurs while work is being performed.

What is considered ordinary wear and tear?

Ordinary wear and tear is the normal deterioration that occurs through everyday use. Examples include minor carpet wear, minor paint fading, and ordinary aging. Damage beyond ordinary wear and tear includes stains, large wall damage, broken fixtures, unauthorized alterations, and neglect, which may result in security deposit deductions.

It is also important to distinguish between ordinary wear and tear and cleaning. Ordinary wear and tear refers to the gradual deterioration of materials that occurs through normal use over time. Cleaning is different. Dirt, dust, grease, food residue, soap scum, debris inside drawers and cabinets, dirty appliances, dirty window tracks, and similar conditions are removable through cleaning and are not considered ordinary wear and tear.

Do I need to professionally clean the carpets?

If the carpets were professionally cleaned before your tenancy, they should generally be returned in a comparable professionally cleaned condition, excluding ordinary wear and tear. Review your Move-In Inspection and photographs. Professional carpet cleaning or damage beyond ordinary wear may result in charges.

Returning Possession

What happens if I leave personal belongings behind?

Personal property left behind will be handled in accordance with California law. Hauling or disposal costs may be deducted from your security deposit where permitted.

What happens if I lose my keys, garage remote, or access devices?

All unit keys, mail keys, remotes, fobs, parking permits, and access devices must be returned. Replacement or rekeying costs may be charged where appropriate.

Do I need to be completely moved out before returning the keys?

Yes. Returning the keys generally means you have surrendered possession. Remove all belongings and complete all cleaning and repairs first.

Can I schedule cleaners after returning the keys?

No. All vendor work should be completed before possession is returned.

What if I accidentally damage the property while moving out?

Notify your Property Manager immediately. Prompt communication may help resolve the issue before the final inspection. If you use a GSPM preferred moving company and they cause damage, GSPM will work directly with that vendor to correct the work at no additional cost to you.

Security Deposit

When will I receive my security deposit?

California law requires your Deposit Disposition Statement and any remaining security deposit to be mailed within 21 days after you return possession.

Can I attend the Final Walkthrough?

No. Residents may request an Initial Walkthrough before moving out. The Final Walkthrough occurs after possession has been returned and is part of GSPM’s documentation process.

What if I disagree with my security deposit charges?

We provide a secondary security deposit review process. Please review your Deposit Disposition Statement, Move-In Walkthrough, Initial Walkthrough (if applicable), Final Walkthrough, photographs, receipts, and invoices before contacting your Property Manager. If you have documentation that there were deductions made in error, please contact our office and we will provide you with the secondary review documentation.

Will I receive photographs?

When applicable, photographs documenting the property’s condition may be included with your Deposit Disposition Statement or provided upon request.

Can I receive my security deposit by direct deposit?

If available, direct deposit is generally offered only when there is a single leaseholder. Multiple leaseholders receive a paper check.

How are deposits handled when there are multiple leaseholders?

Unless otherwise agreed in writing by all parties, one security deposit refund is issued to all adult residents named on the lease, in accordance with the Lease Agreement and applicable law.

My roommate caused the damage. Am I still responsible?

Yes. Leaseholders are jointly responsible for the condition of the property and lease obligations.

What happens if I forget to cancel automatic rent payments?

Cancel recurring rent payments at least 14 days before moving out. GSPM cannot stop payments through your bank. If a payment is received after move-out, it will be reconciled after the funds have cleared the bank. Refund processing may take up to 14 days after the payment is received and clears.

What if I don't receive my security deposit in the mail?

Please allow sufficient time for mail delivery after your Deposit Disposition Statement has been mailed.

If your refund check has not been received 21 days after it was mailed, please contact our office and we will begin the replacement check process.

If you request that a replacement check be issued before the 21-day waiting period has passed, you will be responsible for:

  • Any bank stop-payment fees; and
  • A $75 administrative fee

These charges will be deducted from your security deposit refund.

Still Have Questions?

Please contact our office before returning possession. Asking questions before moving out can help avoid misunderstandings, delays, and unnecessary security deposit deductions.

Thank you for renting with Golden State Property Management. We appreciate the opportunity to serve you and wish you the very best in your new home.

Thank you for choosing a property managed by Golden State Property Management.