Security deposits are a source of anxiety for a lot of renters — and that anxiety is usually rooted in uncertainty. What exactly are we looking for when we inspect a unit at move-out? What's the difference between normal wear and damage? How do you make sure you get your money back?
We want to be completely transparent about this process. The goal of a move-out inspection is never to find reasons to keep your deposit. Our goal is to return it to you in full — and we genuinely want to help you do that.
"The best move-out inspection is a boring one. The unit looks great, we hand the deposit back, and everyone moves on with their day."
Normal Wear and Tear vs. Damage
This distinction is the heart of every security deposit conversation. Wisconsin law, like most states, prohibits landlords from charging for normal wear and tear — it's recognized that people live in their homes, and some deterioration is expected and unavoidable over time. What we can charge for is actual damage beyond that standard.
| Normal Wear & Tear (No Charge) | Damage (Chargeable) |
|---|---|
| Small nail holes from picture hanging | Large holes in drywall |
| Minor scuffs or fading on walls | Crayons, paint, or stains on walls |
| Carpet worn down in walkways | Carpet stains, burns, or pet damage |
| Loose door handles from regular use | Broken doors, handles, or locks |
| Faded grout in bathroom tile | Broken or cracked tiles |
| Worn areas around light switches | Broken fixtures or outlets |
| Dust and minor grime | Heavy grease buildup, mold from neglect |
| Faded window blinds | Broken or bent blinds |
What We Look at During Move-Out
We go room by room and evaluate the same categories in each:
- Walls: Holes beyond small nail holes, scuffs that need repainting, writing or stains
- Floors: Scratches, stains, burns, pet damage, missing grout
- Appliances: Inside the oven, fridge, dishwasher — cleaned or not?
- Bathrooms: Mold/mildew, soap scum buildup, damaged fixtures
- Windows and blinds: Broken glass, bent blinds, screens
- Doors and locks: Function properly, no damage
- General cleanliness: Swept, mopped, wiped down
Your Move-Out Cleaning Checklist
The most common deductions are cleaning-related. A thorough clean before you hand over keys makes a huge difference. Here's what to hit:
Kitchen: Clean inside the oven and under the burners, wipe inside and outside the refrigerator, run the dishwasher with a cleaning tablet, wipe all cabinet fronts and countertops
Bathrooms: Scrub the toilet inside and out, clean the tub/shower including grout, wipe the vanity and mirror, clean the exhaust fan cover
Floors: Sweep or vacuum all floors, mop hard surfaces, vacuum carpets thoroughly
Walls and baseboards: Wipe baseboards, spot-clean any marks on walls, fill small nail holes with spackling paste
Windows: Wipe window sills, clean window tracks, remove any adhesive residue from command strips or hooks
General: Remove all personal belongings and trash, wipe all light switches and outlet covers, clean inside all closets
Protect Yourself From Day One
The single most important thing you can do to protect your deposit is document your unit's condition when you move in. Before you unpack a single box, do a walk-through and photograph everything:
- Any existing wall damage, scuffs, or stains
- Condition of carpet, floors, and tile
- Pre-existing appliance conditions
- Anything in the move-in inspection report that you notice and want documented
Upload or email us photos with timestamps so there's a shared record. This protects both of us and makes any move-out conversation much simpler.
Before your move-out date, you can request a pre-inspection walkthrough with us. We'll walk the unit together and flag anything that might lead to a deduction — giving you the chance to fix it before the final inspection. This is a great way to avoid surprises. Just contact us a couple of weeks before your move-out date to schedule it.
Wisconsin Deposit Return Timeline
Under Wisconsin law, we are required to return your security deposit (or a written statement of any deductions) within 21 days of your move-out date. Any deductions must be itemized with the specific reason and cost. We take this timeline seriously and aim to process returns as quickly as possible.
If you have questions about your deposit, your rights, or the move-out process at any point, please reach out. Transparency is important to us, and a clear conversation is always better than uncertainty.