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Move-Out Cleaning Checklist: What Landlords Actually Inspect

Getting your security deposit back starts with knowing exactly what landlords look for during a move-out inspection. Here’s a room-by-room breakdown of the most commonly flagged items—and the details that often trip tenants up.

Kitchen

  • Inside the oven and under the burners

  • Inside and behind the refrigerator

  • Cabinet interiors and drawer liners

  • Under the sink and around the drain

  • Grease buildup on the range hood

  • Dishwasher interior (filter and debris)

  • Microwave interior (no baked-on food)

  • Pantry and shelving (wiped clean, no crumbs)

Bathrooms

  • Grout and caulk around the tub and shower

  • Inside and behind the toilet

  • Toilet base and seal (no wax or mold buildup)

  • Mildew on shower curtains or doors

  • Inside medicine cabinets

  • Sink, faucet, and soap scum

  • Exhaust fan (dust-free and working)

Bedrooms & Living Areas

  • Marks on walls, nail holes, scuffs, and tape residue

  • Carpet stains, odors, and sticky residue

  • Dust on ceiling fans and light fixtures

  • Window tracks, sills, glass, and blinds

  • Baseboards and door frames (no kicks or scuffs)

  • Light switches and door frames

  • All bulbs working

Whole Home & Common Areas

  • No lingering odors (smoke, pet, cooking)

  • Clean baseboards, trim, and door frames

  • Dust-free vents and clean/replaced HVAC filters

  • Spotless windows, glass, and blinds

  • All lights working with no broken switches

  • Closets wiped clean, floors free of dirt

  • Basement/garage floors swept, no oil or chemical stains

  • No trash, personal items, or belongings left behind

Landlords also check for clean drawers, cabinets, and under-sink areas, as well as working exhaust fans, clean air filters, and no sticky floors or residue. We here to help so you can pass the move-out inspection with confidence.

We offer a move-in/move-out cleaning service. Book yours today and move with confidence.


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