Researchers in psychology have determined that next to the loss of a spouse or child, making a move produces the highest stress in an individual.  No wonder that as a tenant nears the end of the lease, there is a different set of dynamics than any other time during the lease. Other than trying to vacate by the moveout date, the biggest concern most tenants have is if they are going to get their deposit back.

    The short answer is that the tenant is entitled to all of the deposit, less any previously agreed deductions (such as professional carpet cleaning) and less any outstanding balances for rent, repairs, and charges to make the unit ready for the next tenant.

    The long answer (and the more accurate answer) is found in the lease terms, which include the landlord's rules and regulations.

    Tenants are advised to reread the lease in preparation for moveout.  If they don't follow the agreement they signed, they might incur otherwise unnecessary charges and other unwanted surprises.

    For example, utilities are to be left on until checkout.  If the landlord has to turn on utilities because the tenant had them turned off prior to checkout, then the tenant will be charged the cost of putting the utilties in the landlord's name, plus the fee agreed in the lease to get them turned on.

    Leases contain particular agreements relating to the last thirty days of the lease that are different during the rest of the lease term. For example, a tenant may be required to keep the grass greener during the lease marketing time.  During the last thirty days,  the property is available for showing by licensed Realtors, and the tenant should expect phone calls for showing appointments during the day and early evening.

    Sometimes the lease calls for work to be done professionally, such as cleaning the carpet at moveout.  Because moving adds so much stress to one's life, and because making the property ready for the next tenant is strictly enforced, often it's simply better for the tenant to hire professionals.  Following are providers who do a fine job, and who we've found to be quite reasonable in their charges:
 

Strictly Steam  Carpet Cleaning 282-7454 ofc, 479-9153 vp
Orsack Lawn Service 512-360-2300
Sunn Window Cleaning 444-5505, 970-1525
BusyBodies Cleaning 821-2131
Laura's Cleaning 694-2547
Ashley's Cleaning 659-1040