Move Out Cleaning Checklist: What Texas Landlords Check, Room by Room, Before They Return Your Deposit
Clean What the Walkthrough Checks
A move out cleaning checklist should cover the inside of every appliance, cabinet, drawer and closet, plus bathrooms, baseboards, floors, windows, blinds and fixtures. Those are the spots a landlord opens and touches first, and a dirty oven is the most common cleaning deduction.
Choose your clean
- 5.0 Stars on Google (13 Reviews)
- Women-Owned
- Latino-Owned
- Insured
- Background-Checked Cleaners
- 100% Dust-Free Guarantee
Dust Bunnies Be Gone LLC handles move out cleans for $150-$350+, with inside oven and fridge at $35 each. Use the list below to do it yourself, or call or text (346) 825-5033 and hand it to our team.
Get a Move Out Quote | Call or Text (346) 825-5033 | Book With a $50 Deposit
- Move out cleans from $150, real range $150-$350+
- Real job: 1,400 sq ft townhome, 3 bed, 2.5 bath, $450 flat
- Inside oven or fridge: $35 each
- 5.0 stars on Google from 13 reviews
- Report a missed spot within 24 hours for a free fix
Pricing and payment
Every job gets a free written estimate before you book. A $50 deposit holds your date, and you can pay with Venmo, Zelle or Apple Pay. Call or text (346) 825-5033.
What every visit includes
Every visit follows Monica's written room-by-room checklist, from ceiling fans down to baseboards, and closes with a dust test walkthrough. Supplies and equipment are included, with eco-friendly products on request.
Who cleans your home
An owner-led team. Every cleaner is background-checked and trained in Monica's methods, and you can reach Monica directly by call or text.
100% Dust-Free Guarantee
Missed a spot? Text a photo within 24 hours and the team comes back to fix it at no charge.
★★★★★ "Monica is incredible!! My house not only looks and smells clean but walking around it I know it is clean. I will be using her going forward!!" Sara Rogers, Google review Read our reviews on GoogleBased at 16737 Oak Bough Dr, Conroe, TX 77302 House cleaning services in Conroe, TX and nearby towns
What Do Landlords Check During a Move Out Inspection?
The Walkthrough Hot Spots
Landlords check the places that show neglect fastest during a move out inspection: appliance interiors, bathroom fixtures, floors, inside storage and anything dusty at eye level. Most walkthroughs start in the kitchen.
| Walkthrough Spot | What the Landlord Looks For | Deduction Risk |
|---|---|---|
| Oven and stovetop | Baked-on grease, burnt drips, dirty drip pans | Highest |
| Refrigerator and freezer | Food, sticky shelves, smells, frost | High |
| Shower, tub and toilet | Soap scum, mildew in caulk, toilet rings | High |
| Carpet | Stains, pet odor, matted areas | High |
| Cabinets and drawers | Crumbs, spills, shelf liner residue | Medium |
| Blinds and window tracks | Dust, dead bugs, grime | Medium |
| Baseboards and switch plates | Dust lines, scuffs, fingerprints | Medium |
| Light fixtures and fans | Dust, bugs, burned-out bulbs | Low to medium |
★★★★★ "Monica is incredible!! My house not only looks and smells clean but walking around it I know it is clean. I will be using her going forward!!" Sara Rogers, Google review Read it on Google
What Are the Most Common Reasons a Deposit Gets Withheld?
The most common reasons a deposit gets withheld for cleaning are a dirty oven, stained carpet and bathroom mildew. Damage like large anchor holes is a separate repair charge.
- Dirty oven or stovetop: the number one cleaning deduction nationally
- Carpet stains or pet odor: often billed as professional carpet cleaning
- Mold or mildew around tub caulk and shower grout
- Dirty refrigerator with spills or leftover food
- Large holes from anchors or shelving
- Dusty blinds and grimy window tracks
Want a price for move out cleaning checklist: what texas landlords check? Free written estimate by call or text, no pressure.
Kitchen Move Out Cleaning Checklist
Start With the Appliances
The kitchen move out checklist takes the longest because every appliance gets opened. Empty the fridge, pantry and cabinets first so nothing blocks the clean.
