Move-In Checklist

The first week sets the tone.

Work through these five stages in order. Most residents wrap the full move-in process inside seven days.

Before keys

7+ days before move-in

Confirm move-in date and time with your LPPM property manager
Read your full lease and save a digital copy
Pay first month's rent and security deposit (cleared funds required before keys)
Provide proof of renter's insurance ($100,000 liability minimum)
Schedule movers, elevator reservations, and parking if applicable
Submit your forwarding-address change to USPS at moversguide.usps.com
Order renter's insurance early — it's typically $15–$25/month and required before key release.

Utilities & services

3–5 days before move-in

Open electric account in your name (LADWP or local provider)
Open gas account in your name (SoCalGas, most Los Angeles properties)
Confirm water/trash responsibility per your lease
Schedule internet installation (Spectrum, Frontier, AT&T Fiber, or Starry)
Activate trash service if individually billed
Update your driver's license and vehicle registration to the new address
Coordinate utility start dates for the day before move-in to avoid a dark first night.

Move-in day

Day of

Meet your LPPM contact for key handoff and walkthrough
Receive keys, mailbox key, garage remotes, and any access fobs
Test every door lock with your keys before signing off
Locate the breaker box, water shut-off valve, and gas shut-off
Test smoke detectors and carbon-monoxide detectors
Confirm appliance operation — refrigerator, stove, dishwasher, washer/dryer
Take exterior photos of the property including landscaping condition

Document the property

Within 7 days

Photograph every wall, floor, ceiling, and fixture in every room
Record a slow walkthrough video with verbal narration of any existing wear
Note any chips, scuffs, stains, or damage on the move-in condition report
Photograph inside cabinets, appliances, closets, and behind doors
Document outdoor spaces — patio, balcony, yard, parking spot
Submit the completed condition report to your LPPM manager within 7 days
Save copies of all photos and the signed report to cloud storage
This single step is the most important deposit-protection move you'll make. Be thorough.

Set up your portal

First 14 days

Activate your AppFolio resident portal using the invite email
Enroll in autopay for monthly rent
Bookmark the maintenance request form on your phone
Save your property manager's email and our office number: 424-410-8008
Familiarize yourself with after-hours emergency procedures

Utility Setup Reference

Los Angeles utility providers, at a glance.

Most LPPM rentals use the providers below. Your lease specifies which utilities are tenant-paid.

Service	Provider	Where to set up
Electricity	LADWP	ladwp.com · 1-800-DIAL-DWP
Natural Gas	SoCalGas	socalgas.com · 1-877-238-0092
Water	LADWP / City	Often included — confirm with your lease
Internet	Spectrum / AT&T Fiber / Frontier	Check service availability by address before scheduling install
Trash	LA Sanitation / Athens	Typically included; confirm bin location and pickup day
Renter's Insurance	Lemonade / Geico / State Farm	$100K liability minimum required by lease

Move-Out Checklist

Leave it better than you found it.

Move-outs that follow this guide tend to receive substantially larger deposit refunds. Start 30 days out.

30 days out

Submit notice

Submit written 30-day notice through your AppFolio portal
Confirm your exact lease-end date with your LPPM manager
Schedule a pre-move-out inspection (optional, but recommended)
Review your original move-in condition report
Begin scheduling movers, cleaners, and donation pickups
Notify USPS of your forwarding address
Pre-move-out inspections are free and let you fix small issues before they become deposit deductions.

2 weeks out

Schedule services

Book professional move-out cleaning for the day after you're fully out
Schedule carpet cleaning if your unit has carpet (receipt required)
Arrange utility disconnection dates for the day after lease ends
Update banking, employer, DMV, and subscription addresses
Cancel or transfer renter's insurance
Return any borrowed items and library books

Deep clean every room

Last 24 hours

Walls — wipe scuffs, remove all nails and hooks, patch holes professionally
Floors — vacuum carpets, mop hard floors, no debris in corners or closets
Kitchen — degrease stove, oven, hood vent, and inside the fridge and freezer
Bathrooms — scrub tubs, toilets, sinks, grout, and mirrors; clean exhaust fans
Windows — wipe interior glass, sills, and tracks; close all blinds
Closets — empty completely, vacuum, wipe shelves and rods
Light fixtures — replace any burned-out bulbs with matching wattage
Smoke detectors — install fresh batteries
Cabinets and drawers — empty, wipe interior and exterior
Patio, balcony, or yard — sweep, remove personal items, clear drains
Hiring a professional cleaning service is the single biggest predictor of a full deposit return.

Final day

Move-out day

Remove every item — including items in closets, cabinets, and outdoor spaces
Take dated photos and video of every room, empty and cleaned
Set thermostat to 70°F (or per LPPM instruction)
Turn off all lights, fans, and faucets
Close and lock all windows and doors
Return all keys, garage remotes, mailbox keys, and access fobs
Confirm forwarding address with your LPPM manager for deposit refund
Sign and submit the move-out condition acknowledgment

Security Deposit

How your deposit actually works.

California law requires landlords to return deposits within 21 days, with itemized deductions. Here's how LPPM handles every step.

21-Day Rule

Itemized, transparent, on time.

California Civil Code §1950.5 requires landlords to return security deposits within 21 days of move-out, with a written itemization of any deductions and copies of receipts for any work over $125.

LPPM follows this to the letter. Every deduction is documented, photographed, and supported by a paid invoice.

Refund issued within 21 days of move-out
Itemized statement of every deduction
Photos and receipts for any work performed
Refund sent via check or ACH to your forwarding address

Normal wear and tear

Faded paint, minor carpet flattening in walkways, and small nail holes from picture hanging are typically not deductible.

Damage beyond wear

Large holes, pet damage, broken fixtures, stains, smoke residue, and unauthorized modifications are deductible.

Cleaning

If the unit isn't returned in the same level of cleanliness as move-in, professional cleaning costs are deducted.

Unpaid rent or fees

Any outstanding balance is settled from the deposit before any refund is issued.

Common Questions

Quick answers to common moves.

Can I move in early?

Sometimes. Early move-ins are at the property manager's discretion, depend on prior tenant turnover, and require pro-rated rent for the additional days. Ask your LPPM contact at least two weeks in advance.

What happens if I don't submit a condition report?

Without a documented move-in report, you may have a harder time disputing deductions at move-out. Always submit yours within the first seven days — even if everything looks perfect.

Do I need to repaint before moving out?

No. Painting is generally LPPM's responsibility. Don't attempt to touch up paint yourself — mismatched paint usually costs more to correct than the original spot. Just patch small holes neatly.

What if I break the lease early?

Early lease breaks are handled per your specific lease terms, generally including responsibility for rent until a qualified replacement tenant is in place plus a re-leasing fee. Contact your property manager as early as possible to discuss options.

How long does the deposit refund take?

California law requires return within 21 days of move-out. LPPM typically processes refunds within 14–18 days once final inspection and any invoiced work is complete.

Can I get help from LPPM for moving questions?

Yes. Email your property manager directly, submit a question through your AppFolio portal, or call 424-410-8008. Same-business-day responses on weekdays.

Move in and move out without the headache.

Your first 30 days, organized.

Leave the way you arrived.