Move Out - Cleaning Checklist

Everyday tenants, just like you move out of their rental home without thinking about the potential fee that could be deducted from their security deposits.

Cleaning Requirements for Vacating Tenants

Everyday tenants, just like you move out of their rental home without thinking about the potential fee that could be deducted from their security deposits. No one like to be unpleasantly surprised at what those fees add up to when they receive the security deposit settlement statement with in 30 days of moving.

The Owner of your rental is in business to make a profit by leasing out their real estate. There is no profit or reduce profit in cleaning and repairing the rental unit after you have finished leasing it. The expectation is to get the property back from the tenant in near perfect condition. Exceptions for normal wear are considered when settling your account at the end of the lease.

The following cleaning requirements must be accomplished when vacating the property and the property should be left thoroughly cleaned. Please consider using this checklist to ensure that you covered all your responsibilities under the lease. Whether you do the cleaning yourself or hire a professional to do it, each item must be completed upon vacating. Each item on this list will be checked for compliance at your move out walk through.

Carpets must be professionally cleaned upon vacating. If you had pets at the home, the carpets must be treated for pet stains, fleas etc., regardless of how clean you believe your pet is. Pet urine soaks through to the carpet pad and must be treated. Call Keystone Carpet Services and schedule your carpet cleaning. Tell them you are a Blackbird Realty and Management tenant and you will receive our discount.

A copy of the receipt must be turned into Blackbird Realty and Management, Inc, that shows the work was done to include any pet treatments recommended. If another company is used and not cleaned to our standards, we will hire our vendor and have the carpets re-cleaned and treated at your expense. All keys, gate remotes, garage remotes, mailbox keys, pools keys must be returned at the time of the walk though inspection. We must have a forwarding address in order to refund your deposit.

Refunds can take up to 30 days, but this can be speeded up and depends largely on the amount of work needed when you vacate. The less we have to get done and deduct from the deposit, the faster it can be returned. Finally, there may be additional cleaning needs that are specific to your rental home that may nor be covered in this checklist, so be as through as possible.

Entire Dwelling:

• Remove all your belongings
• Repair and minor damages you caused. If substantial, hire a professional to fix it.
• Remove all garbage and clean trash receptacles. All trash must be removed from the premises.
• Smoke alarms must be operational; replace batteries as necessary.
• Clean fireplace, hearth, and mantle; remove ashes and debris.
• Repair pet damage and treat for pests.
• All plumbing is to be free from blockages.
• All dead pest must be removed, bomb the unit with flea and roach bombs.
• All pet odors must be removed along with all pet droppings.
• All utilities must remain on until the move-out inspection is completed.

Windows, Glass and Patio Doors:

• Clean all windows and door channels and frames thoroughly. Pay attention to the corners.
• Clean door and window screens and tracks.
• Clean all interior and exterior windowpanes and glass doors and leave free of streaks and dirt.
• Clean all mini and vertical blinds, vane by vane to include windowsills and curtain rods and valances.
• Dry clean drapes if home has draperies installed.
• Replace all damaged or broken window coverings.
• Need help with this? Hire a professional.
• Clear Vision Window – (702) 285-2198

Floors:

• All vinyl, linoleum, laminates and hardwood floors must be swept completely, cleaned and washed as per manufacturer directions. All non-carpeted floors must be cleaned, mopped and free of dirt and grime.
• Do not use bleach or ammonia based cleaners on laminate or hardwood floors as this may cause damage to the floor. Only use a damp mop when mopping these types of floors.
• Vacuum all carpeting in preparation for professional carpet cleaning.

Doors:

• Clean front door, inside and out.
• Both sides of all doors including closets must be free of an grease, grime, crayons or marker, scuffs and hairspray residue.
• Remove all unauthorized bedroom locking doorknobs installed by tenant and replace with the correct type for the room.

Light Fixtures / Ceiling or Exhaust Fans

• Remove all globes, fixtures, etc. and clean both sides.
• Ensure that each fixture has the correct type of bulb in it; For example, recessed lighting should have the correct type bulb for recesses lighting and not CFL style bulbs. Bathroom light bars should have all the same type bulbs
• Clean ceiling fan blades (both side) and well as the motor and mount.
• Clean the bathroom and laundry room exhaust fans.
• Clean any dust that has accumulated around ceiling fans but gently brushing the area with a broom or use of a vacuum cleaner.

