Buzz
After residing in your rental for an extended period, you might forget the exact amount of your security deposit. However, receiving a substantial refund can significantly ease your transition to a new home. While we often discuss legal strategies to guarantee its return and ensure your landlord complies, your role is equally crucial. Below are the essential cleaning and repair tasks to complete before your departure.
Start with the walls
Begin by addressing the walls. Minor damages are your responsibility, regardless of whether you're still occupying the space or preparing to leave. After removing all personal belongings, thoroughly clean the walls. Extract any nails, screws, or tacks, and repair any cosmetic flaws, such as marks from adhesive strips or picture hooks. (Refer to this comprehensive guide for detailed repair instructions.)
The floors
For carpeted areas, it’s essential to remove any stains. A thorough deep-cleaning is highly recommended. While renting a steamer might be costly, it’s a smaller expense compared to losing your security deposit.
Aside from carpets, regular sweeping and mopping should suffice, as advised by Innovation Rentals. However, inspect the floors for significant damage that you can repair on your own.
The kitchen
In one instance, I moved into a unit where the fridge was left filled with expired food and thick grime by the previous tenant. The landlord hadn’t cleaned it, which was not only unpleasant but also a violation of the rules by the former tenant. Neglecting to clean the fridge can lead to deductions from your security deposit and earn you the disdain of the next occupant.
Additionally, address any minor water damage under the sink and thoroughly clean the oven. Inspect cupboards and cabinets for leftover food and ensure they’re emptied. While it’s uncertain how long the unit will stay vacant, leaving behind crumbs or trash could attract pests, potentially causing issues for you. (And, of course, take out the trash before leaving to avoid giving the landlord grounds to claim you’ve created a pest or odor problem.)
The bathroom
Pods, a moving and storage company, recommends wiping down all windows, mirrors, and glass surfaces, including those in the bathroom and shower. The primary challenge in the shower is removing soap scum and grime. To make this easier, start using a fillable dish brush during your showers to clean gradually. Don’t overlook the shower head—soak it in a mixture of four cups of white vinegar, half a cup of baking soda, and a cup of water, then scrub it with an old toothbrush. (If the shower head isn’t removable, secure the mixture in a plastic bag around it while you clean elsewhere.)
In general
Aim to leave the unit as pristine and empty as it was when you first moved in. This involves removing stains, dirt, and trash, as well as ensuring no furniture is left behind. Landlords may charge for furniture removal, so if you must leave anything, notify your landlord, obtain written permission, and document the agreement. Also, clear any items from the fire escape to avoid penalties—this nearly cost me over two cushions.
Avoid unplugging appliances unless instructed by your landlord, but ensure they are empty. While your landlord will conduct a final inspection to ensure the unit is ready for the next tenant, your responsibility is to leave the space spotless and free of belongings. Only then can you reclaim your deposit and move forward.
