This brochure has been developed by the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT), Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to assist you in a successful move across state lines. While most household moves go smoothly, FMCSA is concerned about consumers who experience difficulties in resolving disputes with household goods carriers (movers) – or worse, are defrauded by dishonest movers. We want you to be informed and aware of your options when choosing a reputable mover.

Protecting Your Household Goods: What if Something Is Lost or Damaged?

There’s a lot at stake when you move. There’s the money you’ll spend. The memories you’re taking from one place to another. And, your treasured possessions – furniture, family pictures and children’s toys. When you move, your personal property (including valuables) is loaded onto a moving truck. And while most moves go smoothly, accidents do happen and some items may be lost or damaged during shipment.

Do I have to tell my landlord I am moving if I have a written lease?
No. Your lease sets forth the date on which it ends, and you are supposed to move on that date unless you and your landlord agree to renew your lease agreement.

What if I do not have a written lease?
If you pay rent on a monthly basis, you must give your landlord 30 days written notice that you are moving out. Otherwise, you can be held liable for another month's rent. If you pay rent on a weekly basis, you give your landlord 7 days written notice that you are moving. Otherwise, you can be held liable for another week's rent. For more information, see the Leases and Subleases Guide.

Does my landlord have to give me him/her or anyone else's name, address and telephone number when I move into the apartment?
Yes. Your landlord must give you the names, addresses and telephone numbers of the:

• Owner or manager of the building; and
• Person who can receive, on your landlord's behalf, your notices and demands.

Must I have a written lease agreement?
No. You and your landlord may, if you want,enter into an oral lease agreement. If you have an oral agreement and pay rent on a monthly basis, you have a month-to-month tenancy which either you or your landlord can terminate with at least one month written notice. For more information, see the Leases and Subleases Guide.

Get a written estimate from several movers.
The estimate should be based on an actual inspection of your household goods.

Make sure the mover has insurance and is licensed by the proper authority.
For moves from one State to another, a U.S. DOT number is issued by FMCSA. You can double-check a mover's license on www.protectyourmove.gov. For moves within a State, requirements vary. Check with your State, county or local consumer affairs agency or your State attorney general.