Guide · Roommates and shared living
When a Roommate Moves Out
A friendly, practical guide to notice, the lease, deposit shares, final bills and finding a new roommate, handled fairly and kindly.
Where to start
- You are the one leaving?
Work through the smooth exit checklist.
- You are staying?
Tie up the loose ends, then welcome someone new.
- Things getting tense?
Take a breath. See if the move out gets tense.
The short version
When a roommate moves out, the move itself is the easy part. The loose ends, like the lease, deposit and final bills, need the most care.
Give notice early, in writing, and read the lease together, since moving out doesn’t always end someone’s responsibility.
Agree in writing on the deposit share, final rent and how to split the last utility bills, prorated by the days each person lived there.
New roommates should apply and be added to the lease before moving in, with a move-in report for their room.
Rules differ from place to place, so a quick look at your lease and local rules is a good idea. We would love to help.
Four simple rules
- 1Give notice early, in writing
Tell your roommates and whoever manages the home as soon as you know, and follow the lease’s notice terms.
- 2The lease comes first
Moving out doesn’t always end your responsibility. Check how the lease handles someone leaving.
- 3Settle money in writing
Agree on the deposit share, final rent and last bills, and write it down with dates and amounts.
- 4Leave it the way you found it
Clean your room and share of common areas, return keys, and part as friends.
Steps for a smooth exit
From the guide. Tick each one as you go. Your ticks stay on this device. These are examples; your home may need others.
All done. You are leaving on good terms.
Loose ends to tie up
From the guide. Settle these before anyone leaves, all in writing. These are examples; your home may need others.
All done. Nobody is left with a surprise bill.
If the move out gets tense
- Take a breath. Moving is stressful for everyone, and most tension is about money and timing.
- Gather the facts: the lease, your roommate agreement, and any messages about the move.
- Talk at a calm time and focus on the numbers: rent, deposit share and final bills.
- Write down what you agree on, with amounts and dates, and share a copy with everyone.
- Ask whoever manages the home how they can help, especially with the lease and deposit.
- If you still can’t agree, a local mediation service, tenant association or attorney can help.
Numbers on paper calm conversations quickly.
Guides that go well with this one
How much do you remember?
4 quick questions from this guide, with a one line why for each. Totally optional, no sign in, and your answers are never saved.
Go deeper with The Perfect Move-Out Checklist Workbook
Simple, step by step checklists you can write in for moving out: giving notice, cleaning, the pre move out walk, deposits, renewals and more.
Keep the full guide handy
The PDF has everything: everyday habits, what to do when something goes wrong, common myths, helpful resources and plenty of real-world tips. Print it, save it or share it with anyone who could use it.
Download the PDFTake it with you
- Roommates and Neighbors Checklist PackThe Roommates and Neighbors checklists in one pack, fillable on screen or printable.See it in the shop
More guides
This guide shares general information to help you, and is not legal advice. Bunklow does not inspect properties or decide deposits.