Appliances
- [ ] Oven interior, racks, door glass and broiler drawer
- [ ] Stovetop, burners, drip pans and knobs
- [ ] Range hood and filter degreased
- [ ] Refrigerator and freezer emptied, shelves and drawers washed, gaskets wiped
- [ ] Microwave inside and out, turntable washed
- [ ] Dishwasher door, seal and filter wiped
- [ ] Pull out the fridge and stove if they roll, and clean the floor and sides
Cabinets, Counters and Sink
- [ ] Inside every cabinet and drawer, crumbs out, shelves wiped
- [ ] Cabinet fronts, handles and the top edge of upper cabinets
- [ ] Counters and backsplash, including grout lines
- [ ] Sink scrubbed, faucet descaled, disposal flange cleaned
- [ ] Switch plates and outlet covers wiped
- [ ] Floor swept and mopped, corners by hand
★★★★★ "We started with a deep clean and now have monthly cleanings, along with a few additional services that have made such a difference for our busy family." Kaylee Daniels, Google review Read it on Google
How Do You Clean a Greasy Oven Before Move Out?
A greasy oven needs time more than strength, so start it first. Coat the inside, let it sit while you clean the rest of the kitchen, then wipe and rinse.
| Step | What to Do |
|---|---|
| 1 | Remove racks and soak them in hot water and dish soap |
| 2 | Coat the interior with a baking soda paste or oven cleaner, avoiding the heating element |
| 3 | Let it sit while you clean cabinets and the fridge |
| 4 | Scrape with a plastic scraper, wipe, rinse twice |
| 5 | Clean the door glass last, inside and out |
Short on time? Inside oven cleaning is a $35 add-on, and our appliance cleaning page covers it in detail.
Ask Monica anything first. She answers calls and texts herself.
Move outs Empty and inspection ready
Bathroom Move Out Cleaning Checklist
Scale, Scum and Caulk
The bathroom move out checklist targets hard water scale, soap scum and mildew, the three things a landlord notices in seconds. Bathrooms take more time per square foot than any room but the kitchen.
- [ ] Shower and tub tile, grout and glass scrubbed and descaled
- [ ] Mildew removed from caulk lines
- [ ] Showerhead and faucets descaled
- [ ] Toilet inside, outside, base, behind the tank and hinges
- [ ] Vanity top, sink, drawers and inside the cabinet
- [ ] Mirror and medicine cabinet, inside and out
- [ ] Exhaust fan cover dusted
- [ ] Towel bars, toilet paper holder and light fixture wiped
- [ ] Floor mopped, including behind the toilet
How Do You Remove Hard Water Stains Before Move Out?
Hard water stains come off with an acid, like white vinegar, given time to work. Water around Conroe and Montgomery County leaves white scale on glass and chrome, so plan extra time here.
- Spray warm white vinegar on glass and fixtures and let it sit 10 to 15 minutes
- Wrap faucets in a vinegar-soaked cloth for heavy scale
- Scrub with a non-scratch pad, rinse and dry with a microfiber cloth
- Never mix vinegar with bleach products
More tips are in our guide to removing hard water stains.
Hold your date with a $50 deposit. Venmo, Zelle or Apple Pay. Free estimate first.
Bedroom, Living Room and Whole Home Move Out Checklist
Top to Bottom, Every Room
The whole home move out checklist works from ceiling to floor so dust falls onto surfaces you have not cleaned yet. With the furniture gone, every baseboard and closet is in plain view.
Pine pollen season leaves a yellow film on sills, tracks and patio glass around Montgomery County, so check those twice in spring.
Every Room
- [ ] Ceiling fans and light fixtures dusted, dead bugs removed
- [ ] Air vents and return grates dusted
- [ ] Blinds dusted slat by slat, window sills and tracks cleaned
- [ ] Interior window glass and sliding door glass
- [ ] Closet shelves, rods and closet floors
- [ ] Baseboards, door frames, doors and switch plates
- [ ] Nails, hooks and command strips removed
- [ ] Carpet vacuumed edge to edge, hard floors mopped
The Spots Renters Forget
- [ ] Garage swept and storage closets emptied
- [ ] Washer and dryer wiped inside and out, lint trap cleared
- [ ] Front door, door frame and doorbell area wiped
- [ ] Patio or balcony swept, trash removed
- [ ] Burned-out bulbs replaced, if your lease asks
- [ ] HVAC filter replaced, if your lease asks
- [ ] Every trash bag out of the home
Missed spot? We come back free. Every clean is backed by the 100% Dust-Free Guarantee.
Can a Texas Landlord Charge You for Cleaning at Move Out?
What the Property Code Says
A Texas landlord can charge for cleaning that goes beyond normal wear and tear, or for charges your lease lists, but must account for every dollar kept. The deadlines and penalties sit in Chapter 92 of the Texas Property Code.
