Most security deposit disputes come down to cleanliness — and most landlords are looking at the same handful of spots. Here's what to prioritize before your final walkthrough.
This is usually where deposits are won or lost. Clean inside the oven and refrigerator, wipe down the inside and outside of every cabinet, degrease the stovetop and range hood, and don't forget the top of the fridge and behind appliances if they're movable.
Scrub grout and tile, remove any soap scum or hard water buildup in the shower, clean inside cabinets and drawers, and make sure the toilet is spotless inside and out — including the base.
Spot-clean marks off walls, wipe down baseboards and door frames, clean light switches and outlet covers, and vacuum or mop every floor — including closets, which get skipped more often than you'd think.
Clean interior windows and sills, dust ceiling fans and light fixtures, and wipe down blinds if the unit has them.
If this list feels like a lot on top of an already stressful move, that's exactly the gap our move-in/move-out cleaning service is built to close — a full, empty-home clean handled before you ever hand back the keys.