Most security deposit disputes aren't about major damage — they're about cleaning. A landlord who finds a dirty oven, grimy bathroom caulk, or dusty ceiling fans has grounds to charge you, and in many states, they will.
This checklist was built from years of experience in move-out cleans. Use it and you'll have nothing to dispute.
Before You Start
- Review your original move-in inspection report (you should have signed one)
- Photograph every room before cleaning begins — timestamp the photos
- Note any pre-existing damage so you're not held responsible for it
- Gather all supplies: all-purpose cleaner, bathroom cleaner, oven cleaner, glass cleaner, scrubbing powder, microfiber cloths, mop, vacuum
Kitchen — The Hardest Room
Kitchens get the most scrutiny. Give this room 40% of your total clean time.
Appliances
- Oven: Remove racks, soak in hot soapy water. Apply oven cleaner to interior, let sit per instructions, scrub thoroughly. Clean door glass inside and out. Replace clean racks.
- Refrigerator: Remove all shelves and drawers, wash in sink. Wipe interior walls, ceiling, and door seals. Clean exterior including top (dusty!) and underneath if accessible.
- Dishwasher: Run a cleaning cycle with a dishwasher cleaner tablet. Wipe door edges and seal. Clean the filter (most people forget this).
- Microwave: Steam clean by heating a bowl of water+lemon for 5 minutes, then wipe. Clean turntable. Clean exterior.
- Range hood: Clean grease filter (most are dishwasher safe). Wipe hood exterior.
Surfaces
- Scrub all countertops — especially corners where grease accumulates
- Clean all cabinet faces, knobs, and handles
- Empty and wipe all cabinet interiors — top shelves often dusty
- Clean backsplash thoroughly
- Degrease stovetop, burner grates, and control knobs
- Scrub sink and faucet — polish chrome dry
- Clean window above sink
Floors and Fixtures
- Sweep, then mop floor including corners and under appliances (pull out refrigerator)
- Clean light fixtures (dust + wipe)
- Check and clean exhaust fan cover
Bathrooms
- Scrub toilet completely: bowl, seat, lid, base, and behind — use a separate cloth from everything else
- Clean toilet tank exterior
- Scrub tub/shower: tile walls, grout (old toothbrush), fixtures, showerhead (vinegar soak for mineral deposits)
- Clean and shine sink, faucet, and drain
- Polish mirror — use glass cleaner and buff dry, no streaks
- Wipe down all surfaces, towel bars, toilet paper holder
- Clean medicine cabinet interior and exterior
- Scrub floor including around toilet base
- Check caulk — if it's black with mold, clean with bleach pen or disclose to landlord
- Clean exhaust fan cover
Bedrooms
- Vacuum all carpet — move furniture to clean underneath
- Clean any carpet stains with appropriate cleaner
- Dust ceiling fan blades (this is commonly missed and commonly checked)
- Clean light fixtures
- Wipe down all surfaces: nightstands, dresser tops, windowsills
- Clean inside closets: sweep/vacuum, wipe shelves
- Clean mirrors
- Clean baseboards
- Clean windows (inside)
- Patch any small nail holes with spackle (over 3 holes typically triggers charges)
Living Areas
- Vacuum carpets thoroughly
- Clean hard floors — sweep then mop
- Dust all ceiling fans (very commonly checked)
- Clean all light fixtures and replace burned-out bulbs
- Wipe down all baseboards
- Clean all windows inside
- Clean window tracks (often missed, often noticed)
- Dust blinds or clean curtains
- Wipe down all walls — focus on switch plates, door frames, and any scuffs
Often Forgotten — These Get Charged
- Inside of garbage disposal (run with ice and salt, then lemon peel)
- Garage floor (sweep, then degrease any oil spots)
- Exterior light fixtures (dust and bug debris)
- HVAC vents (vacuum and wipe)
- Behind toilet
- Inside the washer and dryer
- Top of refrigerator
- Inside of all kitchen cabinets
- Patio or deck area
Final Documentation
- Photograph every room after cleaning — same angles as your before photos
- Photograph all appliances open (oven, refrigerator, dishwasher)
- Photograph bathrooms with close-ups of toilet, sink, and shower
- Time-stamp every photo
- If possible, do the walk-through with your landlord present
- If they claim damage you documented as pre-existing, reference your move-in report
Landlords who try to charge for legitimate cleaning can be disputed, but your strongest position is leaving a unit that's genuinely difficult to argue with. This checklist will get you there.
