The end of your lease is approaching, and it’s almost time to move. One of the key things you might be concerned about is whether you’ll get your security deposit back. Our moving-out checklist details what typically needs to be cleaned in an apartment to help you get your security deposit returned. Review the move-out cleaning checklist below and make sure you have everything completed before you give your apartment keys back.
Why is a tenant move-out checklist important?
According to a survey, only 41% of renters get their security deposit back when they move out. [1] Since we all want to be in that group, thoroughly inspect every room and ask yourself: Is everything in working order? Is it clean? Is there any damage? Have there been changes made that need to be reversed? You’ll want to have a checklist to make sure everything is cleaned, inspected and in tip-top shape so you get your security deposit back, which could be worth one, two or even three month’s rent.
Move out cleaning checklist
Kitchen:
- Repair permanent appliances you may have damaged
- Clear any clogged drains
- Clean the sink and all countertops
- Wipe down the cabinets, pantries and shelves
- Clean inside and outside of the microwave, including the filter underneath
- Thoroughly clean the stove and oven — remove drip pans to clean bottom surface
- Wipe inside, underneath and behind the refrigerator
- Clean out the dishwasher, including around and inside the door
- Remove, donate or throw away the remaining food inside the fridge and freezer
- Turn off the ice maker
- Run ice cubes, salt and cold water through the garbage disposal to clean out remnants of food
- Remove grease, dust and dirt from the exhaust fan and overhead light
- Sweep and mop the kitchen floor
- Wipe the walls and backsplash — pay close attention to the areas around the stove for any food or grease remnants [2]
Bedroom:
- Once the furniture is moved out, make sure you dust, vacuum and mop
- Clean out the closets by removing any belongings
- If you painted during your lease, your lease may require you to paint the rooms in the original color
- Remove any temporary wallpaper
- Take out any nails, hooks, or mounts from the ceiling or walls
- Fill any of the holes you have created, or check your lease to see if this is necessary
- Clean or paint over any scuff marks your furniture has made on the walls [3]
Bathroom:
- Clean all mildew and mold
- Sanitize the bathtub, shower, sink and toilet
- Check that the toilet is working properly
- Clean the vanity, shelves and mirrors
- Wipe down the inside of drawers and cabinets
- Wash all tiles and clean grout
- Clean the exhaust fans
- Remove any hair from the drains
- Clean the inside and outside of the toilet
- Replace toilet seat or any broken tiles, if necessary
- Wipe off the countertops [2]
Living Room:
- Clean or repair any scuff marks on the walls or floor
- If you have a fireplace, check that you didn’t leave any wood or ash inside the fireplace
- Check to see if all furniture has been removed
- Dust, vacuum and mop the floors [3]
Additional apartment cleaning items:
- Make sure smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms are working — replace batteries, if necessary
- Replace the burnt-out light bulbs
- Clean all light fixtures, inside and out
- Clear out all belongings from the cabinets, closets, drawers, etc.
- Remove all outdoor belongings from the patio, deck, terrace, balcony, yard, etc.
- Clean the patio areas
- Make sure that all appliances are working correctly
- Take out any leftover trash and recycling
- Remove all moving boxes and supplies
- Turn off all the lights before leaving the apartment for the last time [2]
Once you’ve inspected, cleaned and removed everything from your unit, take pictures of each room for your records, as well as your landlord’s.
Are you getting ready to sign a new lease? One thing on that checklist should be protecting your belongings with renters’ insurance.
Sources:
[1] “6 Expert Tips to Get Your Security Deposit Back,” Aly J. Yale, realestate.usnews.com/real-estate/articles/things-renters-can-do-to-recoup-their-security-deposit (Accessed August 2024).
[2] “This Tenant Moving Out Checklist Will Help You Get Your Deposit Back,” Lexie Pelchen and Samantha Allen, forbes.com/home-improvement/moving-services/tenant-moving-out-checklist (Accessed August 2024).
[3] “Apartment Move-Out Checklist for Landlords,” american-apartment-owners-association.org/property-management/landlord-quick-tips/apartment-move-out-checklist (Accessed August 2024).
Disclaimer:
The information included is designed for informational purposes only. It is not legal, tax, financial or any other sort of advice, nor is it a substitute for such advice. The information may not apply to your specific situation. We have tried to make sure the information is accurate, but it could be outdated or even inaccurate in parts. It is the reader’s responsibility to comply with any applicable local, state or federal regulations. Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company, its affiliates and their employees make no warranties about the information nor guarantee of results, and they assume no liability in connection with the information provided. Nationwide and the Nationwide N and Eagle are service marks of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company. © 2024 Nationwide
