Moving out of a home can be quite stressful for both the tenants and the landlords. Another crucial consideration is ensuring the property has been cleaned and prepared for new occupants.

A thorough move-out cleaning is essential because it allows tenants to get their security deposit back and allows landlords to list the property faster.

Below is a checklist that will help you undertake the most important tasks when moving out as a tenant or when you are a landlord preparing a rental house for occupancy.

Tenant Move Out Checklist

As a tenant, you must leave the property in a clean condition to receive the security deposit back. Below is a detailed checklist to help you perform a top-to-bottom clean as part of a tenant cleaning before you hand over the keys.

Clean the Kitchen

The kitchen is usually the first place that is inspected when it comes to move-out cleaning. Pay attention to the following:

Appliances: Clean the oven, stovetop, and microwave. Make sure there is no leftover grease or food particles on the surface. Wipe inside and outside the refrigerator and ensure no food remains in it.

Cabinets and Drawers: Wipe the interior and exterior of all the cabinets and drawers. Remove crumbs or stains and make sure there are no spills.

Sink and Countertops: It is, therefore, essential to clean the sink, faucet, and countertops to at least scratch-free condition. All stains and watermarks should be cleaned to give them a polished look.

The Bathroom Needs a Good Scrub

When settling as a tenant, the bathroom should be spotlessly clean if you want a full deposit. Here’s what you should tackle:

Shower and Bathtub: You have to scrub the shower or bathtub together, ensuring that you reach the corners, the grout lines, and the shower head. Remove the soap scum and the mildew as well.

Toilet: Clean the toilet bowl, seat, and surrounding area. Do not forget the flush handle and other parts that gather dust.

Mirrors and Fixtures: Wipe off the mirrors, lights, and any other part of the house that needs cleaning. Polish the faucets with hard water stains.

Dust and Vacuum Every Room

Every room must be dusted and vacuumed, focusing on baseboards, vents, and corners where dust most likely accumulates. If the floor is hardwood, clean it with a broom and a mop. Do not neglect the following:

Clean Ceiling Fans: Wipe the blades of the ceiling fans using a damp cloth to ensure they will not spread dust all over the room when turned on.

Vacuum Carpets: If your home has carpets, vacuum every nook and cranny of the room. If there are stains on the carpet, it is better to use a carpet cleaner.

Dust All Surfaces: Make sure that all the surfaces of the shelves, the light fittings, and the furniture have been dusted.

Windows and Window Sills

The inside and exterior of the windows should be clean, and there should be no dirt on the window sill. Here’s how:

Clean the Glass: To clean the windows, you can use a window cleaner or mix vinegar and water to clean the windows. Make sure that you wipe off all the marks.

Dust the Sills: When dusting, you should also pay close attention to the window sills since they tend to collect dust, dirt, and even spider webs.

Check for Damage and Report Issues

Before leaving, make sure you check for any damage or issues that could affect your security deposit:

Repair Small Damages: You should cover any gaps on the walls and repaint walls and doors where there are scratches.

Report Major Issues: If there is serious damage, it is wise to notify the landlord in advance instead of being held liable later.

Landlord Move-Out Checklist

Landlords are also responsible for leaving the property clean and inviting for the next tenant. Here’s how to make the transition as smooth as possible:

Conduct a Walkthrough Inspection

First, you should check the property and check for any issues that may need fixing before the cleaning process. Inspect the property for any damage or wear and tear left by the previous tenants. Pay special attention to the following:

Walls and Floors: Check the wall for holes, stains, scuff marks, and the floor condition.

Appliances: Check all the appliances to see if they are still functioning properly and if there are still items left inside the refrigerator and other cabinets.

Plumbing and Electrical: Check all the plumbing fixtures and the electrical outlets to confirm that they are in good condition for use.

Clean the Areas in the Common Use

The areas of the property which are most accessible should be cleaned to the highest standards possible. This includes:

Hallways and Entryways: Clean the floors of these areas using a broom and then a mop to ensure no dirt or spices are brought into the house.

Stairways: If applicable, make sure that the stairs are free from dust and any other debris on the surface.

Lighting: Wipe off all the light fixtures, including the chandeliers and ceiling fans, to make sure that there is no dust on them.

Perform a Full Kitchen Deep Clean

The kitchen is usually one of the most important areas that new tenants would like to see clean. It is advisable to ensure that:

Clean Appliances: Clean the oven, the stovetop, the refrigerator, the microwave, and the dishwasher. There are still some marks or fingerprints that need to be removed from the surface as well as the grease stain.

Cabinets and Countertops: Clean all surfaces, including the countertops, the backsplash, and the inside of the cabinets.

Sink: Clean the sink, faucet, and garbage disposal and make sure that no bad smell is coming out of them.

Bathroom Detailing

Bathrooms should be in good condition when new tenants are moving in hence the importance of cleaning them well. Be sure to:

Clean the Shower/Bathtub: Remove or wipe away the stains or marks of the mildew, soap scum, or mildew from the shower area or the bathtub.

Disinfect the Toilet: Wash the inside and outside of the toilet, as well as the flush handle.

Polish Mirrors and Fixtures: Wipe the mirrors and faucets to remove any water stains or marks.

Touch Up Walls and Floors: When the tenants move out, it is possible that there may be some marks or scratches on the walls and floors. You should paint where necessary, most especially on the parts of the house that are often occupied. Make sure that the floor is clean, whether it is hardwood, tiled, or carpeted.

Hiring a Professional Cleaning Service

If you want to ensure that the property is spotless and you do not want to deal with cleaning it, consider hiring a professional cleaning service.

Our cleaning team handles everything, including dusting, vacuuming, and a deep clean of the kitchen and bathrooms. We can also help with other issues, such as cleaning the carpets or dealing with stains.

How a Move Out Cleaning Checklist Helps Secure Your Security Deposit

Proper cleaning is a must when you are a tenant moving out or when a landlord is preparing the property for new tenants.

With this move-out checklist, the tenant and the landlord can be assured of a smooth transition.

This is useful to secure the return of a security deposit and impress the following renters.

Ensure Your Property Shines with NW Maids Cleaning Services

If you are looking for a house cleaning service, consider NW Maids. We offer cleaning services to tenants and landlords to guarantee the property is spotless, and tenants can confidently claim their security deposit.

They will help you with the move-out cleaning with great attention to detail, giving you more time to do other things.

For more information or to schedule your cleaning service, visit NW Maids.

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