Moving out: how roommates split the deposit and shared items
Roommate arrangements don't last forever; someone moves out and a new person arrives. Moving out is when most money disagreements happen: who gets the deposit, who keeps the shared things and who pays the final bills?
Below is the moving-out process step by step, with a checklist.
1. The leaving roommate gives notice
Notice of at least a month gives the others time to find someone and keeps the rent from being left uncovered. We suggest writing the notice period into your house rules.
2. How the deposit is handled
The deposit is usually part of the lease with the landlord. There are two common ways to deal with it:
- If someone new moves in: the newcomer pays the leaving person's deposit share and the leaver is repaid by them.
- If nobody moves in: the deposit is returned when the lease ends, and the leaver is repaid then, or the others pay up front and settle later.
Whichever route you choose, put it in writing before the person leaves.
3. Shared belongings
For things bought together (washing machine, TV, kitchen gear) there are three options:
- The remaining roommates buy it: decide the item's current value and pay the leaver's share.
- The leaver takes it: they take the item and pay the others their share.
- The newcomer takes it over: the new person pays a share of the old value.
To set the value, look at second-hand prices or agree a fair number together.
4. Final bills and balances
- Pay rent and bill shares up to the leaving date; if a bill hasn't arrived, set aside an estimate.
- If bills are in the leaver's name, discuss transferring or closing the accounts.
- Settle all debts and credits; work out the net balance on the way out.
5. Handover and checklist
- Record the room and common areas with photos.
- Hand back the keys.
- Make sure all personal belongings are collected.
- Check that the balance and deposit are settled.
- Tell your roommates and the landlord in writing that you are leaving.
This guide is general information, not legal advice. For deposit and lease matters, check your lease and, if needed, speak to a qualified professional.
Example: a leaving roommate's final account
Sam leaves on the 20th (example). Their final settlement works out like this:
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Rent share (20 days) | $433 |
| Utilities (20 days) | $27 |
| Shared groceries owed | $9 |
| Advance already paid | -$30 |
| Total they pay | $439 |
Their deposit share is recorded separately and returned when the newcomer pays theirs. Rent can be calculated by day, or your house rules can say the full month is owed.
If you disagree
- For numbers, go to the records (bills, receipts, payment log).
- For item values, check second-hand prices and agree on an average.
- If you can't agree, bring in a mutual friend as a mediator.
- For large deposit disputes, check the lease and speak to the landlord.
Closing the account in the app
In Ev Ortağım, when a housemate leaves, their balance at that moment is saved with the others and the joining and leaving records appear in the history. That gives you a ready answer to "how much did they owe?".
Frequently asked questions
Who pays the deposit when a roommate moves out?
If someone new joins, they usually take over the leaver's share. If nobody joins, the deposit is returned when the lease ends and the leaver is paid then.
Who keeps shared items when a roommate leaves?
Three routes: the others buy it, the leaver takes it and pays their share, or the newcomer takes over. Agree the route in writing beforehand.
How much notice should a roommate give?
Usually a month. Writing the period into your house rules and having everyone agree avoids problems.