Moving is often a stressful process, and one of the final but most important tasks is the move-out cleaning. For you as a tenant, a correctly performed moving cleaning rental apartment is crucial to avoid costs and problems during the final inspection. This guide provides everything you need to know to ensure your cleaning is approved and that you get your deposit back without hassle.

Failing to properly clean your rental apartment can lead to the landlord charging you for the work, which is often significantly more expensive than hiring a professional cleaning company yourself. Disputes may also arise regarding what is actually included in an approved move-out cleaning. To avoid these pitfalls, it's important to be aware of the basic rules and have a clear checklist to follow. We'll cover everything from floor to ceiling, so you can feel confident before your apartment inspection.

Step-by-Step Guide to Approved Moving Cleaning for Rental Apartments

To make the process as simple as possible, we've divided the cleaning into logical steps. Follow these points carefully to ensure nothing is missed.

Step 1: Preparation and Planning

Before you start cleaning, it's good to have a plan. Go through the apartment with your checklist and assess how much time is needed. Are you subletting? Check your contract for specific requirements. If you plan to hire help, do it well in advance. Professional moving cleaning services can be a good investment, especially if you're short on time or want to be sure of the result. Remember that most companies offer a guarantee on their work.

Step 2: Kitchen Cleaning

The kitchen is often the room that requires the most time and effort. Here are the most important points:

Cupboards and drawers: Empty all cupboards and drawers. Clean the inside with a mild detergent and wipe dry. Don't forget the inside of the doors and handles.
Stove and oven: Clean the stove thoroughly. Remove the heating elements (if possible) and clean underneath. Clean oven trays, racks, and the oven interior. Use oven cleaner if necessary, but follow instructions carefully. Clean the exterior of the stove, including knobs and the extractor hood.
Refrigerator and freezer: Defrost the freezer if needed. Clean the inside of the fridge and freezer, including shelves and drawers. Don't forget the door seals.
Dishwasher: Clean the interior, including the filter and rubber seals. Consider running a cycle with dishwasher cleaner.
Countertops and sink: Clean and descale countertops and the sink. Ensure all surfaces are free of grease and food debris.
Ventilation: Clean vents and the extractor hood.

Step 3: Bathroom and Toilet Cleaning

The bathroom is another important area to focus on. Here, the goal is to remove limescale and dirt.

Toilet: Clean the toilet thoroughly, inside and out, including the cistern and flush button.
Shower and bathtub: Clean tiles, grout, shower walls/curtain, and bathtub. Descale if necessary. Ensure the drain is free of hair and debris.
Sink and faucets: Clean the sink and faucets. Descale and polish chrome fixtures.
Cabinets and drawers: Empty and clean all bathroom cabinets and drawers.
Floor and walls: Wash the floor and walls, especially behind the toilet and sink.

Step 4: General Room Cleaning

This step covers the general areas of the apartment.

Windows: Window cleaning is a major part of the move-out cleaning. Clean the inside of windows and windowsills. If the contract states otherwise, the outside may also need cleaning. Clean window frames and curtain rods.
Floors: Vacuum all floors thoroughly, including under furniture and along baseboards. Then, wet-mop all floor surfaces. Be sure to use an appropriate cleaning agent for the floor type.
Walls and ceilings: Wipe down walls and ceilings to remove dust and any stains. Be careful with wallpaper.
Baseboards and doors: Wipe down all baseboards, door frames, and doors.
Electrical outlets and switches: Wipe down outlets and switches.

Step 5: Cleaning Closets and Storage Areas

Don't forget all the spaces where items were stored.

Closet interiors: Empty and clean inside closets, shelves, and drawers.
Storage rooms and balconies: If there are storage rooms or balconies included in the rental agreement, these should also be cleaned out.

Step 6: Final Check and Inspection

Before the landlord comes for the inspection, do a final walkthrough. Go through the entire apartment with your checklist. Ensure all surfaces are clean, with no stains or dust remaining. Make sure all cabinets are properly closed and that no personal belongings are left behind. A thorough moving cleaning rental apartment means the apartment should be left in the same condition as when you moved in, apart from normal wear and tear. If you hired a company, ensure they follow up on any remarks from the inspection.

What is included in an apartment inspection?

During the inspection, the landlord checks that the apartment is in good condition and that the move-out cleaning has been performed correctly. They look at everything from walls and floors to kitchen equipment and bathrooms. If there are deficiencies in the cleaning, the landlord may require you to rectify them or have a cleaning company do it at your expense. This applies even if you performed your own moving cleaning rental apartment.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Cleaning Before Moving

Not cleaning behind appliances: Stoves, refrigerators, and freezers often need to be moved to clean properly behind and underneath.
Missing the inside of cupboards and drawers: These must be completely clean.
Not cleaning windows and windowsills: This is a time-consuming part that is often overlooked.
Not cleaning ventilation and fans: Grease and dirt accumulate here.
Leaving personal belongings behind: Everything must be removed from the apartment.

FAQ about Moving Cleaning for Rental Apartments

Q: How important is it to follow a moving cleaning checklist? A: A checklist is fundamental to ensure all necessary tasks are performed. It helps you systematically go through the apartment and reduces the risk of missing important details, which is crucial for an approved apartment inspection.

Q: Can I hand over the moving cleaning to a professional company? A: Yes, it's entirely possible and often recommended. Make sure to choose a reputable company that offers a guarantee on their work. This can provide peace of mind to ensure the cleaning meets all cleaning requirements upon moving out.

Q: What happens if the landlord does not approve the move-out cleaning? A: If the cleaning is not approved, the landlord may charge you for the cost of hiring another cleaning company to fix the deficiencies. Therefore, it's important to read your rental agreement and understand what is expected for a moving cleaning rental apartment.

Moving Cleaning for Rental Apartments: Checklist and Rules for Approved Inspection