Fillable checklist

Move Out Cleaning Checklist: Vacate and Deposit (Free Printable PDF)

Fillable move-out cleaning to-do for rooms, appliances, carpets, trash, and leftover supplies. Print blank or save a filled PDF and CSV.

Cleaning Fillable form · 9 sections · 63 checks Download filled or blank PDF and CSV Cross-checked against CDC, EPA disinfectant steps, and CA Courts · Last verified Sep 16, 2026

Snugage fillable checklist

Fill this on screen, then download a PDF or CSV. Download a blank copy to complete by hand. Answers stay in this tab only. The next visitor sees a blank form. This is a clean-to-vacate to-do list for rooms, appliances, carpets, trash, and leftover supplies. Mark Done, Skip, or N/A. It is not a rental condition or move-out inspection form and it is not legal advice on deposits.

  • 9 sections
  • 63 checks
  • Blank for each visitor

Form details

Property and parties

This is a practical cleaning template, not legal advice and not an official state or HUD deposit form. Return deadlines and what a landlord may deduct for cleaning vary by state and by the lease. HUD Occupancy Handbook 4350.3 paragraph 6-18 uses 30 days after move-out, or a shorter time if state or local law requires it, for HUD-assisted multifamily housing. California Courts Self Help describes a 21-day itemized return in that state. Do not treat either figure as a nationwide private-rental rule.

13 fields
Property and parties

HUD 4350.3 paragraph 6-18 tells HUD-assisted tenants to give a forwarding address or arrange pickup before a refund. State law may still require the owner to attempt a refund. Write the address the itemized statement should use.

Inspection station

Kitchen surfaces

Clean visible soil with soap or detergent first. CDC says cleaning alone removes most germs in ordinary homes, and dirt blocks sanitizers and disinfectants. EPA six steps: if you disinfect, use an EPA-registered product, follow the label, keep the surface wet for the listed contact time, wear gloves when the label says so, and store the product away from children. Mark N/A on rooms or finishes this kitchen does not have.

11 items
Kitchen surfaces

Counters and islands cleaned, then disinfected if you choose to

CDC: clean high-touch hard surfaces such as countertops. EPA: soap and water first, then an EPA-registered disinfectant if you disinfect. Keep the surface wet for the label contact time. If you use diluted bleach, CDC and EPA both use 5 tablespoons (1/3 cup) unscented 5 to 9 percent bleach per gallon of room-temperature water, or 4 teaspoons per quart. Do not mix bleach with other cleaners. Food-prep surfaces may need a rinse if the label says so.

Counters and islands cleaned, then disinfected if you choose to: Done, Skip, or N/A

Cabinet interiors emptied and wiped

Remove food and shelf paper that belongs to the occupant. Wipe shelves and walls of each box. This is a clean-to-vacate line, not a rating of cabinet condition.

Cabinet interiors emptied and wiped: Done, Skip, or N/A

Cabinet doors, drawer faces, and pulls wiped

Grease collects on faces and handles. EPA lists handles among high-touch objects that need cleaning, then disinfection if you disinfect. Wipe both sides of doors if soil shows through.

Cabinet doors, drawer faces, and pulls wiped: Done, Skip, or N/A

Drawer interiors emptied and wiped

Crumbs and liner paper stay after a move. Empty each drawer, wipe, and dry. Mark N/A if the kitchen has no drawers.

Drawer interiors emptied and wiped: Done, Skip, or N/A

Sink, faucet, drain rim, and spray head cleaned

EPA high-touch list includes faucets and sinks. Clean soap scum and food film with a product the finish can take, then disinfect hard nonporous parts if you choose. Do not force a disposer with chemicals the label does not allow.

Sink, faucet, drain rim, and spray head cleaned: Done, Skip, or N/A

Backsplash wiped of grease and spatters

Grease above the range and sink is ordinary vacate soil. Use a degreaser the surface can take. Mark N/A if there is no backsplash.

