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End of Lease Cleaning Checklist: Landlord Inspection Ready

15 items

End-of-lease cleaning determines how much of your security deposit you get back. Landlords use detailed inspection forms, and they know where tenants cut corners. This checklist covers every item on a standard landlord inspection so you leave the property in return-ready condition.

  1. 1

    Oven: Clean interior, racks, door, and glass

    The number one landlord deduction. Remove racks, soak them, apply oven cleaner to the interior, and scrub until every surface shines.

  2. 2

    Refrigerator: Clean interior, shelves, drawers, and gaskets

    Remove and wash all removable parts. Wipe walls, ceiling, and floor of the interior. Clean the rubber gasket where mold hides.

  3. 3

    Stovetop and range hood: Degrease completely

    Remove burner grates and clean individually. Degrease the range hood and soak the filter until grease-free.

  4. 4

    Kitchen cabinets: Clean inside and out

    Empty everything, wipe all shelves, clean door fronts, and degrease handles.

  5. 5

    Kitchen sink and faucet: Remove all stains

    Scrub stainless or porcelain sinks to remove stains. Polish the faucet. Clear the drain.

  6. 6

    All bathrooms: Remove all mold and mildew

    Caulking, grout, shower corners, behind toilet, and under sink. Use mold remover and scrub thoroughly.

  7. 7

    Bathroom fixtures: Descale and polish

    Showerheads, faucets, and handles should be free of mineral buildup and water spots.

  8. 8

    All windows: Clean glass, frames, and tracks

    Vacuum tracks, scrub with soapy water, and clean glass on the inside. Some leases require exterior cleaning too.

  9. 9

    All walls: Remove marks and patch holes

    Wipe fingerprints and scuffs with a Magic Eraser. Fill nail holes with spackle, sand smooth, and touch up paint.

  10. 10

    Baseboards and door frames: Wipe clean

    Walk every room with a damp cloth wiping all baseboards and door trim. These are commonly inspected.

  11. 11

    Light fixtures and switches: Clean and check bulbs

    Remove light covers and wash them. Wipe switch plates. Replace any burned-out bulbs.

  12. 12

    Carpets: Professional clean or deep shampoo

    Many leases require professional carpet cleaning. Get a receipt as proof. If DIY, rent a carpet extractor and do thorough passes.

  13. 13

    Closets: Vacuum and wipe all surfaces

    Empty, vacuum floors, wipe shelves and rods. Remove any hooks or items you added.

  14. 14

    Exterior and balcony: Sweep and clean

    Sweep balconies and porches. Clean the front door exterior. Remove any personal items from outdoor areas.

  15. 15

    Document with photos and video

    Photograph every room, every appliance interior, and any pre-existing damage. This is your proof against unfair deductions.

Bottom Line

Invest the time in a thorough end-of-lease clean -- it directly protects your money. A full day of cleaning can save you hundreds in deposit deductions. Take documentation seriously and keep copies of everything.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can landlords legally deduct from my deposit?
Cleaning costs for conditions beyond normal wear and tear. Dirty ovens, stained carpets, mold, and unreasonable dirt are common legitimate deductions.
Is professional end-of-lease cleaning worth it?
If the cleaning cost is less than your potential deposit deduction, yes. Many cleaners specialize in end-of-lease and guarantee bond return.
What is normal wear and tear?
Minor scuffs on walls, small nail holes (in many jurisdictions), faded paint, and worn carpet in traffic areas. Landlords cannot charge for these.
Should I be present during the final inspection?
Always attend if possible. You can address any concerns immediately and dispute unfair claims on the spot.
What cleaning products do I need for end-of-lease cleaning?
Oven cleaner, mold remover, degreaser, all-purpose cleaner, glass cleaner, carpet cleaner, spackle, and matching paint. Soap-Man carries everything you need.

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