Move-Out Cleaning Checklist for California Renters
Moving out of a rental property can be stressful, especially when you’re trying to secure your full security deposit. However, with a thorough move-out cleaning, you can leave the property spotless and impress your landlord or property manager. To help, we’ve prepared this detailed move-out cleaning checklist for renters in California.
Why Move-Out Cleaning Is So Important
According to California rental laws, tenants are required to leave the rental unit in the same condition it was when they moved in — minus normal wear and tear. Therefore, a proper cleaning is essential if you want your security deposit back. In addition, a clean home creates a good impression for landlords and new tenants alike.
If you don’t have time or energy to do a deep clean yourself, Perfect Cleaning by California is here to help.
Complete Move-Out Cleaning Checklist
Here’s what should be cleaned before turning in your keys. As a result, you’ll leave the space in top condition and increase your chances of a full refund.
| Room | Cleaning Tasks |
|---|---|
| 🛋️ Living Room | Dust furniture and shelves, vacuum and mop floors, wipe baseboards, clean windows and glass doors. |
| 🍽️ Kitchen | Clean inside/outside of cabinets, oven, microwave, fridge, dishwasher. Wipe down countertops and sinks. |
| 🛁 Bathroom | Scrub tub and shower, sanitize toilet and sink, clean mirrors, mop floor, empty and clean cabinets. |
| 🛏️ Bedrooms | Dust surfaces, vacuum carpet or mop floors, wipe down doors, clean inside closets. |
| 🧺 Laundry Area | Clean exterior of washer/dryer, sweep or mop floor, remove lint from dryer vent. |
| 🏠 General Areas | Remove cobwebs, wipe light switches, clean fans, take out all trash, patch nail holes (if needed). |
Let the Professionals Handle It
Although DIY cleaning is possible, it’s often exhausting — especially during a move. Hiring a professional cleaning team ensures that nothing is missed. For example, we clean baseboards, inside cabinets, fans, appliances, and even porches or garages when requested.
Explore our full list of move-out services here or contact us directly to schedule your cleaning.
Ready to Move Out Without Stress?
Don’t risk your security deposit — let our expert cleaners take care of the dirty work. We clean homes across San Jose, Los Gatos, Sunnyvale, and more.
📞 Call Now: (415) 806-3148
About Perfect Cleaning by California
Perfect Cleaning by California is your trusted partner for residential and commercial cleaning in San Jose and surrounding cities. With years of experience, our trained staff delivers exceptional results, whether you need standard, deep, or move-in/move-out services.
📍 Based in San Jose, we also serve Palo Alto, Los Gatos, Santa Clara, Cupertino, and more.
📞 Call us at (415) 806-3148 or request your free quote here.
