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Move-Out Cleaning Checklist (California): What Landlords Actually Check
If you want your security deposit back, the goal isn't “pretty clean” it's inspection-ready. Here's a practical, room-by-room checklist and the most common items that cause deposit deductions.
Quick rule of thumb
Landlords and property managers usually do a fast walkthrough looking for the same repeat offenders: grease, soap scum, dust, and details that are easy to miss. If you hit the checklist below, you're covering what matters.
Room-by-room move-out cleaning checklist
Kitchen
- Wipe cabinet fronts, handles, and around knobs
- Clean inside microwave (including the top interior)
- Clean stovetop, burners, and drip pans
- Wipe the range hood and filter area
- Clean inside oven (or schedule an oven deep clean)
- Wipe refrigerator exterior, handles, and top
- Empty fridge/freezer and wipe shelves/drawers
- Scrub sink + faucet, then polish (no water spots)
- Wipe backsplash and counters (including edges)
- Mop floors and clean baseboards
- Take out trash and wipe inside the trash cabinet
Bathrooms
- Scrub shower/tub walls, corners, and grout lines
- Remove soap scum from glass doors (if applicable)
- Clean and disinfect toilet (base, behind, and around bolts)
- Wipe vanity, drawers, and cabinet fronts
- Clean mirror (no streaks)
- Wipe light switches and door handles
- Mop floors and wipe baseboards
- Empty and wipe bathroom trash can
Bedrooms & Living Areas
- Dust ceiling fans, vents, and light fixtures
- Wipe window sills and window tracks
- Spot-clean walls (especially near switches and corners)
- Wipe doors, handles, and trim
- Vacuum edges and corners (baseboard line)
- Vacuum closets and wipe closet shelves
- Mop hard floors or vacuum carpets thoroughly
Entry, Hallways & Extras
- Wipe front door (inside/outside) and handle
- Clean fingerprints off light switches
- Wipe baseboards and corners
- Check behind doors for scuffs
- Replace burnt-out light bulbs (if required by lease)
The top reasons deposits get deducted
These are the items we see most often during move-outs. If you're short on time, prioritize these first.
- Oven interior and range hood grease
- Bathroom grout and shower door soap scum
- Window tracks and sliding door tracks
- Baseboards (especially behind furniture)
- Dust on ceiling fans and vents
- Inside cabinets and drawers
- Carpet edges and corners (pet hair)
- Hard-water spots on faucets and glass
Want us to handle the move-out clean?
We do detailed move-in/move-out cleaning across Gridley, Yuba City, Chico, Sacramento, and surrounding areas. We'll show up on time, follow a documented checklist, and get the property inspection-ready.