Updated November 3, 2026 · Reviewed by an experienced Uniform cleaning professional before publication
Start with the requirements
| Situation | Who sets the standard |
|---|---|
| Renting | Your lease and the landlord's or manager's move-out checklist |
| Selling | Your purchase contract and the buyer's final walk-through |
| Condo or HOA | Building rules for move-out days, elevators and trash |
Room-by-room checklist
- Kitchen: cabinets inside and out, counters, sink, appliance exteriors, inside oven and fridge
- Bathrooms: toilets, tubs, showers, sinks, mirrors, cabinets, floors
- Bedrooms and closets: shelves, baseboards, doors, sills, floors
- Throughout: switch plates, handles, vents within reach, slider tracks, floors
- Remove all trash and belongings first
Whether a deposit comes back depends on your lease and the landlord's inspection, not on a cleaning guarantee. Ask your landlord for their checklist and share it before you get a quote.