Move-Out Cleaning Checklist

Cleaning Requirements for Vacating Tenants

Everyday tenants just like you move out of their rental home without thinking about the potential fees that could be deducted from their security deposits, only to be unpleasantly surprised at what those fees add up to when (or if) they get any of their security deposit refunded.

The following cleaning requirements must be accomplished before vacating the property and the property should be left thoroughly cleaned. Consider using this checklist to ensure you’ve covered all of your responsibilities by checking off each item as you complete it. Whether you do the cleaning yourself or hire a professional to do it, each item must be completed upon vacating. Every item will be examined for completion when we inspect your unit at move-out. 

Remember that all keys, remotes controls, and pool cards must be returned to our office and we must have a forwarding address in order to refund your deposit. Also, please keep in mind that your refund will take up to 30 days to be returned. Finally, there may be additional cleaning concerns that are specific to your rental home that may not be covered in this checklist, so be thorough.

Mandatory Professional Carpet Cleaning

Liberty Management requires that carpets MUST be professionally cleaned upon vacating. Do NOT rent machines from a store or use home cleaning machines. Only professional cleaning is acceptable.

Call one of the following professional carpet vendors to schedule your carpet cleaning. These vendors have been approved by Liberty and meet our standards of carpet cleaning. You will receive preferred pricing just for being a Liberty Management resident.

Truckmount Steam Clean, LLC
(210) 309-1415

OR

Steam Kleen Pros
(210) 286-5361

*A copy of your carpet cleaning receipt must be turned into Liberty Management. If another company is used and carpets are not cleaned to our standards, you risk the chance of having the carpets re-cleaned at your expense.

**Residents who have pets must ensure to have any spot treatments or pet treatments done as needed. If any Odors or Pet Odors resurfaces after you have vacated the property you are responsible for charges incurred to remove the odor. *Failure to approve pet treatment services recommended by the vendor can result in additional expenses.

Recommended General Cleaning Service

Our experience has been that after the work and stress of moving out, tenants may be too tired to clean the house. We recommend considering a professional cleaning company. If you hire a professional cleaning service you should provide them a list of what we expect and oversee and inspect their work. 

You are certainly free to choose any company, however, we advise using our recommended cleaners:

Margarita Canela Cleaning Services
(210) 724-3202

*If you hire a general cleaner other than our recommended cleaner, be sure the cleaner will guarantee their work to Liberty Management’s standards/satisfaction. If the cleaning is not done to our satisfaction, tenants will be charged for any additional cost to have the property cleaned to our standards.

Please follow this checklist carefully. If the house does not meet the prerequisites after the inspection, applicable charges will be made with no exceptions.

If you are not able to get in touch with the vendors recommended, please contact your Property Manager for assistance.

Cleaning Checklist

Entire Dwelling:

• Remove all of your belongings.
• Repair any minor damage 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 of any blockages.
• All dead pests must be removed. Flea bomb if you've had a pet. All pet odors must be removed.
• Leave ALL utilities on until your move-out inspection has completed.

Windows, Glass and Patio Doors:

• Clean all window and door channels and frames thoroughly. Pay attention to the corners.
• Clean door screens and tracks.
• Clean all interior and exterior window panes and glass doors and leave free of streaks and dirt.
• Clean all mini and vertical blinds one by one. Clean all window sills and curtain rods. Clean all drapes and valances.
• Replace broken or missing windows panes and screens.
• Replace all damaged or broken window coverings.

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 these 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 cleaned and free of any grease, grime, crayon or marker, scuffs, and hairspray residue.
• Remove all unauthorized bedroom locking doorknobs installed by tenants.

Light Fixtures / Ceiling Fans:

• Remove all globes, fixtures, etc. and clean both sides. Replace broken globes.
• Ensure that each fixture has the correct type of bulb in it; i.e. inset lights have flood light bulbs, dimming switches have dimmable bulbs, etc. Be sure to use the correct wattage and ensure all lights are operational.
• Clean ceiling fan blades (both sides) as well as the mount on all fans.
• Often dust has gathered by the fans and adheres to the ceiling. One of the easiest ways to clean this is to lightly sweep the ceiling with a broom.

