How Clean Should an Apartment Be When You Move Out?

Do You Have To Clean Your Apartment Before Moving Out?

This question is very common. Indeed, it is a standard practice for tenants to thoroughly clean before moving out of their apartments. As a responsible tenant, you take on the duty of maintaining the cleanliness and overall condition of the property during your tenancy.

Further, prioritizing the cleaning process has several advantages. The most important one? Well, for starters, it ensures that the space is left in a satisfactory state for the next tenant, promoting a positive living experience for them. Additionally, landlords often conduct inspections to assess the property's condition after a tenant departs, and a well-maintained and pristine apartment can help leave a favorable impression.

Moreover, the extent of cleaning needed can differ based on the rental agreement and the property manager's expectations. The rental agreement sometimes states that the tenant should leave the unit "broom clean.” Here the responsibility would involve sweeping or vacuuming the floors and clearing out personal belongings. Nevertheless, occasionally the apartment is significantly unclean or has not been adequately maintained during the tenant's stay.

If you leave an apartment a mess, the landlord might request a detailed move out cleaning. They might even ask you to get professional cleaners to handle the task. Besides, it's crucial to know the cleaning requirements outlined in the rental agreement to maintain a smooth and respectful transition.

How Clean Does The Apartment Have To Be When You Move Out?

Moving into the rental, you were delighted to discover every corner spotlessly clean. The impeccable condition was reassuring, and you would have promptly addressed any mess with the landlord if it had been otherwise. Therefore, it's reasonable to leave the rental in an immaculate state for the next tenant.

While the floor or carpet might show signs of wear due to regular use, it is understandable and acceptable. What should be avoided, though, is leaving behind significant stains on the carpet or floor. Such damages could result in deductions from your deposit. In a nutshell, to preserve a positive landlord-tenant relationship, leave everything in good condition.

What Steps Should You Take When Performing The Move Out Cleaning?

Start With Reviewing your Lease Agreement

To begin, get your lease document and look for sections that outline move-out cleaning responsibilities. Your lease might already specify what cleaning tasks you'll be accountable for or if certain charges apply when moving out. For instance, some landlords in larger multi-unit complexes may automatically charge for services like carpet and blind cleaning or even carpet replacement upon move-out.

The lease could include specific amounts for these services, or it might vary depending on the service provider the landlord uses.

Normal Wear and Tear (Non-Chargeable):

●     Faded paint, wallpaper, or curtains.

●     Carpet wear resulting from regular use.

●     Carpet indents caused by furniture placement.

●     Broken appliances due to normal wear, not misuse.

●     Small pins or picture-hanger holes in walls.

●     Burned-out light bulbs.

●     Battery replacement in smoke alarms.

●     Naturally-occurring dust.

Rental Property Damage (Chargeable):

●     Excessive or large holes in the walls.

●     Broken or missing windows, screens, blinds, or curtains.

●     Damaged doors and locks.

●     Holes, tears, burn marks, or animal stains in the carpet.

●     Filth on or inside kitchen appliances.

●     Clogged drains due to neglect.

●     Broken appliances or fixtures in the kitchen or bathrooms resulting from misuse.

●     Mildew and mold in the bathroom.

●     Tenant-applied paint without permission.

Reach Out To Your Landlord

Talk to your owner to clarify any uncertainties not covered in your lease regarding the cleanliness required when moving out. Ask just how clean you need to leave the apartment. Understanding their expectations will help you effectively plan your moving out checklist.

In most cases, as mentioned, the move out cleaning responsibility falls on you. Get everything done so there are no complaints. On the contrary, if the cleaning is unsatisfactory, the landlord may have the legal right to employ a cleaning crew and charge you for the expenses.

But, then again, discuss with your landlord whether you are answerable for the move-out cleaning or if they will hire cleaners regardless.

Further, if they intend to hire a cleaning service, request a written estimate of the anticipated outlay to avoid surprises.

Start the cleaning process

Landlords typically expect the apartment to shine - almost as if it were brand-new and untouched. Therefore, if you're taking charge of the cleaning, you must be exceptionally meticulous.

In addition to essential tasks like scrubbing the toilet and wiping countertops, there's more to be done. Property managers often provide a detailed cleaning checklist outlining specific areas and appliances they anticipate to be cleaned. Besides, following this checklist diligently will help your cleaning efforts meet their expectations.

Kitchen Cleaning Checklist:

●     Deep clean all appliances, cabinets, and liners.

●     Make the faucet and sink shine by cleaning and sanitizing them.

●     Further, ensure all countertops are clean and sanitized.

●     If you have a dishwasher, clean it as well.

●     Unplug machines and sweep behind them to remove any debris.

●     Also, scrub the floor and walls to maintain a spotless kitchen.

Bathroom Cleaning Checklist:

●     Clean the toilets, sinks, faucets, bathtubs, and showers.

●     Pay special attention to the bathroom floors, removing scum from tiles and bleaching the grout.

●     Moreover, vacuum the exhaust fan to eliminate any accumulated dust.

●     Use a glass cleaner to clean the bathroom mirror.

Bedroom/Living Room Cleaning Checklist:

●     Dust thoroughly, sweep, vacuum, and mop in the living room and bedroom areas.

●     Wipe down the windows and walls to ensure cleanliness.

●     Also, address any floor or carpet stains that may be present.

Remember to remove all trash from the premises, even if you've completed the cleaning. After all, neglecting to do so might leave you paying extra.

Take Everything With You

Okay, so now you are past asking, ‘Should I clean my apartment before moving out’ and onto gathering your stuff.

Be mindful not to leave any belongings behind. Leaving furniture, kitchen appliances, or other items may lead to charges for a removal service from the management. You better utilize junk removal services to dispose of unwanted items from your old apartment before moving. This way, you can settle into your new place without worrying about unexpected bills for left stuff.

Address any damages

You need your security deposit to be intact, so attend to any damage the management notices. Even minor issues, such as scratches on hardwood floors or cracked outlet covers, can make huge deductions from your deposit.

The solution is simple: take responsibility for the repairs yourself. Also, attend to minor fixes like patching holes in the walls or removing blots from the carpet, as this can save you substantial fines. Often, replacing these items on your own is more cost-effective compared to the charges levied by your landlord or property manager.

Dealing with a Rental Property in Poor Condition upon Moving In

In the event that the rental property was already in poor condition when you moved in, take action and protect yourself from potential disputes. Document and report any existing issues or damages right away. This is how you will establish a clear record of the property's condition upon your arrival, which can help prevent disagreements about cleaning or wears later on.

Time-Constrained with Cleaning? Explore Your Options

Moving out can be overwhelming and time-consuming, especially when juggling work or business responsibilities. If you have a short time to neaten the apartment, consider hiring a professional cleaning company to handle the task.

Provide them with your landlord's move-out cleaning checklist, or create one yourself if unavailable. Before finalizing the arrangement with the cleaning company, negotiate the cost of the project. Moreover, opt for a company that offers quality service at a reasonable cost. Someone like DLL Cleaning Services.

Alternatively, if you decide to do the cleaning yourself, plan it during the last month of your tenancy. This way, you can:

●     Conveniently conduct the final walk-through

●     Return the keys

●     Guarantee everything is in order before leaving