Move-Out Cleaning Checklist: What Landlords Look For

Kitchen

• Inside and outside the oven, including racks
• Inside and outside the refrigerator and freezer (unplug only if instructed)
• Microwave and dishwasher, inside and out
• Inside every cabinet and drawer
• Stovetop, range hood and backsplash degreased
• Sink and faucet scrubbed

Bathrooms

• Toilets, tubs and showers scrubbed, including soap scum and hard-water spots
• Vanity, sink, faucets and mirrors
• Inside cabinets and drawers
• Exhaust fan cover dusted

Every room

• Baseboards, doors, door frames and trim
• Light switches, outlets and fixtures
• Closet shelves and rods
• Interior window sills and tracks; blinds dusted
• Floors vacuumed and mopped, including corners and edges
• Nail holes and wall damage noted (cleaning does not repair walls)

What cleaning can't fix

Landlords may deduct for damage beyond normal wear and tear, such as holes, burns, broken fixtures or permanent stains. Cleaning won't change those items. Check your lease for specific requirements such as professional carpet cleaning, and take dated photos after the clean for your records.

Tips for a smooth move-out clean

• Schedule the clean after everything is moved out
• Keep utilities on until cleaning is complete
• Book early for end-of-month dates
• Ask your landlord for their move-out checklist and share it with the cleaners

Related services in Louisville

• Move-Out CleaningHand back the keys to a clean home — for renters, sellers and landlords
• Move-In CleaningStart fresh — we clean your new home before the boxes arrive
• Carpet CleaningRefresh carpets and rugs in homes, rentals and offices
• Window CleaningStreak-free glass, sills, tracks and screens for homes and storefronts