Back to: Landlord Success: Proven Strategies & Practical Advice for Stress – Free Property Management
MOVE-OUT CLEANING & INSPECTION CHECKLIST:
Property Address: ____________________________________
Tenants Name: ______________________________________
Move-Out Date: _____________________________________
Tip: Many of these deep cleaning tasks can be completed well in advance of your move-out date. Getting a head start will make the final cleaning process much easier and less stressful.
General Cleaning (All Rooms)
☐ Wash all dirty marks and scuffs from walls, doors, ceilings, and inside closets and shelves.
☐ Have all carpets professionally cleaned (provide receipt if required).
☐ Clean windows, including window frames, tracks, and sills.
☐ Vacuum carpets or rugs thoroughly.
☐ Sweep and mop all floors (damp mop hardwood floors).
☐ Dust and wipe out heat registers and vents.
☐ Clean baseboards and molding.
☐ Dust and clean light fixtures and ceiling fans.
☐ Vacuum and wipe dust from blinds.
☐ Dust or vacuum all curtains and drapes.
Kitchen
☐ Stove & Oven:
- Thoroughly clean stove, including burners, drip pans, and under the elements.
- Clean the oven (including oven racks, broiler pan, and door).
- Wipe down the range hood, including the filter.
☐ Refrigerator & Freezer:
- Defrost (if necessary) and clean inside and outside of fridge and freezer.
- Wash all shelves, drawers, and ice trays.
- Move the fridge out and clean underneath and behind it.
☐ Cabinets & Countertops:
- Clean and wipe all kitchen cabinets and drawers inside and out.
- Wipe down all countertops and backsplashes.
☐ Other:
- Clean the sink and polish fixtures.
- Wipe down dishwasher (inside and out).
- Remove and clean any grease or splatters from walls or ceilings.
Bedroom #1
☐ Wash all dirty marks and scuffs from walls, doors, ceilings, closets, and shelves.
☐ Clean windows, including window frames, tracks, and sills.
☐ Vacuum carpets or rugs thoroughly.
☐ Sweep and mop floors (damp mop hardwood floors).
☐ Dust and wipe out heat registers and vents.
☐ Wipe down baseboards and molding.
☐ Vacuum and wipe dust from window blinds.
☐ Dust or vacuum all curtains and drapes.
☐ Dust and clean light fixtures and ceiling fans.
Bedroom #2
☐ Wash all dirty marks and scuffs from walls, doors, ceilings, closets, and shelves.
☐ Clean windows, including window frames, tracks, and sills.
☐ Vacuum carpets or rugs thoroughly.
☐ Sweep and mop floors (damp mop hardwood floors).
☐ Dust and wipe out heat registers and vents.
☐ Wipe down baseboards and molding.
☐ Vacuum and wipe dust from window blinds.
☐ Dust or vacuum all curtains and drapes.
☐ Dust and clean light fixtures and ceiling fans.
Bedroom #3
☐ Wash all dirty marks and scuffs from walls, doors, ceilings, closets, and shelves.
☐ Clean windows, including window frames, tracks, and sills.
☐ Vacuum carpets or rugs thoroughly.
☐ Sweep and mop floors (damp mop hardwood floors).
☐ Dust and wipe out heat registers and vents.
☐ Wipe down baseboards and molding.
☐ Vacuum and wipe dust from window blinds.
☐ Dust or vacuum all curtains and drapes.
☐ Dust and clean light fixtures and ceiling fans.
Bedroom #4
☐ Wash all dirty marks and scuffs from walls, doors, ceilings, closets, and shelves.
☐ Clean windows, including window frames, tracks, and sills.
☐ Vacuum carpets or rugs thoroughly.
☐ Sweep and mop floors (damp mop hardwood floors).
☐ Dust and wipe out heat registers and vents.
☐ Wipe down baseboards and molding.
☐ Vacuum and wipe dust from window blinds.
☐ Dust or vacuum all curtains and drapes.
☐ Dust and clean light fixtures and ceiling fans.
Bathrooms
☐ Wash all walls, doors, ceilings, and shelves.
☐ Clean windows, frames, and sills.
☐ Vacuum or sweep floors, then mop thoroughly.
☐ Scrub and disinfect bathtub, shower, tile walls, toilet, and sink.
☐ Clean and polish all fixtures and mirrors.
☐ Clean grout and caulking; remove mold/mildew stains.
☐ Wipe down inside and outside of all cabinets and drawers.
☐ Remove any hair or debris from drains.
Laundry/Utility Room
☐ Clean washer and dryer (inside and out, including lint trap).
☐ Sweep and mop floors.
☐ Wipe hot water tank and furnace (if accessible and visibly dirty).
☐ Wash walls, doors, and shelves.
☐ Clean windows and sills.
Garage & Exterior Areas
☐ Wipe down exterior doors and mailbox.
☐ Clean windows.
☐ Sweep or vacuum the garage (use a leaf blower if needed).
☐ Return all landlord items to their proper place (lawnmower, rake, shovels, etc.).
Yard & Outdoor Responsibilities
☐ Mow the lawn, trim the edges, and rake leaves.
☐ Shovel snow (if applicable).
☐ Clean flower beds (if moving out at the end of the season).
☐ Remove any pet waste from the yard.
☐ Remove all personal items and garbage.
☐ Clean out the garden shed.
☐ Ensure all garbage and recycling is in the correct bins.
☐ Place city garbage bins in the alley for pickup.
Repairs & Maintenance Issues
Please list any necessary repairs or maintenance concerns (e.g., leaky faucets, hot water tank issues, window leaks, etc.):
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
Important Notice to Tenants
- The landlord may deduct charges from your security deposit for any cleaning responsibilities left incomplete upon move-out.
- Current market rates for cleaning services start at $100 per hour.
- Normal wear and tear is acceptable, but the property must be left in a clean and presentable condition.
- You will be charged for any damage beyond normal wear and tear.
- For further information on your move-out responsibilities, contact your local Landlord and Tenant Advisory Board.