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The last clean of an apartment decides a lot of what happens to your security deposit. Landlords and property managers walk the home with a checklist, and dirt is one of the easiest things for them to charge for.
Kitchen
- Inside the oven, including racks and the door glass
- Inside the refrigerator and freezer, with shelves wiped
- Inside every cabinet and drawer
- Countertops, backsplash and sink
- Outside of every appliance
Bathrooms
- Toilet inside and out, including the base
- Shower, tub and tile without soap scum
- Sink, mirror and vanity drawers
Every room
- Baseboards, doors and door frames
- Interior window glass and window sills
- Floors vacuumed and mopped, corners included
- Closets empty and dusted
What Virginia law says about your deposit
In Virginia, the landlord has 45 days after the lease ends and you hand over possession to return your security deposit or send you an itemized list of deductions (Virginia Code § 55.1-1226). Normal wear and tear cannot be deducted, but cleaning needed to fix dirt beyond that often can. Take photos of every room after the final clean.
Do it yourself or book it
A thorough move-out clean of an empty home is quoted after reviewing its size and condition, with the inside of the cabinets and interior windows already included (oven and fridge can be added). The home should be empty so every surface can be reached.