Move Out Processes
Our goal is to make the move-out process as clear as possible and help you avoid unnecessary charges.
MOVE-OUT & DEPOSIT RETURN CHECKLIST
This checklist is intended as a guide and does not replace or modify the requirements of your lease agreement. Your lease remains the controlling document.
KITCHEN & DINING AREA
- Remove all personal items and food debris.
- Wipe down cabinets and drawers (inside and out).
- Clean sink, faucet, and countertops.
- Stove: Clean top, front, & inside oven; replace drip pans if needed; pull away from wall, clean behind and underneath..
- Microwave & Dishwasher: Clean inside and outside completely.
- Refrigerator: Clean inside/out, pull away from wall, clean behind and underneath.
- Clean hood vents and ensure grease is removed.
- Sweep and mop solid surface flooring.
BATHROOMS
- Remove personal items (including toilet paper & supplies).
- Clean and sanitize toilet (bowl, seat, lid, and base).
- Scrub shower/tub, tile, grout, and showerhead.
- Clean sink, faucet, mirrors, and vanity counters.
- Wipe inside/outside of cabinet drawers and vanity doors.
- Clean exhaust fan, light fixtures, and switch plates.
- Sweep, mop, and scrub baseboards.
LIVING ROOM, BEDROOMS & HALLWAYS
- Remove all personal belongings.
- Vacuum carpets; sweep and mop hard surface floors.
- Clean windows, windowsills, and tracks.
- Dust blinds, light fixtures, ceiling fans, vents, and closets.
- Remove bugs from light globes and replace burned-out bulbs.
- Wipe down doors, handles, frames, light switches, and baseboards.
- Clean stairwell including railings, walls, and baseboards.
ENTRYWAY
- Remove all personal items.
- Wipe down interior and exterior of door, frame, and knob.
- Clean light fixtures and switch/outlet plates.
- Vacuum, sweep, or mop flooring.
MAINTENANCE & GENERAL ITEMS
- Replace furnace filter with correct size/type.
- Replace burned-out lightbulbs (appliances included).
- Replace broken window blinds with matching size/color.
- Patch, sand, and paint nail/screw holes or TV mount damage.
- Ensure all smoke/CO detectors are mounted with fresh batteries.
- Remove command strips, sticky hooks, and string lights carefully.
- Ensure trash is at curb for pickup (schedule large items).
- Check for missing/broken doorstops, handles, knobs, closet doors, screens, and damaged locks.
UTILITY ROOM & LAUNDRY
- Remove personal items, trash, and random clothing.
- Clean interior/exterior of washer and dryer; clean lint trap.
- Carefully pull out washer/dryer and sweep underneath.
- Leave front-load washer door OPEN (if applicable).
- Dust room, remove cobwebs, and clean light fixtures.
GARAGE, EXTERIOR, PORCH & PATIO
- Remove all personal belongings from garage, yard, and patio.
- Sweep out garage, porch, and patio; clean up oil spills.
- Lawn Care (if responsible): Mow, weed-eat, and clear debris.
- Remove all pet waste from exterior property and yard.
- Clean screen doors, glass, handles, and patio door tracks.
- Clean exterior light fixtures and remove dead bugs/cobwebs.
CLEANING, CARPET CLEANING & MAINTENANCE LEASE REQUIREMENTS
General Condition: Upon moving out, it the tenant does not leave the property in satistactory condition cleaning, repairs, and other restoration expenses will be deducted from the security deposit. If expenses
exceed the deposit, the remaining balance is owed to Cobalt Real Estate management.
Carpet Cleaning & Pet Enzyme: All carpeted areas must be protessionally steam cleaned. Renting a carpet cleaning machine is strictly prohibited. Tenants must submit a professional receipt via text (+1 646-759-0124) or email (oftice@cobaltreks.com). It pets resided in the home, a pet enzyme treatment
receive a prepaid receipt, we will schedule with the vendor at no additional cost to you.
Utilities & Lawn Care: Utilities must remain active in the tenant’s name through the final official lease end date. Early disconnection of utilities that are tenant responsibility violates your lease and will result in an administrative fee. Lawn maintenance (mowing, weed control, debris removal) must be completed prior to vacating if specified in your lease agreement.
APPROVED VENDORS LIST
Note: If Cobalt Real Estate Management has to schedule any cleaning or carpet cleaning on your behalf, a $60 scheduling fee + the cost of the vendor bill will be charged to the resident.