Walls / Ceilings

• Wash and spot scrub all walls and ceilings (except popcorn ceilings) to remove and grease, food splatter or spillage, mold or grime. All crayon and/or furniture marks must be removed as well.
• Remove all nails, screws, staples, etc. you used to hang pictures but do not patch or spot paint.
• Our painter will repair all the nail holes. Any holes larger than a nail hole and any other damage to drywall must be repaired professionally. If you spackle the wall or touchup the paint and it doesn’t match, you will be charged for repainting the affected areas.
• Vacuum the top of all baseboards.
• Baseboards, door and window moldings should be wiped clean of duct and pet hair.
• Remove any dust from the ceiling and air conditioning vents or air intakes.
• Clean all wall switch plates and outlet covers. Replace and stained, cracked or broken cover plates.
• Check / clean or replace and cracked or missing phone or TV wall plates.

If help is needed with cleaning? Hire a professional.
Olivera Cleaning Services – (702) 788-8558

HV/AC unit(s) and vents:

• Remove all vents and clean thoroughly.
• Clean floor or ceiling area-surrounding vents.
• Vacuum intake area and wash off any grime on intake vent.
• Replace filters.

Furnace / Water Heater:

• Wipe exterior portions of furnace and water heater. DO NOT DISMANTLE ANY PARTS.
• Clean furnace cold air return and install new filter. If home is equipped with a furnace.
• If furnace/heater closet is accessible, remove cobweb from ceiling and walls and vacuum, sweep or mop floor.

Kitchen:

Stove / Range / Range Hood / Bottom of Micro Hood:

Range Hood / Bottom and sides of Stove must be cleaned and degreased THOROUGHLY! The entire surface area, including the eyes and underneath the eyes, the vent hood, the oven, broiler and storage area should be clean and free of grease. The dip pans should be replaced if the can’t be cleaned. The filter in the vent hood should be removed, washed, dried and put back in place. HINT: Put the filter in the dishwasher and run through a normal cycle.

SELF-CLEANING OVENS: - Do not clean oven racks or other range accessories in self-cleaning ovens with oven cleaner or use oven cleaner in self-cleaning ovens as it will damage the interior surface. If you don’t know how to clean it, please hire a professional.

• Scrub all rims, ridges and the underside of the hood to remove all grease splatter and grime.
• Clean stove top range hood
• Clean exhaust fan vent filter and light.
• Clean all metal parts of burners, including the prongs of electric cooking elements.
• Clean or replace stove or burner drip pans so the look new.
• Remove lower drawer and clean under the stove.
• Clean both side and back of stove.
• Clean control knobs, any broken knobs must be replaced.
• Lift the top of stove that surrounds burners and clean this area. There should be no grease when done.
• Wash and dry the outside of stove.

OVEN

• Clean inside the oven, oven racks (both sides), broiler pan, drawers. Soak in hot water to clean, dry well.
• Clean top and bottom edges of oven door.
• Remove all oven cleaner residue or self cleaner ash from interior of oven.
• Clean under elements.
Full freestanding electric ranges away from the wall to clean the floor, walls and side of the range.
• Gas ranges have a four foot flex line that connects the stove to the gas, do not disconnect the line. Use caution when puling range away from the wall and clean the floor, walls and side of the range.

Dishwasher:

• Add 1 cup of white vinegar and run washer through a complete cycle, using the hottest settings possible. repeat if needed.
• After running washer through cycle with white vinegar, sprinkle one cup of baking soda into bottom of washer and run through a complete cycle on hottest settings.
• Clean racks, baskets, rollers, gaskets, door edges and walls so they are free of soap film and food particles
• Clean inside and out of dishwasher. It should be empty, clean and free of mildew. Additionally, the dishwasher door including the rubber insulation strip should be clean and free of mildew.

Refrigerator:

• Remove all food from refrigerator.
• Unplug refrigerator while cleaning.
• Clean thoroughly inside and out with a disinfectant cleanser or warm water.
• Clean both sides of shelves.
• Clean butter, vegetable, meat and dairy storage compartments. All should be clean and free of mold, mildew, dirt and grime.
• Freezer must be defrosted and cleaned.
• Remove and clean the kick plate and vacuum out the coils.
• Remove, empty and clean drain pan and reinstall.
• Clean folds on and underneath rubber seals on doors.
• Pull refrigerator away from wall and clean exterior portion including top.
• While appliance is pulled away from wall, clean the walls and sides of cabinets and sweep and mop floor under refrigerator.
• Vacuum and wipe power cord and cols on back and /or underside of refrigerator.
• After refrigerator has been thoroughly cleaned and dried, reconnect cord and set control to 3 or 4.

