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GuideYour damage deposit is real money, and move-out cleaning is usually what stands between you and getting all of it back. Landlords and property managers inspect to a standard that everyday cleaning doesn't meet. Here's exactly what they look for, the room-by-room checklist, and how to decide between DIY and a professional move-out clean.
Move-out inspections focus on the details everyday cleaning skips: inside the oven and fridge, inside cabinets and drawers, baseboards, window tracks, light fixtures, bathroom scale and grout, marks on walls, and floors. They're comparing to the move-in condition, so the standard is 'like it was when you got it' — which is essentially a deep clean of an empty unit.
Kitchen: inside and outside of all appliances, cabinets, counters, sink and backsplash. Bathrooms: tub, shower, toilet, sink, mirror, scale and grout. All rooms: baseboards, light fixtures, switches, window tracks, closets, and floors (vacuumed and mopped). Don't forget inside the fridge and oven — they're the most commonly deducted-for misses.
DIY is doable if you have the time, energy and attention to detail during an already-stressful move — but move week is exactly when those run short. A professional move-out clean is priced knowing the inspection standard, often costs less than a partial deposit deduction, and frees you to focus on the move itself. For many renters it pays for itself.
Photograph the unit after cleaning as proof of condition, and keep your move-in photos for comparison. If you hire a pro, keep the receipt. This documentation protects you if there's any dispute over the deposit — evidence of a clean, undamaged handover is hard to argue with.
Clean after you've moved everything out, so you're cleaning an empty unit (which is both easier and what's inspected), but before the final walk-through. Coordinate the clean for the gap between move-out and inspection. A professional move-out clean can be scheduled for exactly that window.
On Genie, move-in/move-out cleaning is handled by vetted cleaners who know the inspection standard, at an upfront price with payment held until you approve the result. Book it for the empty-unit window and hand over a place that protects your full deposit.
Every task in this guide is something you can book on Genie — vetted, insured pros at an upfront price:
The details everyday cleaning skips: inside the oven and fridge, cabinets, baseboards, window tracks, light fixtures, bathroom scale and grout, wall marks and floors — compared to move-in condition.
Often worth it — a professional move-out clean is priced to the inspection standard, frequently costs less than a partial deposit deduction, and frees you during a stressful move. Many renters find it pays for itself.
After everything's moved out so you're cleaning an empty unit, but before the final walk-through. Photograph the result as proof of condition for your deposit.
