How To Clean an Apartment Before Moving Out

If you rent or lease an apartment, you know that you will need to pay a certain amount as a security deposit when you sign your rental or lease agreement. This amount is held by the landlord or leasing company and returned to you when you move out of the apartment. The security deposit is most often used as a guarantee that you will leave the apartment in the same clean and neat condition as you found it, and the cost of any repairs or damages or cleaning required before the apartment is ready for showing to new tenants. If you want to take back your security deposit intact, follow some basic and simple guidelines to clean out the apartment before you leave.

1. Read the fine print - Go through you rental or lease agreement for the terms relating to the return of deposit and cleaning & maintenance costs including penalty and damage charges which are mentioned. In fact, be very clear and in agreement on these terms with your landlord or leasing company before you sign the agreement in the first place.
2. When you give your notice - When you are ready to move out and give notice of your intention to the landlord or leasing company, revisit the conditions of the apartment when you first moved in and take stock of the same now that you’re ready to move out. Have the landlord or leasing company representative go through the same with you and agree on whether or not you are liable for any damages incurred or other costs which can be deducted from your security deposit. If you do not want any deductions made from your deposit, then make sure to clean the apartment totally, including getting any painting or repair work done for damages done by you.
3. Gather supplies - Collect all cleaning supplies you will need to clean the entire apartment including the kitchen, bathrooms, living areas and other spaces, doors, windows, nooks and crannies, et al. Begin with clearing out the apartment of all your belongings, clear the kitchen and pantry away plus any other stuff lying around the place.
4. In the kitchen - Clean all fixed appliances such as the stove, oven and refrigerator thoroughly with some detergent mixed in water and a sponge or washcloth. Scrub out stains in the sink and on the stone with a harder scrubber and strong cleaning solution. Also clean the cabinets, doors and window surfaces with a cleaner meant for wood or glass as appropriate.
5. In the bathroom - The tub, tiles on the floor and walls, the toilet bowl, sinks, mirrors, cabinets, etc should be brushed, scoured, mopped and wiped cleanly. Hard to clean areas and surfaces, and any built up growth such as grout or fungus will need more attention and care, so plan to clean these using appropriate cleaners.
6. Everywhere else - Make sure all rooms – living, bed etc - porches or balconies, exterior areas and any other space is thoroughly swept, mopped and cleaned. Remove all the dirt and garbage out before you finally leave. Finally get the walls cleaned and painted if necessary.

Leaving behind an apartment which is clean and undamaged will ensure that you take back your security deposit intact, also create a good impression on your landlord and/or leasing company. You will always be remembered as a good tenant and definitely welcome back should you ever need to.