Cabinets and Drawers:

• Shelves, drawers, turntables and cutting boards must be completely clean and free of food particles, grease, greasy or sticky substances, dirt dust and hair.
• Clean both sides of all cabinet doors and drawer faces to remove grease specks, fingerprints, dried - on foods, etc.
• Wash cupboards inside and out.
• Wipe out drawers with a damp rag.
• Clean and disinfect all countertops

Sink and surrounding areas:

• Garbage disposal, if installed, should be in proper working order and free of garbage. With cold water running into the drain, turn garbage disposal on to flush. Remove any leftover food and other items from disposal. Run baking soda through the disposal. Remove black rubber gasket and clean thoroughly. Clean opening before replacing gasket.
• Clean sink, drain, chrome fixtures and pipes under sink.
• Clean and shine up the sinks, faucets and handles.
• Clean all backsplash areas to remove grease, dried-on food, dust and cobwebs.
• Clean all countertop areas, especially in the corners.
• Clean cabinets fronts
• Clean microwave oven – inside and out. Clean any other kitchen appliance.

Bathroom(s):

Toilets:

• Scrub with disinfectant cleanser.
• Remove all dirt and stains.
• Clean top of toilet tank, toilet lid, seat (both sides), bowl and base completely.
• Scrub toilet and remove all rust, lime and scale inside and out.
• Wash walls on both sides of toilet to remove and urine that has splashed on the walls.

Sinks and Mirrors:

• Clean sink, drain, chrome fixtures and pipes under sink.
• Clean and shine up the sinks, faucets and handles.
• Clean all mirrors so that they are streak and dirt free.
• Clean all glass to include shower doors and remove any soap residue

Need help with this? Hire a professional.
Olivera Cleaning Services – (702) 788-8558

Floors:

• Sweep, mop or vacuum floor
• Vacuum and/or shampoo any carpeting in bathroom areas
• Clean baseboards

Vanities and cabinets:

• Remove all items from cabinets and drawers.
• Clean shelves of medicine cabinet on both sides.
• Clean the interior and exterior of the cabinets and drawers
• Clean out the bathroom vanity and be sure to remove all the dirt, dust, hair, q-tips etc.
• Replace all broken or missing towel racks and toilet paper holders.

Lights, celling and ventilation:

• Clean vent fan cover.
• In bathrooms with exposed bulbs, remove bulbs (when cold), clean and replace.
• Wash all walls and ceiling to remove mold, grease, proteins, and other particles.
• Clean light fixtures and replace any burned out light bulbs.
• Clean window and window screen.

Bedroom(s)

• Carpeting: Vacuum thoroughly before steam cleaning.
• Clean overhead light fixtures to include washing and replace bulbs when necessary.
• Clean celling fan blades (both sides) and motor. (in installed)
• Remove and stickers from ceiling and walls that may have been placed there during your tenancy.
• Closets need to be washed, inside and out.
• Windows/Blinds need to be washed inside and out or top to bottom and include screens and tracks.
• Vents/Registers need to be dusted and washed.

Windows and doors:

• Wash all windows inside and out.
• Clean out all window tracks.
• Wash all window sills and screens (damage screens must be repaired/replaced)
• Windows must be closed and locked.
• Clean all blinds and window coverings.
• Remove all unauthorized bedroom locking doorknobs installed by tenants and replace with correct type for room. Passage type for closet doors and privacy type for bedrooms and bathrooms.

Need help with a damaged screen? Call a professional for help.
Screenmobile 702-363-6103

Living areas and hallways:

• Carpet should be thoroughly vacuumed prior to steam cleaning.
• Closets should be washed inside and out.
• Vents and registers should be dusted and washed.
• Light fixtures/ceiling fans should be cleaned by washing bulbs and fan blades top to bottom.
• Windows / blinds should be washed inside and out to include screen.

