The Move-Out Inspection Cleaning Woes: My 15+ Years of Lessons Learned

Even after more than 15 years in the rental business, I still dread the move-out inspection. Why? Because the turnaround between tenants is often very short, and if the property isn’t clean, the pressure ramps up fast.

Let me walk you through a typical scenario. A tenant gives notice to move out. Immediately, I remind them about the Cleaning Checklist I included with their rental agreement. The problem? Most tenants don’t know where they filed their tenancy agreement. So I make another copy of the checklist and leave it in their mailbox. Now they have the list handy and know exactly what to start cleaning. I also ask whether they plan to hire a professional cleaner and offer recommendations if needed.

On the day of the move-out inspection, I try to arrive early for a quick walk-through before the tenants arrive. But all too often, the tenants are still cleaning when I show up. This is a red flag. It usually means they’ve been rushed, and I’m likely to find areas that aren’t clean enough.

Here’s where it can get tricky: when tenants follow me around during the inspection, I’m distracted. I’m talking and listening, trying to be friendly, and sometimes I forget to check important areas. After they leave, I often notice marks on the walls, dirty stove elements under the foil inserts, or crumbs hiding in drawers.

Over the years, I’ve learned that there are five areas that always need my attention because they tend to be overlooked and are just too gross to ignore:

1. Behind the fridge and stove
   Pull out the fridge and stove to find hidden pet hair, dust balls, food bits, and often stray pens. These spots are magnets for grime.

2. Inside drawers and cupboards
   Cabinets under the sinks are notorious for hair, crumbs, and spills. Drawers often hide crumbs, dust, and random small items.

3. Baseboards
   Tenants rarely clean baseboards. Expect layers of dust and grime along the edges of walls.

4. Light switches and outlets
   Around the kitchen and bathroom, switch plates accumulate grease, fingerprints, and dust. Don’t forget the tops of switches — they often get overlooked.

5. The drawer under the stove
   This drawer is often forgotten, yet it’s a crumb and debris magnet. Occasionally, you’ll even find pans or baking sheets left behind.

If I find areas that haven’t been properly cleaned, I have several options:

1. Clean it myself
   For minor issues, I’ll tackle it personally. I usually keep some cleaning supplies in my car for exactly this purpose.

2. Give the previous tenants a second chance
   Technically, tenants are supposed to have completed cleaning by 1 PM on their last day, but I often allow a few extra hours if needed. I set a clear time to return and check again.

3. Offer it to the incoming tenants
   Sometimes the next tenants are willing to handle minor cleaning for a set fee (not by the hour). Often, they agree since it’s convenient for them.

4. Hire a professional cleaner
   If the mess is significant, I arrange for a cleaner immediately and let the incoming tenants know. Going the extra mile shows professionalism and helps earn tenant respect.

Want to avoid these headaches? Include a Cleaning Checklist as part of your Rental Agreement package. Make it clear and easy to follow. Most issues can be prevented with a little proactive communication, saving you time, stress, and money.

Download the Cleaning Checklist today and make move-out inspections a little less daunting — for you and your tenants.