Backsplash wiped of grease and spatters: Done, Skip, or N/A

Kitchen walls, switch plates, and baseboards wiped

Wipe fingerprints and food specks. Do not paint over soil. This line is cleaning, not a paint or damage record.

Kitchen walls, switch plates, and baseboards wiped: Done, Skip, or N/A

Kitchen floor swept and mopped

Sweep first, then mop with a cleaner the floor finish can take. Pull what you can move safely. Gas ranges: do not drag the appliance off the gas line. Hard-floor mopping stays here. Carpet in an adjoining room is on Floors and carpets.

Kitchen floor swept and mopped: Done, Skip, or N/A

Kitchen switches, door handles, and appliance handles wiped

CDC names light switches and doorknobs as high-touch surfaces to clean regularly. EPA adds handles. Clean, then disinfect hard nonporous parts if you disinfect, and keep them wet for the contact time.

Kitchen switches, door handles, and appliance handles wiped: Done, Skip, or N/A

Kitchen window glass, sill, and tracks cleaned

Empty tracks and wipe sills. Glass cleaner is enough for glass. Mark N/A if the kitchen has no window.

Kitchen window glass, sill, and tracks cleaned: Done, Skip, or N/A

Pantry or food closet emptied and wiped

Remove all food. Wipe shelves. Leftover food belongs on Trash and leftover supplies, not left for the next occupant. Mark N/A if there is no pantry.

Pantry or food closet emptied and wiped: Done, Skip, or N/A

Inspection station

Appliances

Follow the appliance maker and The Home Depot how-to pages for fridge, oven, cooktop, microwave, and dishwasher. Unplug or switch off power before you wash coils, drip pans, or electric elements. Do not pull a gas range off its connection. Mark N/A on appliances the unit does not include.

12 items
Appliances

Refrigerator and freezer emptied of all food

Home Depot: empty the fridge completely, including condiments. Throw out leftovers and expired food and take that trash out right away. Do not leave perishable food sitting out more than about an hour if you are still using it during the clean.

Refrigerator and freezer emptied of all food: Done, Skip, or N/A

Refrigerator interior, shelves, and drawers washed and dried

Home Depot: remove shelves and drawers, wash in warm soapy water after they reach room temperature so glass does not crack, and wipe the interior. The appliances page says soap and water is best inside a fridge and not to use bleach there because it can taint food. Dry parts before they go back.

Refrigerator interior, shelves, and drawers washed and dried: Done, Skip, or N/A

Refrigerator gasket, handles, top, and exterior wiped

Home Depot: wipe the exterior and the top, and clean the sticky door handle. The fridge page also tells you to clean the door seal. Stainless steel needs a cleaner made for that finish.

Refrigerator gasket, handles, top, and exterior wiped: Done, Skip, or N/A

Freezer emptied, ice removed, and interior wiped

Remove ice and food. Wipe the box dry. If the lease or the maker says to leave the unit off and the door ajar after vacate, write that in Notes. Otherwise leave it running only if the owner asked you to.

Freezer emptied, ice removed, and interior wiped: Done, Skip, or N/A

Accessible fridge coils and drip pan cleaned

Home Depot: unplug or kill the circuit before you dust coils or wash the drip pan. Empty, wash, and dry the drip pan. Vacuum around and under the fridge if you can move it safely. Mark N/A if coils and the pan are not reachable without moving a built-in.

Accessible fridge coils and drip pan cleaned: Done, Skip, or N/A

Oven interior, door glass, and racks cleaned

Home Depot: use the self-clean cycle or a manual cleaner, and follow the oven maker. Chemical oven cleaners need ventilation and gloves. Do not use a caustic spray in a self-clean oven if the maker forbids it. Soak racks in soapy water.

Oven interior, door glass, and racks cleaned: Done, Skip, or N/A

Cooktop, grates or coils, drip pans, and knobs cleaned

Home Depot: soak burner grates and gas caps in soapy water. On an electric coil top, lift coils and wipe them without wetting the electrical connections. Wipe the cooktop, back panel, and knobs. Replace disposable drip pans if the owner supplied them.

