Move-out cleaning checklist
Use this room-by-room list to leave your apartment or house ready for inspection, and give yourself the best shot at your full security deposit.
Landlords look at the same handful of spots at every move-out: inside the oven and fridge, inside cabinets, bathroom build-up, floors, and walls. Clean those well and most deposit disputes never start.
Do the cleaning after the furniture is out, top to bottom in each room, and save the floors for last.
Kitchen
Bathrooms
Bedrooms and living areas
Before you hand over the keys
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Your security deposit in Ohio
Under Ohio law (Ohio Revised Code 5321.16), a landlord has 30 days after your lease ends and you return possession to give back your deposit or send an itemized list of deductions. Giving your forwarding address in writing matters: it’s part of what protects your right to dispute unfair deductions.
This is general information, not legal advice. Your lease and your specific situation matter, so check with a local tenant resource if you’re unsure.
Rather hand it off?
Our move-out clean covers everything on this list, inside the oven, fridge, and cabinets included.