Move-Out Cleaning Cost by Unit Size
| Home/Apartment Size | Typical Cost |
|---|
| Studio or 1-bed apartment | $150–$300 |
| 2-bedroom apartment | $200–$400 |
| 3-bedroom house | $280–$550 |
| 4-bedroom house | $350–$650 |
| 5+ bedrooms | $450–$800+ |
These prices assume the unit is reasonably well-maintained. Heavy cleaning — grease buildup in the kitchen, stained bathtubs, heavily soiled carpets — adds 30–60%.
What's Included in Move-Out Cleaning
A proper move-out clean goes further than a standard recurring clean. It should include:
Kitchen
- Inside oven and broiler drawer (this is the most labor-intensive item — often charged separately)
- Inside refrigerator and freezer (defrosted and cleaned)
- Inside and outside of all cabinets and drawers
- Range hood and filter
- Dishwasher interior
- All counters and backsplash
Bathrooms- Scrub inside toilet, tank, and base
- Remove soap scum and hard water deposits from shower and tub
- Clean grout lines
- Mirror and all fixtures
Bedrooms and Living Areas- Wipe down all baseboards
- Clean all light fixtures and ceiling fans
- Clean inside all closets (walls and shelves)
- Wipe door frames, switch plates, and outlet covers
- Clean windows interior
Common Add-Ons (Usually Charged Extra)- Carpet cleaning: $80–$200 per carpet area
- Wall cleaning or touch-up painting: $100–$400
- Garage cleaning: $75–$150
For Renters: How to Get Your Full Deposit Back
Most security deposit disputes come down to cleaning and damage. To protect yourself:
- Do a move-in inspection and document everything — photograph every pre-existing stain, mark, and damage before you unpack
- Request a professional cleaning receipt — most landlords accept this as proof the unit was cleaned to standard
- Know your state's laws — many states have specific rules about what landlords can deduct from deposits (and require itemized deductions within a set timeframe)
- Get the cleaning done before the final walkthrough — not after
For Landlords: Is It Worth Hiring It Out?
Yes, almost always. Professional move-out cleaning costs $200–$500 for a typical unit. Doing it yourself or having maintenance staff do it takes time better spent elsewhere, often results in less thorough results, and creates tension if a previous tenant disputes deductions.
Having a consistent professional cleaning vendor also creates documentation — useful if a deposit deduction ends up disputed.
Choosing a Move-Out Cleaning Service
Look specifically for cleaners who advertise "move-out" or "end-of-tenancy" cleaning — they understand the checklist and thoroughness required. Ask:
- Does the price include inside oven and refrigerator?
- What's the re-clean policy if the landlord isn't satisfied?
- Do you provide a receipt or invoice for the tenant to keep?
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