Spring is here, and that means the end of the semester is right around the corner. When living in a rented living space or dorm, it’s important to keep it clean and damage-free to ensure there are no charges when it comes to moving day. What are some ways students can achieve this?

The most important part of renting is constant communication and not being scared of reporting something that has been broken, Oaks Rentals property manager Geneva Masters said.

“I expect somebody to treat the property as if it was their own,” Masters said. “If not their own, as if it was their parents' house.”

Things happen, and if reported timely and efficiently, long-term damage can be prevented, making it easier for the tenant and owner, Masters said.

The most common items left behind once a renter moves out are personal items in the bathroom, Masters said. It is beneficial to remember to double-check the bathroom and drawers before moving out and account for items when spring cleaning.

Sophomore digital and integrated marketing communications major Adyson Mattingly said before moving out of a dorm, make sure to have all belongings and that the dorm room is left how it was found when first moved into. Be sure to use methods that are safe for the walls to hang things up, so there are no charges for chips in the paint.

“I have pulled some of the paint off the wall with a clear Command Hook, which I will never use again, because they are too sticky,” Mattingly said. “I still recommend Command Strips — just make sure they are the white ones and not the clear ones.”

When getting ready to transition from living on-campus to living off-campus or into a new space, remember, tenants should properly dispose of garbage, use reasonable care and not damage property, according to the Missouri Landlord-Tenant Law website.

To learn more about how to ensure getting back a deposit, visit the Moversville website.