Cooktop, grates or coils, drip pans, and knobs cleaned: Done, Skip, or N/A

Range hood interior, exterior, and removable filter washed

Wash a metal filter in hot soapy water and dry it. Wipe grease from the hood shell. Mark N/A if there is no hood or the filter is not removable.

Range hood interior, exterior, and removable filter washed: Done, Skip, or N/A

Microwave interior, turntable, and exterior cleaned

Home Depot: soak the turntable in soapy water. A microwave-safe bowl of vinegar and water run on high for two minutes loosens spatters, then wipe. Clean the door and handle.

Microwave interior, turntable, and exterior cleaned: Done, Skip, or N/A

Dishwasher interior, door edges, and accessible filter wiped

Home Depot: wipe the interior with dish soap or a cleaner the maker allows. Clear food from an accessible filter if the model has one you can lift out. Wipe the door gasket and the edges the spray misses.

Dishwasher interior, door edges, and accessible filter wiped: Done, Skip, or N/A

Washer and dryer emptied, drums wiped, and lint screen cleaned

Remove leftover clothes and dryer lint. Wipe the washer gasket and detergent drawer if they are soiled. This is a vacate wipe, not an OEM service interval. Mark N/A if laundry is not in the unit.

Washer and dryer emptied, drums wiped, and lint screen cleaned: Done, Skip, or N/A

Floor and wall beside appliances cleaned where you can reach safely

Home Depot: vacuum and sweep under a fridge you can roll. Do not pull a gas range. Clean the floor in front and the sides you can reach. Write what you could not move.

Floor and wall beside appliances cleaned where you can reach safely: Done, Skip, or N/A

Inspection station

Baths

Clean every full bath and the half-bath. CDC: clean high-touch hard surfaces, and clean other surfaces when they are visibly dirty. Disinfect toilets, faucets, and similar hard surfaces if someone has been sick or you choose to. Never mix bleach with other cleaners. Name which bath in Notes when two baths are not the same.

10 items
Baths

Toilet bowl, seat, lid, tank, and base cleaned

EPA lists toilets among frequently touched objects. Clean visible soil, then disinfect hard surfaces if you disinfect. Keep the product wet for the contact time. Wipe the base and the floor around the bowl.

Toilet bowl, seat, lid, tank, and base cleaned: Done, Skip, or N/A

Tub or shower, walls, door, and tracks cleaned

Remove film, soap scum, and hair. Clean door tracks. Use a product the enclosure can take. Mark N/A on a powder room with no tub or shower.

Tub or shower, walls, door, and tracks cleaned: Done, Skip, or N/A

Sink, faucet, overflow, and drain rim cleaned

EPA lists faucets and sinks. Clean, then disinfect hard nonporous parts if you disinfect. Wipe the overflow ring and the underside of the spout.

Sink, faucet, overflow, and drain rim cleaned: Done, Skip, or N/A

Vanity top, cabinets, and drawers emptied and wiped

Remove personal products. Wipe the top and the cabinet interiors. This is cleaning, not a cabinet-condition rating.

Vanity top, cabinets, and drawers emptied and wiped: Done, Skip, or N/A

Mirror and medicine cabinet emptied and wiped

Clean glass. Empty the cabinet and wipe shelves. Mark N/A if there is no cabinet.

Mirror and medicine cabinet emptied and wiped: Done, Skip, or N/A

Bath floor, grout you can reach, and baseboards cleaned

Sweep or vacuum hair, then mop with a cleaner the floor can take. Wipe baseboards. Do not invent a grout Pass or Fail. Write remaining stains in Notes.

Bath floor, grout you can reach, and baseboards cleaned: Done, Skip, or N/A

Exhaust fan grille dusted

Dust the visible grille. Do not pull the fan housing or work in the junction box. Mark N/A if there is no fan.

