Move-Out Cleaning Checklist: How to Get Your Security Deposit Back

Moving out is exhausting, and cleaning is usually the last thing on the list. It is also the step that most often decides how much of your security deposit comes back. A landlord or property manager walks the unit with one question in mind: is this the way it was when the tenant moved in, apart from normal wear and tear?

This checklist covers what to clean, in the order that saves the most time, and what tends to get tenants charged.

Before you start: set yourself up

• Empty the unit first. You cannot clean around boxes. Clean only after the last item is out.
• Read your lease and move-in report. Many leases list cleaning standards. Compare the unit to any move-in photos or condition report you have.
• Gather supplies: all-purpose cleaner, degreaser, glass cleaner, disinfectant, scrub brushes, microfiber cloths, a mop, a vacuum, a step stool, trash bags and magic erasers.
• Work top to bottom, back to front. Dust falls, so do ceilings and light fixtures before floors, and finish at the door.

Kitchen

• Oven: remove racks, spray oven cleaner, let it sit, then scrub and wipe out. This is the single most-charged item.
• Stovetop and range hood: degrease burners, drip pans and the filter.
• Refrigerator: empty it, remove shelves and drawers, wash them, wipe seals and defrost the freezer if needed. Leave it clean and odor-free.
• Cabinets and drawers: wipe inside and out, including tops where grease collects.
• Microwave, dishwasher and sink: clean the interior, run a vinegar cycle if there is residue, scrub the sink and shine the faucet.
• Counters and backsplash: degrease and disinfect.

Bathrooms

• Scrub the tub, shower walls and tile. Remove soap scum and mildew from grout.
• Descale the shower head and faucets.
• Clean and disinfect the toilet, including the base and behind it.
• Wipe the vanity, mirror and inside the cabinet.
• Clean exhaust fan covers, which collect dust quickly.

Bedrooms and living areas

• Dust ceiling corners, vents, ceiling fans and light fixtures.
• Wipe baseboards, door frames and window sills. Baseboards are another frequent deduction.
• Clean closet shelves and rods.
• Remove scuffs and marks from walls with a damp cloth or magic eraser. Do not scrub paint off.
• Clean windows inside, tracks included, and wipe blinds slat by slat.
• Wipe light switches, outlet covers and door handles.

Floors last

• Hard floors: sweep or vacuum, then mop, including corners and under where appliances were.
• Carpet: vacuum thoroughly. Stains, pet odors and heavy traffic wear are where a professional carpet cleaning pays for itself, and many leases require it.

The final walkthrough

Do one last loop with a flashlight and your phone. Open every cabinet, drawer and closet. Take dated photos of each room once it is clean; they are your best evidence if there is a dispute later. Take out all trash and leave nothing behind.

What landlords commonly charge for

• A dirty oven, refrigerator or bathroom
• Greasy cabinets and range hoods
• Stained or smelly carpet
• Left-behind belongings or trash
• Unremoved nails, tape and wall residue

Cleaning charges are usually based on what it costs the landlord to bring the unit back to move-in condition, which is often more than doing it yourself or hiring a professional beforehand.

Know your rights as a Maryland renter

In general, Maryland landlords must return a security deposit, along with an itemized list of any deductions, within 45 days after the tenancy ends, and tenants can usually request a walk-through inspection before moving out if they give proper written notice. Rules and notice periods can change, so check the current Maryland landlord-tenant guidance or your local housing office. This is general information, not legal advice.

When to hire a professional move-out cleaner

If you are short on time, juggling a closing date or simply do not want to scrub an oven at midnight, a professional move-out clean is often worth it. A good crew works from a checklist like this one, brings its own supplies and finishes in hours instead of a full weekend. Ask for written scope, make sure the company is insured and book early; the last days of the month fill up fast.

Frequently asked questions