How to Use the Pre-Move vs Post-Move Repair Cost Calculator
Before moving out, if there's damage like scuffed paint, nail holes, or scratched flooring, it's common to wonder whether to hire someone to fix it yourself before handing back the keys, or simply move out and let the landlord deduct the repair cost from your deposit. This calculator compares the estimated cost of both paths and shows which one is cheaper and by how much.
For the pre-move option, get a quote from a contractor for the specific repairs needed — painting, wallpaper, flooring, and so on — and enter that total. For the deposit deduction option, enter what the landlord or property manager typically charges for similar repairs. Landlord-side quotes tend to run higher than what you'd pay hiring a contractor directly.
Don't just look at the dollar amount — repairing it yourself takes time and effort to find a contractor and schedule the work. Letting it come out of your deposit is more convenient, but you may have less leverage to dispute the charge, so it helps to have your lease and move-in photos on hand just in case.
Frequently Asked Questions
Hiring your own contractor is often cheaper than what a landlord charges, but if the callout fee is high relative to a small repair, you could end up paying more.
Landlords or property managers typically get their own repair quote and bill you for it, and that quote is often higher than what you'd pay by hiring someone yourself.