Laundry Area:

• Floor scrubbed and cleaned.
• Walls: Washed down and all dust removed.
• Doors: washed inside and out.
• Windows / blinds should be washed inside and out to include screen.
• Washing machine –Add 1 cup of white vinegar and run washer through a complete cycle, using the hottest settings possible, repeat if needed.
  After running washer through cycle with white vinegar, sprinkle one cup of baking soda into bottom of washer and run through a complete cycle on hottest settings.
• Dryer – Wash down top and both side of machine and vacuum lint filter and remove all lint

Exterior:

• Entire lawn must be neatly mowed and edged if installed.
• Desert landscaping or xeriscaping must free of weeds and plants trimmed.
• Weeds must be removed from flower beds, planter boxes etc.
• Any pet droppings must be removed and properly disposed of.
• Fill, level and seed (lawn) any holes from pets and repair any other damage caused by pets.
• Trees and shrubs trimmed and pruned.
• All trash, cigarette butts and similar items need to be removed and disposed of.
• Remove all personal items from the yard to include chair tables, Hillary or Trump signs.
• Clean all exterior light fixtures and ensure light fixtures have working bulbs.
• Patios, balconies, and storage closets must be swept and free of debris and trash.

Need help with this? Hire a professional.
Inalco Company LLC – 702-609-0314 or S&J Lawn Service 702-767-3886

Garage / Storage / Driveway

• Remove all items from the garage, storage sheds and make sure you check the rafters if accessible.
• Clear out all refuse, boxes and debris.
• Sweep out or vacuum any storage areas and garage.
• Sweep between wall studs if garage interior is not finished and around garage door(s) to remove cobwebs, dust and debris.
• Clean cobwebs from walls and rafters as far a can be reached with a broom.
• Clean ALL closets, storage spaces, shelving, etc. so that no dust or debris remains.
• Ensure that each light fixture has all working bulbs.
• Clean light fixtures, light switches and outlet covers, shelves and both side of entry/exit doors
• Remove all oil stains from floors and driveway.
• Haul away all garbage prior to the walk through inspection. LEAVE NO TRASH or GARBAGE BEHIND. Do not leave trash, garbage or furniture at the curb and expect Republic Services to pick it up.

Need help with oils stains in garage and driveway? Call a professional.
Steven at Clear Vision can remove stains to our satisfaction – 702- 285-2198

Need help with trash and furniture removal?
Call 1-800-GOTJUNK or 1-800-468-5865

Save everyone a lot of stress:

Hire a professional cleaning service!

Our many years of experience with tenant move-out has shown that having to work at your daily job, pack and move your belongings to a new home leaves the tenant too tired to clean the house properly. On the day of the move-out inspection, when we take possession of the home any item needing repair or cleaning will be deducted from the security deposit. We recommend you considering hiring a professional cleaning company to help you clean and prepare the home for turnover to us. If you hire a professional cleaning service, you should provide them with this checklist of what we expect and then oversee and inspect their work. You are free to hire whoever you choose to clean the home or you can use one of our recommended vendors from the list provided below.

Vendor Contact Information Trades

All of the aforementioned items included in the checklist need to be done prior to your move -out inspection so that you can RECEIVE YOUR FULL SECURITY DEPOSIT BACK! Repairs for items that were not damaged by normal wear such as repainting, trash removal, cleaning, and any other items needed to restore the home to its condition prior to your tenancy will be deducted from the Security Deposit including any other unpaid charges such a water bills or trash bills if those were to be paid by you in the lease. Failure to spend the time needed to properly clean the home can cost you hundreds of dollars of charges against your Security Deposit. Plus, any additional money needed to cure problems that are not covered by the Security Deposit will be billed and if left unpaid, turned over to collections.

The Security Deposit settlement statement and any remaining deposit left will be mailed to you within 30-days of your move-out inspection to the forwarding address you provided. Note: If no new address is given, then the settlement statement will be mailed to you at your current address and the Post Office will be responsible for forwarding and/all mail to your new listed address. We encourage you to place a change of address in with the post office, as the keys to the mailbox will be changed once we take possession.

Please note the we would rather return the deposit in its entirety but must account for damages and expenses to replace/repair items you leave in disarray. If you deliver your home in the same condition it was in prior to your tenancy , it will ensure that you receive the most money possible. Please follow these guidelines to maximize the return of your security deposit.

Remember: All exterior doors must be securely locked, including the garage, and at least one door key returned to us.

Good luck with your move!