Walls / Ceilings:

• Wash and spot scrub all walls and ceilings (except popcorn ceilings) to remove any grease, food spillage or splatter, mold, or grime. All crayon and/or furniture marks must be removed as well.
• Remove all nails, screws, staples, etc. you used to hang anything but do not patch or spot paint. Our painter will repair all nail holes. Any holes larger than a nail hole and any other damage to drywall must be repaired professionally. If you touch up paint make sure the paint will match. If the paint does not match, you will be charged for repainting the affected areas.
• Vacuum top of all baseboards.
• Baseboards should be wiped clean of dust and pet hair.
• Remove any dust from ceilings and A/C vents.
• Clean all wall switch plates and outlet covers. Electrical light and wall switch cover plates must be replaced if broken, stained, or missing.
• Check/clean or replace any cracked or missing phone or TV wall plates

HV/AC Unit and Vents:

• Remove all vents and clean
• Clean floors surrounding vents
• Vacuum intake area under HVAC unit if applicable
• Replace particulate filter

Furnace / Water Heaters:

• Wipe exterior portions of furnace and water heater. Do not dismantle any parts.
• Clean furnace cold air return vents and install a new filter.
• If the furnace/heater closet is accessible, remove cobwebs from ceiling and walls and vacuum or sweep and mop floor.

Kitchen

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

Range Hood/ Bottom of Stove must be cleaned THOROUGHLY! The entire surface area, including the eyes and underneath the eyes, the vent hood, the oven, and the storage area should be clean and free of grease. The drip pans should be replaced. 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 it through a normal cycle.

SELF-CLEANING OVENS NOTE: Do not clean oven racks or other range accessories in self-cleaning ovens. Do not use oven cleaner in self-cleaning ovens, as it will damage the interior surface.

• Scrub all rims, ridges, and underside of the hood to remove all grease splatter and grime
• Clean stovetop 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 burner drip pans so they look new.
• Remove lower drawer and clean under the stove.
• Clean control knobs. Any broken stove knobs must be replaced.
• Wash and dry outside of the stove.

Oven:

• Clean inside of the oven, oven racks (both sides), broiler pan, drawers. Soak in hot water to clean, dry well.
• Clean top and bottom edges of the oven door.
• Remove all oven cleaner residue or self cleaner ash from the interior of the oven.
• Clean under elements.
• Pull freestanding electric ranges away from the wall to clean the floor, wall, and sides of the range
• Do not attempt to pull gas ranges away from the wall - clean floor under gas ranges by removing drawer.

Dishwasher:

• Clean racks, baskets, rollers, gaskets, door edges, and walls so they are free of food particles and soap film.
• Clean inside and out of the 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 the refrigerator
• Unplug the refrigerator while cleaning.
• Clean thoroughly inside and out with a disinfectant cleaner or warm water.
• Clean both sides of the shelves.
• Clean butter, vegetable, meat, and dairy storage compartments. All should be clean, free of mildew, dirt, and grime.
• The freezer must be defrosted and cleaned.
• Remove and clean kick plate and vacuum out coils.
• Remove, empty, and clean the drain pan.
• Clean folds in and underneath rubber seals on doors.
• Pull refrigerator away from the wall and clean all exterior portions including top.
• While the appliance is pulled out clean the walls, sides of cabinets and sweep and mop floors thoroughly.
• Vacuum and wipe power cord and coils on the back and/or underside of the refrigerator.
• After the refrigerator has been thoroughly cleaned and dried, reconnect the cord and set the control to 3 or 4.

Cabinets and Drawers:

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

Sink and surrounding areas:

• Garbage disposal, if available, should be in proper working order and free of garbage. With cold water running into the drain, turn the garbage disposal on to flush. Remove any leftover food or other items in the disposal. Run baking soda through the disposal. Remove the black rubber gasket and clean thoroughly. Clean opening before replacing the gasket.
• Clean sink, drain, chrome fixtures, and pipes under the 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 cabinet fronts
• Clean microwave – inside and out. Clean any other appliances

Bathroom(s):

Toilets:

• Scrub with disinfectant cleanser
• Remove all dirt and stains
• Clean top of the toilet tank, toilet lid, seat (both sides), bowl, and base completely
• Scrub toilet of all rust, lime, and scale inside and out

Sinks:

• Clean sink, drain chrome fixtures, and pipes under the sink.
• Clean and shine up the sinks, faucets, and handles.

Mirrors:

• Clean all mirrors so that they are streak-free and free of dirt.
• Clean all glass (e.g., shower doors, mirrors, etc.).

Floors:

• Sweep and mop or vacuum floor
• Vacuum and/or wash rugs
• Don’t forget to clean the floor and baseboards!

Showers and tubs:

• Clean shower walls, bathtub interiors, and shower doors meticulously to remove all dirt, soap build-up, mold, and hair. Bleach the grout. Shower doors and frames must be completely clean

Vanities and cabinets:

• Clean medicine cabinet shelves and both sides of doors
• Clean the inside of the medicine cabinet
• Clean interior and exterior of cabinets and drawers
• Clean out the bathroom drawers and vanity, making sure you get all the hair out
• Replace all broken or missing bathroom towel racks and toilet paper holders.

