Move-Out Cleaning Checklist: Get Your Full Deposit Back in Austin

Moving out of a rental in Austin? Your security deposit is probably one of the largest checks you’ll get back this year, and a clean home is the single biggest factor in getting all of it. This room-by-room move-out cleaning checklist covers exactly what Austin landlords and property managers look for, plus what Texas law says about deposits.

What Texas law says about your security deposit

Under the Texas Property Code, your landlord generally must refund your deposit, or send an itemized list of deductions, within 30 days after you move out and give them your forwarding address in writing. Landlords cannot deduct for normal wear and tear, such as minor scuffs or carpet worn from everyday use. They can deduct for damage and for cleaning needed to return the unit to its move-in condition. That’s why a thorough move-out clean matters so much: dirt and grime are not “wear and tear.”

This is general information, not legal advice. Check your lease for specific move-out cleaning requirements.

The complete move-out cleaning checklist

Kitchen

• Clean inside the oven, including racks and the oven door glass
• Clean inside the refrigerator and freezer, including shelves and drawers (and unplug only if your landlord asks)
• Wipe inside the microwave and dishwasher
• Wipe inside and outside all cabinets and drawers
• Degrease the stovetop, range hood and backsplash
• Scrub the sink and polish the faucet
• Sweep and mop the floor, including under the fridge and stove if they can be moved

Bathrooms

• Scrub the toilet inside and out, including the base and behind it
• Remove soap scum and hard-water stains from the tub, shower and glass doors (Austin’s hard water makes this a common deduction)
• Clean grout and caulk lines
• Wipe inside the vanity cabinets and drawers
• Polish mirrors and fixtures
• Clean the exhaust fan cover
• Mop the floor

Bedrooms and living areas

• Dust ceiling fans and light fixtures
• Wipe baseboards, door frames, doors and light switches
• Clean windowsills, window tracks and blinds
• Wipe inside closets and shelves
• Spot-clean marks on walls (test first: some paint doesn’t scrub well)
• Vacuum carpets thoroughly and mop hard floors

Extras landlords often check

• Air vents and return grilles
• The garage or storage area, swept
• Patio or balcony, swept and wiped
• All trash removed from the property
• Replace dead light bulbs and HVAC filters if your lease requires it

Five mistakes that cost Austin renters their deposit

1. Leaving the inside of appliances dirty. Ovens and fridges are the first things inspectors open.
2. Ignoring hard-water buildup. White crust on shower glass and faucets is easy to spot and often deducted.
3. Forgetting baseboards and blinds. Dust lines stand out in an empty home.
4. Cleaning before the movers are done. Always do the final clean after everything is out.
5. Skipping photos. Take date-stamped photos of every room after cleaning: they’re your proof.

DIY or hire a move-out cleaning service?

A full move-out clean of a 2-bedroom apartment typically takes one person 8–10 hours, on top of packing and moving. A professional team finishes in a few hours with commercial-grade supplies. At Neat ATX Cleaning, our move in / move out cleaning starts at $175 and includes the inside of every cabinet and appliance. If your landlord flags anything we cleaned, we come back and fix it free within 72 hours.

Moving at the end of the month? Book early: the last few days of the month are the busiest time for move-outs in Austin. New move-out clients can also save $50 with code MOVE50.

Tip: moving into a new place? A move-in clean before your furniture arrives is the easiest time to clean inside every cabinet and closet.