This is general information, not legal advice. Your lease may list required cleaning or a set cleaning fee, so read it before you start.
| Texas Rule | What It Means for You |
|---|---|
| 30-day deadline | The landlord refunds the deposit, or sends an itemized list of deductions, within 30 days after you move out |
| Forwarding address | Give it in writing; the refund clock does not start until the landlord has it |
| Normal wear and tear | Worn carpet and aged paint cannot be charged; grease, grime and stains can be |
| Itemized list | Every deduction must be described in writing |
| Bad faith | A landlord who wrongly keeps a deposit in bad faith can owe $100, three times the amount wrongly kept and attorney fees |
| Presumed bad faith | Missing the 30-day deadline is presumed bad faith under the code |
What Counts as Normal Wear and Tear vs Dirt?
Normal wear and tear is aging from everyday use, while dirt is a mess someone left behind. Cleaning fixes dirt; it cannot fix wear.
| Usually Normal Wear and Tear | Usually Chargeable |
|---|---|
| Carpet worn thin in walkways | Pet urine odor or large stains |
| Paint faded by sunlight | Crayon, grease or smoke film on walls |
| A few small picture nail holes | Big anchor holes or broken blinds |
| Grout darkened by age | Mildew and soap scum left on grout |
Serving Conroe, The Woodlands, Kingwood and nearby towns. Owner-led, background-checked and insured.
Your Move Out Cleaning Timeline
Week by Week
A move out cleaning timeline keeps the cleaning from colliding with the moving truck. Book a professional two to three weeks ahead, especially near the end of the month when every lease turns over.
| When | What to Do |
|---|---|
| 3 weeks before | Read your lease cleaning terms, book your cleaning date |
| 2 weeks before | Request a move out walkthrough time from the landlord |
| 1 week before | Pack, patch small nail holes, use up fridge food |
| 2 days before | Movers out, then the cleaning happens in the empty home |
| 1 day before | Defrost and dry the freezer if needed |
| Key day | Walkthrough, photos and video, keys returned, forwarding address in writing |
★★★★★ "Monica is incredible!! My house not only looks and smells clean but walking around it I know it is clean. I will be using her going forward!!" Sara Rogers, Google review Read it on Google
- 5.0 stars on Google
- Insured and background-checked
- 100% Dust-Free Guarantee
- Monica answers calls and texts
Should You Clean Before or After the Movers Leave?
Clean after the movers leave. Movers scrape floors, drop packing debris and leave scuffs at door frames, so a clean done before they arrive has to be done twice.
- Schedule cleaners for the day after the truck leaves
- Leave power and water on for the clean
- Keep one roll of paper towels and a trash bag for your last walk
- Do your own final look before the landlord arrives
Want a price for move out cleaning checklist: what texas landlords check? Free written estimate by call or text, no pressure.
How to Document Your Move Out Clean
Proof Protects Your Deposit
Documenting your move out clean gives you proof if a deduction shows up later. Photos with timestamps, a receipt from a cleaning company and a written walkthrough list are the three strongest records.
- 1 Film every room slowly, opening the oven, fridge, cabinets and closets on camera.
- 2 Take close photos of the stove, toilet, tub and floors with timestamps on.
- 3 Keep your cleaning receipt with the date and the address.
- 4 Ask for a signed walkthrough list of anything the landlord flags.
- 5 Return every key and get a note that you did.
- 6 Send your forwarding address in writing and keep a copy.
★★★★★ "We started with a deep clean and now have monthly cleanings, along with a few additional services that have made such a difference for our busy family." Kaylee Daniels, Google review Read it on Google
Ask Monica anything first. She answers calls and texts herself.
How Much Does a Professional Move Out Clean Cost?
Real Prices, Real Job
A professional move out clean costs $150-$350+ with Dust Bunnies Be Gone, priced flat by size and condition. Our real job example is a 1,400 sq ft townhome, 3 bed, 2.5 bath, cleaned by a two-person team for $450.
