What Kind of Professional Cleaning Should Be Done With a Tenant Move-Out?

Jan 10, 2025

When a tenant moves out, a thorough professional cleaning ensures the property is ready for the next occupant and meets the standards of the lease agreement. Here’s a checklist of professional cleaning tasks often performed during a tenant move-out:

General Cleaning

  1. Dusting: Clean all surfaces, including shelves, baseboards, ceiling fans, and light fixtures.
  2. Vacuuming: Vacuum all carpets and floors, including edges and corners.
  3. Mopping: Deep clean hard floors.
  4. Walls and Baseboards: Spot-clean walls and wipe down baseboards.
  5. Windows: Wash windows (inside and out, if accessible) and clean window sills and tracks.
  6. Doors and Handles: Wipe down doors, doorknobs, and light switches.

Kitchen

  1. Appliances:
    • Refrigerator: Clean inside, outside, and behind it.
    • Oven/Stovetop: Remove grease, clean racks, and wipe the exterior.
    • Microwave: Clean inside and outside.
    • Dishwasher: Wipe the interior and exterior.
  2. Cabinets and Drawers: Empty, wipe down inside and out.
  3. Counters and Backsplash: Clean and sanitize.
  4. Sink and Faucet: Scrub and polish, ensuring the drain is clear.

Bathrooms

  1. Toilets: Deep clean inside and out.
  2. Bathtub/Shower: Scrub tiles, grout, and glass doors.
  3. Vanity and Sink: Wipe down and sanitize.
  4. Mirrors and Fixtures: Polish and clean.
  5. Cabinets and Drawers: Empty and wipe inside.

Bedrooms and Living Areas

  1. Closets: Clean shelves, rods, and tracks.
  2. Carpet Cleaning: Professionally steam clean carpets to remove stains and odors.
  3. Drapes/Blinds: Dust or clean window treatments as needed.

Specialized Services

  1. Pest Control: Arrange for treatment if there are signs of pests.
  2. Air Duct Cleaning: If the property has central air, consider cleaning ducts and vents.
  3. Floor Refinishing: If hardwood floors are scratched or worn, refinishing might be necessary.
  4. Pressure Washing: Clean outdoor areas like patios, sidewalks, or driveways.

Outdoor Areas (if applicable)

  1. Yard Maintenance: Mow the lawn, trim bushes, and remove weeds.
  2. Garage: Sweep and remove any debris.
  3. Trash Disposal: Ensure all trash and unwanted items are removed.

Hiring a professional move-out cleaning service can ensure all these tasks are completed thoroughly, meeting landlord or property management expectations.