Moving Out? Your Complete Cleaning Checklist

In New York City, security deposits typically equal one or two months' rent — that's a significant amount of money to risk losing over cleaning. Yet thousands of NYC tenants forfeit part or all of their deposit every year because of cleaning disputes. This comprehensive checklist covers everything your landlord is likely to inspect.

Before You Start: What NYC Landlords Look For

New York landlords expect the apartment to be returned in the same condition as when you moved in, accounting for normal wear and tear. "Normal wear and tear" includes minor scuffs and carpet wear — but does not include stains, grime buildup, dirty appliances, or damaged surfaces. When in doubt, clean it.

Kitchen Checklist

• Clean inside and outside the oven, including the broiler drawer
• Degrease stovetop, burners, and hood/exhaust fan
• Clean inside the refrigerator and freezer; defrost if needed
• Wipe inside all cabinets and drawers
• Clean the dishwasher inside, including the filter
• Scrub the sink and polish the faucet
• Clean backsplash tiles and grout
• Degrease walls near the stove
• Wipe down all countertops and underneath appliances

Bathroom Checklist

• Scrub toilet bowl, tank, seat, and base
• Deep clean tub and/or shower, including grout and caulk
• Clean and polish all fixtures (faucets, handles, towel bars)
• Scrub sink and vanity
• Clean mirror
• Wipe inside medicine cabinet and vanity drawers
• Clean exhaust fan cover
• Mop and scrub floor, including along the baseboards

Bedroom and Living Areas Checklist

• Wipe down all walls and spot-clean any marks
• Clean inside all closets and wipe shelves
• Vacuum and clean under beds and furniture
• Clean all light fixtures and ceiling fans
• Wipe all window sills, ledges, and blinds
• Clean inside all windows
• Vacuum all carpets or mop hardwood/tile floors
• Wipe baseboards and door frames
• Clean all doors and door handles
• Patch and paint any nail holes if required by your lease

Common Areas and Entry

• Clean entry hallway and closet
• Wipe down all light switches and outlet covers
• Clean AC units if applicable
• Remove all personal items and trash
• Return all keys and access cards

Why Professional Move-Out Cleaning Pays for Itself

In NYC, where apartments range from $2,500 to $10,000+ per month, a security deposit represents enormous value. Professional move-out cleaning from Sparkle Clean NYC costs a fraction of what you could lose in a deposit dispute — and we know exactly what landlords look for, because we've done thousands of move-out cleans across all five boroughs.

We also provide a cleaning receipt and can coordinate directly with your landlord if needed. Learn more about our move-out cleaning service or book directly online.