CLEANERS
Copper Hill Cleaning
(785) 313-0398
White Glove
(785) 340-2432
Caribbean Shine
(785) 209-4249
CARPET CLEANERS
Lease End Carpet Cleaning
785) 320-7651
Carpet Cleanse
(785) 776-1927
Holmes Carpet Cleaning
(785) 776-3851
LAWNCARE
Terrascapes
(785) 577-9301
Taussig Landscape
(785) 564-1727
Prairie Stone
(785) 776-7697
MAINT./PAINT
Titanium Painting & Const.
(785) 776-4984
D&I Repair
(785) 587-1922
Disclaimer: Tenants may complete cleaning or repairs themselves or hire their own vendor. However, all work must meet the specific move-out conditions required under the lease. If any work fails to meet these standards, it will be redone by a Cobalt-approved vendor at the tenant’s expense.
GENERAL REMINDERS
Move Out Timeline: All personal items and trash must be removed, keys returned, and the unit fully vacated, o later than 12:00 PM (Noon) on your lease end date. Failure to adhere to this timeline may result in c oldover fee per the lease agreement. We do have a dropbox for any after-hours/weekend drop offs
Key Return/Keyless Entry: All physical keys, garage remotes, mail keys, and key tobs must be returned to the office (3016 Fieldhouse Cir) in a labeled envelope. For keyless units, submit written confirmation that you have vacated along with your current door code.
Inspection & Report: Once fully vacated and keys are returned, Cobalt will complete a move-out inspection. The report will be emailed to you within 2-14 business days. You have 10 days from the date you receive the inspection report to submit a written dispute regarding any findings.
Deposit Return: Per Kansas law, security deposit dispositions and refunds are processed within 30 days of renancy end and possession return. A complete torwarding address must be provided tor the security-deposi lisposition/refund to be processed appropriately.
Key things to note: Lease
Step 1: Pre-Move-Out Preparation & Service Deadlines
- Carpet Cleaning Receipts: All carpeted areas must be professionally steam cleaned (DIY or rental machines are strictly prohibited). Receipts—including mandatory pet enzyme treatments if pets resided in the property—must be submitted via text (+1 646-759-0124) or email (office@cobaltreks.com)
on or before your last day. Note: The cleaning service itself can take place after you vacate, provided the receipt is submitted on time. - Utilities: Maintain active utility services in your name through your official lease end date. Disconnecting early violates your lease and incurs administrative fees.
- Exterior & Lawn Care: Complete any lease-required groundskeeping (mowing, weed control, trash removal) prior to departure.
Step 2: Property Cleaning & Restoration
- Cleaning & Repairs: Remove all trash and personal belongings, clean all interior spaces, and address minor tenant maintenance items (such as replacing HVAC filters, burnt-out lightbulbs, or damaged blinds).
- Hiring Vendors: You may complete cleaning/repairs yourself or hire outside help. If work fails to meet move-out standards, an approved vendor will be dispatched at your expense.
- Scheduling Assistance: If Cobalt schedules cleaning or carpet services on your behalf due to uncompleted items or missing receipts, a $60 scheduling fee + vendor cost will apply. Professional carpet cleaning is a requirement, based on the lease agreement.
Step 3: Key Return & Official Vacating
- Deadline: All personal items must be removed, keys returned, and the property fully vacated no later than 12:00 PM (Noon) on your lease end date to avoid holdover charges.
- Key Drop-Off: Return physical keys, remotes, and fobs in a labeled envelope to our main office (a secure drop box is available for after-hours/weekends). For keyless entry properties, submit written confirmation that you have vacated along with your door code.
Step 4: Post-Move-Out Inspection & Dispute Period
- Move-Out Inspection: Once keys are returned and the unit is fully vacated, Cobalt Real Estate Management will conduct a comprehensive move-out inspection.
- Inspection Report: You will receive a copy of the completed inspection report via email within 2 to 14 business days after move-out.
- 10-Day Dispute Window: Tenants have 10 days from the date the inspection report is received to submit a written dispute regarding any findings or notes in the report.
Step 5: Security Deposit Processing & Refunds
- 30-Day Processing Window: In accordance with Kansas state law, security deposit dispositions and any remaining refunds are processed and issued within 30 days following the end of your tenancy and return of possession.
- Forwarding Address: A complete and accurate forwarding address must be provided to Cobalt Real Estate Management to ensure your deposit itemization statement and refund check are delivered without delay.
On-Call Support
Available 24/7 for emergency needs in your home.