Lights, ceiling and ventilation:

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

Bedroom(s):

• Carpeting: Vacuumed thoroughly.
• Overhead light fixtures/ceiling fans: Washed and replace bulbs if necessary.
• Closets: Washed inside and out.
• Windows/Blinds: Washed inside and out, as well as screens and tracks.
• Vents/Registers: Dusted and washed.

Windows & Doors:

• Wash all windows inside and out.
• Clean out window tracks.
• Wash all window sills and screens (damaged screens must be replaced).
• Windows must be closed and locked.
• Clean all blinds and window coverings.
• Remove all unauthorized bedroom locking doorknobs installed by tenants.

Living areas and hallways:

• Carpet: Thoroughly vacuumed.
• Closets: Washed inside and out.
• Vents/Registers: Dusted and washed.
• Light fixtures/ceiling fans: Washed and have bulbs replaced if necessary.
• Windows/Blinds: Washed inside and out, including screens and tracks.

Laundry Area:

• Floor: Scrubbed.
• Walls: Washed down, dust removed.
• Doors: Washed inside and out.
• Window/Blinds: Washed inside and out, including screen and track.
• If renting the washer and dryer:
  Wash down the tops and sides of both appliances. Wash inside washer lid and around soap dispenser area. Clean dryer lint filter.

Exterior:

• The entire lawn must be neatly mowed and edged.
• Edge around walkways, driveways, and patios.
• Trim (weed whack) around foundations, flowerbeds, shrubs, and fences.
• Rake grass clippings and leaves.
• Remove weeds and dead plants from flower beds.
• Yard watered and remove all trash and debris.
• Any animal droppings are to be picked up and disposed of.
• Fill, level, and seed holes from pets and repair all other damage caused by pets.
• Trees and shrubs trimmed or pruned.
• Pull the weeds and weed flower beds if applicable.
• Pick up any trash in the yard.
• Remove all personal items from the yard.
• Clean all exterior light fixtures and ensure light fixtures have working bulbs or fluorescent lights.
• Patios, balconies, and storage closets must be swept and free of debris and trash.

Garage / Storage:

• Remove all items from Garage and shed or storage areas
• Clear out all refuse, boxes, and debris
• Sweep out or vacuum any storage areas and garages
• Sweep between wall studs and around garage door(s) to remove cobwebs, dust, and debris
• Clean cobwebs from walls and rafters as far as can be reached with a broom
• Clean ALL closets, storage spaces, and shelving of dust and debris.
• Ensure that each light fixture has all working bulbs
• Clean light fixtures, light switch and outlet covers, shelves, and both sides of entry/exit doors

Driveway:

• Should be completely empty and swept.
• Clean oil stains
• Clear up all refuse, boxes, and debris
• Clean outdoor light fixtures, replace burned-out or missing light bulbs.
• Haul away all garbage. No trash shall be left behind; DO NOT leave garbage, personal items, or furniture at the curb.

Possible Cleaning Charges to Security Deposit:

Note: These minimum charges are subject to change at any time without notice.

Clean Carpet	$150 +	Oven or Stove	$75 +
Vent Hood	$35 +	Replace Range Pans	$40 +
Refrigerator	$50 +	Freezer	$20 +
Counters / Cabinets	$5 +	Toilet	$30 +
Drawers / Sinks	$5 +	Bathtub	$30 +
Dishwasher	$20 +	Mirrors (each)	$10 +
Mini-Blinds (each)	$20 +	Windows (each)	$10 +
Vertical Blinds (each)	$35 +	Floors	$30 +
Ceiling Fans	$25 +	Patio	$25 +
Sliding Glass Door	$25 +	Clean Garage	$50 +
Cleaning dirt vent hood	$35 +	Furniture Removal	$100 +
Cleaning walls (per wall)	$35 +	Vertical Slates	$15 +
Re-keying when no keys are returned	$95 +	Light Bulbs (each)	$5 +
Trash Removal from interior of house	$65 +	Specialty Bulbs (each)	$15 +
Trash Removal from exterior of house	$65 +	Screens	$35 +
Wash windows and tracks	$20 +	Windows	$200 +
Cleaning Fireplace	$35 +	Oven Rack	$30 +
Drip Pans (all 4)	$45 +	Switch Plates (each)	$5 +
Light Fixtures	$100 +	Battery for smoke alarm	$10 +
Door Replacement	$100 +	Blind Wand	$5 +
Light Globes	$25 +	Reinstall Doors on Track	$30 +
Toilet Seat	$40 +	Tub Stopper / Drain Covers	$15 +
Service Call / Trip Charge	$45 +