Exhaust fan grille dusted: Done, Skip, or N/A

Bath switches, door handle, and towel bars wiped

CDC and EPA treat switches and handles as high-touch. Clean, then disinfect hard nonporous parts if you disinfect.

Bath switches, door handle, and towel bars wiped: Done, Skip, or N/A

Half-bath or powder room cleaned to the same standard

A powder room still needs the toilet, sink, floor, and high-touch lines. Mark N/A if the unit has no half-bath.

Half-bath or powder room cleaned to the same standard: Done, Skip, or N/A

Linen closet emptied and shelves wiped

Remove towels and leftover toiletries. Wipe shelves. Mark N/A if there is no linen closet.

Linen closet emptied and shelves wiped: Done, Skip, or N/A

Inspection station

Rooms, closets, and high-touch

Walk bedrooms, living, dining, and entry for soil, not for condition grades. CDC: clean high-touch surfaces such as switches and doorknobs, and clean other surfaces when they are visibly dirty. Soft goods follow the fabric label. Mark N/A on rooms or finishes the unit does not have.

10 items
Rooms, closets, and high-touch

Walls, corners, and baseboards wiped of marks and dust

Wipe fingerprints, food specks, and cobwebs. Do not paint. Scuffs you cannot clean belong in Notes, not as a defect grade on this form.

Walls, corners, and baseboards wiped of marks and dust: Done, Skip, or N/A

Interior window glass, sills, tracks, and locks cleaned

Empty tracks. Wipe sills and locks. Interior glass is enough unless the lease also asks for exterior glass you can reach safely.

Interior window glass, sills, tracks, and locks cleaned: Done, Skip, or N/A

Blinds, shades, or landlord drapes dusted or laundered

EPA: clean or launder soft and porous goods using the item label and the warmest water the fabric allows, then dry completely. Dust hard slats. Mark N/A if treatments are tenant property you are taking, or if there are none.

Blinds, shades, or landlord drapes dusted or laundered: Done, Skip, or N/A

Closets emptied, shelves wiped, and rods dusted

Remove hangers and boxes that belong to the occupant. Wipe shelves and the closet floor. Walk every bedroom closet and the entry closet.

Closets emptied, shelves wiped, and rods dusted: Done, Skip, or N/A

Interior doors, frames, and knobs wiped

EPA lists doorknobs and handles as high-touch. Clean both sides of doors people touch, including the bath and entry doors.

Interior doors, frames, and knobs wiped: Done, Skip, or N/A

Light switches and outlet plates wiped in each room

CDC names light switches as high-touch surfaces. Clean plates. Do not unscrew them or work inside the box.

Light switches and outlet plates wiped in each room: Done, Skip, or N/A

Ceiling fans and reachable light fixtures dusted

Dust blades and glass you can reach from the floor or a stable step stool. Do not stand on furniture. Mark N/A if there are no fans or fixtures you can reach.

Ceiling fans and reachable light fixtures dusted: Done, Skip, or N/A

Entry, halls, and stair rail wiped

Wipe the entry door interior, rail, and hall switch plates. Stair treads are on Floors and carpets so this line stays walls and high-touch.

Entry, halls, and stair rail wiped: Done, Skip, or N/A

Landlord furniture vacuumed or wiped

EPA: soft seating is cleaned or laundered per the fabric, not treated like a hard counter. Wipe hard tables. Mark N/A on an unfurnished unit. Do not rate tenant furniture you are taking.

Landlord furniture vacuumed or wiped: Done, Skip, or N/A

Fireplace surround and hearth swept and wiped

Remove ash only if the owner asked and the fire is cold. This is a surface wipe, not a chimney inspection. Mark N/A if there is no fireplace.

Fireplace surround and hearth swept and wiped: Done, Skip, or N/A

Inspection station

Floors and carpets

EPA treats carpet, rugs, and other soft goods as items to clean or launder per the label, using the warmest water the fabric allows, then dry completely. A limited set of EPA-registered products is labeled for soft surfaces. Do not assume a steam-clean or a professional carpet fee is required. California Courts Self Help: a landlord may deduct cleaning only to return the unit to the cleanliness it had at move-in, and ordinary wear is not a cleaning charge. Other states differ.

