TemplateMove-out cleaning checklist for landlords.
Set clear standards, protect deposits, and move the next tenant in faster. Use this checklist with pre- and post-clean photos so expectations are clear for residents and vendors.
Deposit protectionVendor-readyPhoto documentation
Room-by-room list
Hand this to cleaners or maintenance. Ask for timestamped photos when each room is finished.
Kitchen
- Degrease range hood and backsplash; wipe cabinet doors and pulls.
- Deep clean oven, stovetop, microwave (inside/out), and fridge (empty drip pans).
- Scrub sink, faucet base, and garbage disposal; polish stainless steel.
- Empty and wipe cabinets, drawers, and pantry shelving; sweep and mop floors.
Bathrooms
- Descale shower walls, doors, tub, and grout; replace failing caulk.
- Clean toilet base, behind the toilet, and hinges; replace seat if damaged.
- Polish mirrors, fixtures, towel bars, and lighting globes.
- Empty vanity and medicine cabinet; disinfect handles; mop floors.
Living & bedrooms
- Dust ceiling fans, vents, blinds, and baseboards; clean switch plates.
- Patch nail holes where reasonable; remove adhesive hooks carefully.
- Wipe closets, shelving, and door tracks; vacuum and mop floors.
- Test all lights; replace burned-out bulbs with consistent color temp.
Appliances & systems
- Clean washer gasket and detergent tray; run a tub clean cycle if needed.
- Clear dryer lint trap and exterior vent; wipe exterior surfaces.
- Replace HVAC filter; wipe returns; test smoke/CO alarms.
- Check disposal splash guard, dishwasher filter, and fridge water filter dates.
Photo checklist
Photos reduce deposit disputes. Capture before and after for each room.
- One wide shot per room from each corner, plus any damage close-ups.
- Inside of fridge/freezer, oven racks, microwave, dishwasher filter area.
- Inside cabinets and drawers (kitchen, bath, closets) after they’re emptied.
- Entry locks, windows, and blinds to show condition before the next tenant.
Supplies to stage
Stage a caddy so cleaners do not pause turnover to shop for materials.
- Degreaser and stainless steel polish
- Tub/tile cleaner and grout brush
- Magic eraser, microfiber cloths, and scrub pads
- Vacuum with crevice tool and a flat mop
- Fresh HVAC filter, light bulbs, and caulk