Move-Out Cleaning Checklist
Tentunit Template Library · Version 1.0 · [TEMPLATE — review before use]
Important: This is a general-purpose template provided for convenience under the Tentunit Templates Disclaimer & Jurisdiction Notice. It is not legal advice and is not state-specific unless expressly labeled. Landlord–tenant requirements (notice periods, day counts, service methods, disclosures) vary by jurisdiction and change over time. Verify against current local law — or consult a licensed attorney — before use. Complete every [BRACKETED FIELD] and delete instructions in italics before sending.
Property Address: [PROPERTY ADDRESS] Unit: [UNIT NUMBER] Tenant Name(s): [TENANT NAME(S)] Move-Out Date: [DATE]
Provide this checklist to tenants before move-out. Items on this list are the ones most commonly charged against security deposits when left undone — completing them thoroughly is the tenant’s best protection for a full refund. Deductions must still be lawful and limited to amounts beyond normal wear and tear; check local rules.
The unit should be returned in the same condition as at move-in, less normal wear and tear, per [LEASE SECTION REFERENCE]. Mark “Done” and add notes as you go.
Kitchen
| Task | Done | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Oven fully degreased — interior, racks, door glass, broiler drawer | [ ] | A greasy oven is one of the most common deposit charges |
| Stovetop, burners, drip pans, knobs, and range hood/filter degreased | [ ] | |
| Refrigerator/freezer emptied, defrosted if needed, and cleaned — shelves, drawers, gaskets; leave doors ajar if power is off | [ ] | |
| Behind and under fridge and stove swept and mopped (if movable) | [ ] | |
| Cabinet and drawer interiors emptied and wiped out; exteriors cleaned | [ ] | |
| Countertops, backsplash, and sink scrubbed; drain clear | [ ] | |
| Dishwasher interior, gasket, and filter cleaned | [ ] | |
| Microwave cleaned inside and out | [ ] |
Bathrooms
| Task | Done | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Toilet disinfected — bowl, seat, tank, base, behind | [ ] | |
| Tub/shower scrubbed; soap scum, mildew, and hard-water buildup removed | [ ] | |
| Sink, faucet, counter, and mirror cleaned | [ ] | |
| Medicine cabinet and vanity emptied and wiped out | [ ] | |
| Exhaust fan cover cleaned; floor mopped including behind toilet | [ ] |
Living Areas & Bedrooms
| Task | Done | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| All personal property and trash removed from every room and closet | [ ] | Hauling/disposal fees are commonly deducted |
| Walls cleaned; scuffs removed | [ ] | |
| Nail/screw holes: [PATCH SMALL HOLES / LEAVE FOR LANDLORD — PER LEASE SECTION [SECTION]] | [ ] | State your policy: some landlords prefer to patch and paint themselves; unauthorized patching in a mismatched texture can itself be a charge |
| Baseboards, trim, doors, and door frames wiped | [ ] | |
| Light fixtures and ceiling fans dusted/washed; burned-out bulbs replaced | [ ] | |
| Switch plates, outlet covers, and vents cleaned | [ ] | |
| Closets emptied; shelves, rods, and floors cleaned | [ ] | |
| Windows, sills, tracks, and blinds cleaned; screens in place | [ ] |
Floors & Carpets
| Task | Done | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Hard floors swept and mopped | [ ] | |
| Carpets vacuumed, including edges and under any moved furniture | [ ] | |
| Professional carpet cleaning (if required by lease): receipt attached — [ATTACH RECEIPT / RECEIPT NO.] | [ ] | Only if [LEASE SECTION] requires it and such a requirement is enforceable in your jurisdiction; otherwise standard is clean and free of stains/odors beyond normal wear |
| Pet stains/odors treated (if applicable) | [ ] |
Garage, Outdoor & Miscellaneous
| Task | Done | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Garage/carport swept; oil stains treated; all items removed | [ ] | |
| Patio/balcony/porch swept and cleared | [ ] | |
| Yard areas returned to move-in condition (if tenant-maintained per lease) | [ ] | |
| Trash bins emptied and left at [LOCATION]; no trash left at curb outside pickup rules | [ ] | |
| All keys, fobs, remotes, and mailbox keys returned — quantity: [NUMBER] | [ ] | Re-keying charges commonly apply for unreturned keys |
| Forwarding address provided to landlord in writing | [ ] | Required in many states to receive the deposit refund |
Tenant signature: ______________________ Date: [DATE]
Landlord/agent signature (upon inspection): ______________________ Date: [DATE]
Provided by Tentunit — see the Templates Disclaimer & Jurisdiction Notice at help.tentunit.com/policies/templates-disclaimer.