National guides put move out cleaning at about $150-$400+, and recommend hiring a pro when your deposit is $1,000 or more and time is short. See the full price breakdown in our move out cleaning cost guide.
| Item | Do It Yourself | Dust Bunnies Be Gone |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $20-$50+ in supplies | $150-$350+ |
| Time | About 4 to 8 hours of your moving week | Done for you, often by a two-person team |
| Receipt for the landlord | No | Yes |
| Missed a spot? | You go back | Free fix if reported within 24 hours |
★★★★★ "She is reliable too; if she tells you she is going to be there at 9, she is." diane vance, Google review Read it on Google
| Popular Move Out Add-On | Price |
|---|---|
| Inside oven, with broiler drawer | $35 |
| Inside fridge, with freezer and water tray | $35 |
| Wine, beverage, outdoor or extra fridge | $35 each |
| Interior cabinets | $40+ |
| Blinds | $15 per blind |
| Interior windows | $10 each |
| Extra bathroom | $25 |
Hold your date with a $50 deposit. Venmo, Zelle or Apple Pay. Free estimate first.
Move outs Empty and inspection ready
Why Renters and Landlords Use Dust Bunnies Be Gone for Move Outs
Checklist Clean, Owner on Call
Dust Bunnies Be Gone works every move out from Monica Richardson's written room-by-room checklist, built around the walkthrough hot spots on this page. Every cleaner is background-checked and trained in Monica Richardson's methods.
See our move in and move out cleaning and apartment cleaning services, or browse more guides in the Learning Center.
- Owner-led: reach Monica Richardson, the owner, directly
- Background-checked, insured cleaners trained on one checklist
- 100% Dust-Free Guarantee: report a missed area within 24 hours, we fix it free
- All supplies included, eco-friendly products on request
- $50 deposit by Venmo, Zelle or Apple Pay holds your date
Katherine Wheeler hired us for two different move outs a year apart:
★★★★★ "Needed help cleaning my home after I moved out. Monica came In and got it ready for me. 1 year later I hired her services again to clean my apartment after I moved out and again she came in and had it looking brand new. Absolutely the best cleaning service I've ever used." Katherine Wheeler, 5 stars, Google review, a month ago Read it on Google
Serving Conroe and Nearby Towns
Our move out team is based on Oak Bough Drive in Conroe and works apartments, townhomes and houses across Montgomery County and north Houston. Visit our house cleaning services in Conroe, TX page to find your town.
- Conroe, Lake Conroe, Willis and Montgomery
- The Woodlands, Spring and Magnolia
- Kingwood, Humble, Porter and New Caney
Missed spot? We come back free. Every clean is backed by the 100% Dust-Free Guarantee.
Frequently Asked Questions About Move Out Cleaning Checklists
Walkthrough Answers
01
Do I have to clean the carpets when I move out in Texas?
Only if your lease requires it or there are stains beyond normal wear. Vacuuming is part of every move out clean; steam cleaning is a separate trade.
02
Do I need to clean the walls?
Spot-wipe scuffs, fingerprints and switch plates. Repainting or washing whole walls is a separate job.
03
How clean does an apartment need to be at move out?
As clean as the day you moved in, minus normal wear and tear. Your lease and move in photos set the standard.
04
How long does a move out clean take?
Industry data puts a professional move out clean at a median of about 3.5 hours on site, longer for large or heavily used homes.
05
Should utilities be on for the move out clean?
Yes. Power and water need to be on so the team can run lights, vacuums and hot water.
06
Can the landlord still charge me after a professional clean?
They can if they find a problem, so keep photos and your receipt. Tell us within 24 hours of our clean and we fix missed spots free.
07
Do I need to be there during the move out clean?
No. Leave a key or lockbox code and stay reachable by phone in case the team has a question.
08
Should I tip my move out cleaners?
Tips are welcome but never required. See our guide on how much to tip a house cleaner. Tips can go to the Dust Bunnies company Venmo or Zelle, or be left in cash.
Hand Off Your Move Out Cleaning Checklist to Dust Bunnies Be Gone
Pack Up, We Will Clean
Dust Bunnies Be Gone move out cleans run $150-$350+ and cover the walkthrough hot spots on this checklist, from oven racks to closet shelves. Ask about garage, laundry or patio extras when you book. Text your bedrooms, bathrooms, square footage and move out date, and we will send a flat price.
Call or Text (346) 825-5033 | Email monica@dustbunniesbegone.com | Get a Free Estimate
Dust Bunnies Be Gone LLC
16737 Oak Bough Dr, Conroe, TX 77302
(346) 825-5033, call or text
Monday to Friday 9am to 3pm, Saturday 9am to 8pm, with 24/7 customer service by call or text
Want a price for move out cleaning checklist: what texas landlords check? Free written estimate by call or text, no pressure.
Ready for a cleaner home?
Text Monica your home details, get a free estimate and lock in your date with a $50 deposit.
