Move-Out Cleaning Checklist to Ensure You Get Your Deposit Back

Move-Out Cleaning Checklist to Ensure You Get Your Deposit Back

Moving out? That security deposit suddenly becomes very real. Your landlord will not pass up an opportunity to keep your money, and cleaning issues are one of their favorite excuses. One dirty oven and one dirty baseboard can mean losing hundreds of dollars.

Professional move-out cleaning services help ensure you get your money back. At PureMaids, we have helped many tenants get their deposits back in full. Our philosophy: More moments, less mess. We do all the heavy cleaning while you deal with moving logistics.

Why Do Landlords Keep Deposits?

The lease says "return property in original condition." Well, to them, this means original condition means spotless. That scuff mark on the wall? They see it. Soap scum in the shower? They notice. Grease on the stovetop? Another reason to keep your money.

Most disputes between landlords and tenants are about cleaning, not damages. Your job is to make it spotless, so they cannot justify keeping anything.

Timestamp all photos of each room in good condition. This helps in case of disputes.

Room-by-Room Critical Cleaning Areas

Kitchen:

1. Oven interior, racks, and door
2. Inside fridge, including shelves and floors
3. Stovetop and range hood degreased
4. Inside cabinets
5. Counters and backsplash spotless

Bathrooms:

1. Toilet, including behind and under it
2. Shower and tub, including grout between tiles
3. Sink and vanity, including under it
4. Mirrors

Living Rooms:

1. Baseboards, entire perimeter
2. Light switches and outlets
3. Window sills and window tracks
4. Carpeting, vacuumed thoroughly
5. Walls, spot cleaned to remove marks

Often Overlooked:

1. Inside closets, floors and shelves
2. Light fixtures and ceiling fans
3. Air vents and air return vents
4. Behind appliances
5. Blinds, slats and all

Timing Your Clean

Start planning two days before your move-out date. This will give you buffer time.

48 Hours Before:

Start cleaning your kitchen and bathroom. These two take the most time. Don’t forget to clean inside appliances.

24 Hours Before:

Finish cleaning your bedroom and living room. Don’t forget to vacuum and mop all floors. Clean bathroom one last time.

Morning Of:

Take pictures of your cleaned house. Walk through with landlord if possible.

Don’t leave it until move-out day. You will be exhausted and won’t have time.

Zones People Miss

Walk through your house as if you were the landlord. Look at it from their point of view. Get on their level and check baseboards. Look up at light fixtures. Don’t forget to check inside cabinets.

1. Window tracks have some of the dirtiest stuff you will ever see. Vacuum and then wipe clean with a damp cloth.
2. Behind toilets have dust and dirt buildup. Use a small brush or damp cloth wrapped around a ruler.
3. Light switches have been touched every day for years. Chances are they are gross. Magic Erasers are amazing.
4. If your house has a dishwasher, clean it and run an empty cycle. Same with washing machines.

When to Hire Professionals

If you have time constraints, physical limitations, and your house is in disarray, hire maid cleaning services. Moving is stressful enough.

PureMaids is a maid cleaning service specializing in move in out cleaning for Toronto renters. We know what landlords check and clean accordingly.

When do you hire professionals? Hire us at least one week before your move-out date. Last minute is costly and availability is low. We recommend 3-5 hours for small apartments.

When you hire us, make sure you request move-out cleaning. Also, make sure they clean inside appliances, inside cabinets, and baseboards. Don’t forget to request what your lease says.

Getting your deposit back is not luck. It is planning and being meticulous. Whether you do it yourself or hire professionals, it is worth it financially.