6 items
Floors and carpets

Carpets vacuumed, including edges and under movable furniture

Vacuum rooms, closets, and stairs that have carpet. Move lightweight furniture. Write what you could not move. Mark N/A if the unit has no carpet.

Carpets vacuumed, including edges and under movable furniture: Done, Skip, or N/A

Visible carpet spots treated with a carpet-safe cleaner

Treat spots you caused or can lift with a product the carpet can take. Do not invent a stain Pass or Fail. Leftover wear or dye loss is not a cleaning to-do. Write remaining spots in Notes.

Visible carpet spots treated with a carpet-safe cleaner: Done, Skip, or N/A

Hard floors swept and mopped in every room that has them

Sweep, then mop wood, vinyl, tile, or similar with a cleaner that finish can take. Kitchen floor soil can be finished here if you already swept it in Kitchen surfaces.

Hard floors swept and mopped in every room that has them: Done, Skip, or N/A

Stair treads, risers you can reach, and landings cleaned

Vacuum carpet treads. Mop hard treads. Wipe a dusty riser if you can reach it safely. Mark N/A if the unit is one level with no stairs.

Stair treads, risers you can reach, and landings cleaned: Done, Skip, or N/A

Landlord area rugs cleaned or laundered per the label

EPA: launder or clean soft rugs per the item label and dry them completely. Mark N/A if rugs belong to the tenant and are leaving, or if there are none.

Landlord area rugs cleaned or laundered per the label: Done, Skip, or N/A

Professional carpet clean done only if the lease or soil requires it

This is not an automatic vacate fee. California Courts Self Help limits cleaning deductions to returning the unit to move-in cleanliness. HUD 4350.3 is about itemized amounts a HUD-assisted owner may claim under the lease and state law, not a nationwide steam-clean rule. Mark Done if a needed clean was completed, Skip if you chose not to hire one, or N/A if no carpet or no such lease term.

Professional carpet clean done only if the lease or soil requires it: Done, Skip, or N/A

Inspection station

Trash and leftover supplies

Empty the unit. Home Depot tells fridge cleaners to take food trash out right away. Leftover cleaners and chemicals stay labeled and out of the reach of children (EPA six steps). Do not dump paint, pesticides, or oil in household trash if local disposal rules say otherwise. This section is belongings and waste, not a key or meter form.

8 items
Trash and leftover supplies

All household trash removed from the unit

Bag and remove kitchen, bath, and room trash. Do not leave bags on the patio unless that is the building's pickup point and pickup is set.

All household trash removed from the unit: Done, Skip, or N/A

Recycling and bulk discards removed

Cardboard, bottles, and bulk items the occupant is discarding leave with the occupant or go to the building's recycle or bulk site. Write a bulky item you could not move.

Recycling and bulk discards removed: Done, Skip, or N/A

Food, spices, and perishables removed

Home Depot: inventory food and throw out leftovers when you empty a fridge. Do not leave pantry goods for the next occupant unless the owner asked you to.

Food, spices, and perishables removed: Done, Skip, or N/A

Personal belongings and tenant furnishings removed

Closets, cabinets, attic pull-downs you used, and storage the lease includes should be empty of occupant property. A forgotten item belongs in Notes.

Personal belongings and tenant furnishings removed: Done, Skip, or N/A

Leftover cleaners, paint, and chemicals removed or labeled

EPA: keep lids closed and store products out of the reach of children. Do not leave unlabeled mixes. Take occupant-owned chemicals with you or dispose of them as your city directs. Never mix leftover bleach with other cleaners.

Leftover cleaners, paint, and chemicals removed or labeled: Done, Skip, or N/A

Tenant light bulbs, leftover hardware, and spare parts removed

Take bulbs and parts you installed for yourself if the lease says the owner's lamps stay. Do not leave a bag of mixed screws in a drawer.

