Move-Out Cleaning Checklist: Get Your Security Deposit Back
Most deposit disputes come down to two things: cleaning and proof. Clean thoroughly, then document everything.
Before you start
- ☐ Find your move-in inspection report and photos. You're generally responsible for damage beyond normal wear and tear, not the wear itself.
- ☐ Read your lease for move-out rules (carpet cleaning, key return, notice).
- ☐ Ask your landlord whether they'll do a walk-through with you.
Kitchen
- ☐ Inside and outside the fridge and freezer (unplug only if the landlord agrees)
- ☐ Oven, stovetop, drip pans, range hood filter
- ☐ Cabinets and drawers, inside and out
- ☐ Sink, faucet and dishwasher filter
- ☐ Counters, backsplash and floors
Bathrooms
- ☐ Toilet, tub, shower and tile grout
- ☐ Mirror, sink and vanity drawers
- ☐ Exhaust fan cover
Every room
- ☐ Dust ceiling fans, light fixtures, blinds and baseboards
- ☐ Wipe switches, door handles and marks on walls
- ☐ Remove nails only if the lease says so; ask how they want holes handled
- ☐ Windows, sills and tracks
- ☐ Vacuum and mop floors
- ☐ Closets empty and wiped
Outside
- ☐ Balcony, patio, garage or storage unit emptied
- ☐ Trash removed according to the building's rules
Document it
- ☐ Take a dated video walking through every room
- ☐ Photograph appliances, floors, walls and any existing damage
- ☐ Take final meter readings
Return and request
- ☐ Return all keys, fobs and remotes, and get a receipt
- ☐ Give your forwarding address in writing and ask for the deposit back
- ☐ Note the deadline: state laws set how long a landlord has to return a deposit or send an itemized list of deductions, often between 14 and 60 days
If you disagree with deductions, reply in writing with your photos. Your state attorney general or a local tenant group can explain your options.
General information, not legal advice. Rules vary by state.
The Moving Day Binder includes a move-out and deposit page, plus a notice-to-vacate letter template.
Moving Day Binder — $14
18-page moving binder: 8-week countdown, mover comparison and interstate rights, change-of-address checklist, packing plan and a 150-box inventory. Instant download: PDF + DOCX + XLSX.
Get the Moving Day BinderFamily Paperwork Bundle — $34More guides
- Moving Checklist: An 8-Week Countdown That Actually Works
- Change of Address Checklist: Who To Notify When You Move
- How To Choose a Moving Company (and Avoid Moving Scams)
- Moving Budget Checklist: Costs People Forget
- Moving Packing List: Room by Room (Printable)
- Open-First Box Checklist: What To Pack for the First Night
- Setting Up Utilities When You Move: Checklist and Timeline
- Moving With Kids and Pets: A Practical Checklist
- First 30 Days After Moving: The New-Home Checklist