Getting your deposit back is at the top of most people’s priorities when moving out of a rental, but there’s one thing standing in the way: the move out inspection.
Preparing for your landlord to check how you’ve left the place is one of the less fun parts of moving home but our checklist will guide you through the essential steps and increase your chances of getting your money back.
Before you start: Check what you need to do
Review your rental agreement and familiarize yourself with the specific move-out requirements set by your landlord or property management company.
Understand the timeframe for the inspection and any necessary documentation you need.
Create a timeline for your move-out preparations to avoid last-minute stress.
Set a realistic budget for any cleaning supplies, repairs, or professional services you may need.
Declutter and organize:
Sort through your belongings and donate, sell, or discard items you no longer need. We share some ways to dispose of furniture during a house clean out here.
Organize your possessions into labeled boxes, making it easier to pack and unpack in your new home.
Deep cleaning:
Thoroughly clean all areas of your rental, paying special attention to commonly overlooked spots like baseboards, light fixtures, and behind appliances. Read our guide to eco-friendly cleaning for inspiration.
If you need a helping hand to achieve a spotless result, consider using professional cleaning services. Read reviews of cleaning services to see which have offered the best experience for customers.
Repair and maintenance:
Inspect the property for any damages beyond normal wear and tear.
Repair minor issues like nail holes, scuffed walls, and loose fixtures.
There are some things you can’t fix yourself and if you need to hire a qualified professional to deal with extensive repairs don’t forget to read reviews to see if other people have had a positive experience working with them.
Flooring and carpets:
Vacuum carpets to remove dirt and stains.
For deep cleaning and stain removal, you might want to consider a carpet cleaning service.
Walls and paint:
Touch up painted walls to cover any scuffs or marks.
Don’t forget to match paint colors accurately! Look for color matching services in your area if you need help with this.
Kitchen:
Clean all appliances, including the refrigerator, oven, microwave, and dishwasher.
Clear out and wipe down kitchen cabinets, countertops, and sinks.
Bathroom:
Scrub and disinfect all bathroom fixtures, including the toilet, sink, shower, and bathtub.
Remove any soap scum or mildew stains.
Check out our guide to eco-friendly cleaning products.
Windows and blinds:
Dust and wash blinds or curtains.
Carefully clean both the interior and exterior of windows, removing dirt and streaks.
If you would rather leave this to the professionals, consider hiring a professional window cleaning service for an effortless clean.
Outdoor spaces:
Tidy up the yard, removing any debris or dead plants.
Sweep porches, patios, and pathways.
If you think it’s necessary, you could hire landscaping services or pressure washing services to tidy things up.
Final touches:
Replace any burnt-out light bulbs.
Check for any forgotten personal belongings (don’t forget to check under the bed).
Conduct a thorough walkthrough to ensure you haven't missed any cleaning or repair tasks.
And that's it! Check what's expected of you and follow these steps and you'll be well-prepared to leave your rental in excellent condition and increase your chances of getting your deposit back.
When you're ready, don’t forget to check back and read our moving out checklist to streamline the packing and moving process. Good luck with your move-out inspection!
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