Tenant light bulbs, leftover hardware, and spare parts removed: Done, Skip, or N/A

Mail, papers, and packages removed

Clear counters, drawers, and the floor of paper. File forwarding with the post office separately. This line is the physical clean-out.

Mail, papers, and packages removed: Done, Skip, or N/A

Indoor trash and recycle cans emptied and wiped

Empty, wipe, and dry cans that stay with the unit. Take cans that belong to the occupant.

Indoor trash and recycle cans emptied and wiped: Done, Skip, or N/A

Inspection station

Outdoor, garage, and storage

EPA: outdoor areas generally need ordinary cleaning, not disinfectant spray on sidewalks or yards. Sweep and remove occupant debris. Mark N/A if the lease has no outdoor space, garage, or storage.

6 items
Outdoor, garage, and storage

Patio, balcony, or deck swept and occupant goods removed

Sweep soil and leaves you tracked. Remove planters, furniture, and ash from a tenant grill. Wipe the slider track on the unit side if it is dirty.

Patio, balcony, or deck swept and occupant goods removed: Done, Skip, or N/A

Garage or assigned storage emptied and swept

Remove occupant goods, oil-dry messes you caused, and trash. Sweep the bay. Mark N/A if there is no garage or storage.

Garage or assigned storage emptied and swept: Done, Skip, or N/A

Tenant debris removed from yard, beds, or a fenced patio

Pick up toys, pots, and trash. This is not a landscaping contract and not a mow schedule. Mark N/A if there is no yard in the lease.

Tenant debris removed from yard, beds, or a fenced patio: Done, Skip, or N/A

Outdoor trash and recycle bins emptied

Empty bins that stay with the unit and return them to the assigned spot. Mark N/A if the building uses a shared dumpster only.

Outdoor trash and recycle bins emptied: Done, Skip, or N/A

Exterior entry glass, knob, and stoop swept

Wipe the unit's entry glass and knob. Sweep the stoop you use. Do not wash a shared building lobby that is not in the lease.

Exterior entry glass, knob, and stoop swept: Done, Skip, or N/A

Pet waste and pet gear removed from the unit and yard

Remove litter, crates, and outdoor waste. Wipe floors where pets lived. Mark N/A if no pet lived here.

Pet waste and pet gear removed from the unit and yard: Done, Skip, or N/A

Form details

Remaining work and sign-off

List Skip lines and any room you could not finish. This worksheet is not a move-out inspection, not a deposit accounting, and not legal advice. California Courts Self Help and HUD 4350.3 both describe itemized deposit statements. Deadlines and allowed cleaning charges vary by state.

9 fields
Remaining work and sign-off

Photos help a later conversation. They do not replace this list or an official deposit statement.

Draw your signature, or upload an image to replace it.

Draw your signature, or upload an image to replace it.

Draw your signature, or upload an image to replace it.

Done with this walkaround?

Download a filled or blank PDF, or a CSV. Answers stay in this tab. The next visitor sees a blank form.

References

  1. Cleaning and disinfecting at home - CDC
  2. Cleaning and disinfecting with bleach - CDC
  3. Six steps for safe and effective disinfectant use - EPA
  4. Guidance for cleaning and disinfecting homes and public spaces - EPA
  5. Selected EPA-registered disinfectants and label directions - EPA
  6. Guide to security deposits in California - California Courts Self Help
  7. HUD Occupancy Handbook 4350.3 Chapter 6, security deposit refund - HUD
  8. How to clean a refrigerator - The Home Depot
  9. How to clean kitchen appliances - The Home Depot

Printable checklist PDF and image

Blank printable PDF and a preview image of this checklist.

Move Out Cleaning Checklist: Vacate and Deposit blank checklist
Blank checklist PDF Download PDF
Move Out Cleaning Checklist: Vacate and Deposit blank checklist
Checklist image Download image

These checklists are provided for general reference only. Always verify the steps against local codes, a licensed inspector or a qualified contractor before relying on them, especially for safety-critical work.