Are You Responsible for Cleaning When Leaving a Rental?

nmdmaidservices07/15/2025

Here’s the question that always pops up when you’re preparing to move: Are you supposed to clean the place before handing over the keys? If you’re knee-deep in boxes, juggling moving day logistics, and trying to wrap up loose ends, you might be wondering just how spotless your place really needs to be before you go.

It’s a fair concern—and an important one. After all, nobody wants to lose part of their security deposit over dust bunnies behind the fridge. So let’s walk through what’s expected from tenants at move-out, and what you can do to make the process easier (and less stressful).

So… Do Tenants Have to Clean Before Moving Out?

In most cases, yes. Most lease agreements include a clause that says the property should be left in the same condition it was in when you moved in, minus normal wear and tear, of course. That means cleaning is typically part of your responsibility as a tenant.

Landlords expect the property to be returned in a “broom clean” or “move-in ready” state. That includes things like:

Sweeping and vacuuming floors
Wiping down kitchen counters and cabinets
Cleaning the fridge, stove, and oven
Scrubbing bathroom sinks, toilets, and tubs
Removing all personal items and trash

If your lease doesn’t specifically mention cleaning, it’s still a good idea to do it. A clean home shows respect for the property and often leads to a smoother checkout process.

What Happens If You Don’t Clean?

If you leave without cleaning, your landlord will likely hire a cleaning service and deduct the cost from your security deposit. In some cases, they may also charge extra for deep cleaning if they feel the condition goes beyond regular maintenance.

In other words, not cleaning can get expensive because, unfortunately, you don’t get to choose the price or the service they hire.

What Counts as “Clean Enough”?

This is where it gets a little tricky. Some landlords are more particular than others, but generally, your rental should be:

Free of dust, dirt, and cobwebs
Smelling fresh, not like last night’s dinner
Free of marks on walls or doors (or at least as much as possible)
Cleaned behind and under appliances

A good rule of thumb: If you’d feel comfortable moving into the space the way you’re leaving it, it’s probably clean enough.

Should You Hire a Move-Out Cleaning Service?

You definitely can do it all yourself—but it takes time, energy, and a good eye for detail. Between packing, organizing, and dealing with everything else a move involves, many tenants decide it’s just easier to hire a professional service.

Move-out cleaners know exactly what landlords look for. They handle the deep cleaning, hard-to-reach spots, and the tasks most people overlook. So while it’s not a requirement, it’s a really smart way to save time—and avoid surprises when your deposit is returned.

Keep It Simple (and Stress-Free)

Here’s the truth: Moving is already enough work. Cleaning your rental from top to bottom doesn’t have to be added to your to-do list.

If you want to leave your place spotless without lifting a finger, our move-out cleaning service has you covered. We handle everything—so you can focus on settling into your new home, not scrubbing your old one.