The Move-Out Cleaning Checklist That Gets Your Deposit Back

The difference between getting your full deposit back and losing a few hundred dollars often comes down to a handful of spots that are easy to overlook. After cleaning thousands of move-outs across Central Texas, we've seen exactly where landlords look first. Here's how to cover all of it.

Kitchen

• Inside and outside of all cabinets and drawers.
• Inside the oven, stovetop, and range hood — grease is the most common deduction.
• Inside and behind the refrigerator, including the drip pan.
• Sink, faucet, and backsplash scrubbed and de-scaled.
• Countertops wiped and disinfected.

Bathrooms

• Toilet, tub, and shower scrubbed, including grout and any soap scum.
• Mirror and all glass streak-free.
• Inside cabinets and drawers wiped out.
• Exhaust fan vents dusted.

Living areas and bedrooms

• Baseboards, window sills, and door frames wiped down.
• Light fixtures and ceiling fans dusted.
• Closets cleaned out and floors vacuumed or mopped.
• Walls spot-cleaned for scuffs and marks.

The spots people miss

The areas that cost renters their deposit are almost always the same: inside appliances, baseboards, light fixtures, and the corners that were hidden behind furniture for a year. A landlord walking through an empty unit sees all of it instantly.

If you'd rather not spend your last day in a place on your hands and knees, this is exactly the kind of detailed, deposit-ready clean our team handles every day across Austin, Round Rock, Cedar Park, and Georgetown.