Move-Out Cleaning Checklist for Florida Renters
A room-by-room move-out cleaning checklist for renters in Florida, plus what the state's security deposit rules say about timing.
Your security deposit may be one of the biggest checks you get back this year. Going through this list before your final walkthrough makes it more likely you'll get it back, whether you clean the place yourself or book someone to do it.
Start with your lease
Before you do anything else, read your lease and any move-out instructions from your landlord. Some leases have specific requirements, like professional carpet cleaning. If your landlord has a checklist, use that first.
Kitchen
- Inside the oven and the oven racks
- Inside the fridge and freezer, with the shelves and drawers cleaned
- Inside the microwave and dishwasher
- Range hood and filter
- Inside and outside all cabinets and drawers
- Countertops, backsplash and sink
- Under the fridge and stove, if they can be moved safely
Bathrooms
- Tub, shower, doors and tile, including soap scum and hard water stains
- Toilet, including the base and behind it
- Sink, faucet, mirror and medicine cabinet
- Exhaust fan cover
- Inside the vanity and drawers
Bedrooms and living areas
- Closets, including shelves and floors
- Ceiling fans and light fixtures
- Window sills and tracks, which collect a lot of dust in Florida
- Baseboards and door frames
- Vacuum carpets and mop hard floors, last, on your way out
Don't forget
- Lanai, balcony or patio
- Garage or storage unit, if you have one
- AC vent covers and light switches
- Take your trash to the right place, and leave nothing behind
Take time-stamped photos of every room when you're done. If there's ever a disagreement about the condition of the place, they're your best evidence.
What Florida law says about your deposit
Under Section 83.49 of the Florida Statutes, a landlord generally has 15 days after you move out to return your deposit if they aren't making a claim against it. If they intend to make a claim, they generally have 30 days to send you written notice, and you then have 15 days to object. Make sure your landlord has your forwarding address. This is general information, not legal advice, so talk to a lawyer if you have a dispute.
Doing it yourself, or booking it out
A thorough move-out clean takes much longer than most people expect, and it falls right when you have the least time. If you'd rather hand it off, a move-in/move-out clean on eazBee shows you the full price up front. No one can promise you'll get your deposit back, since that's between you and your landlord, but sending your cleaner your landlord's checklist helps. Book ahead if you can: the end of the month is a busy time.