Move-out cleaning is the last stage of a move — and the one the landlord uses to judge the apartment's condition at handover. When the clean is done properly, the deposit is usually returned without dispute.
The checklist below covers an ordinary rented apartment. Check your own tenancy agreement too: it may contain specific terms on window cleaning or the sauna, for example.
Kitchen
The kitchen takes the most time in a move-out clean, and it is where shortcomings are spotted most easily.
- Cupboards and drawers emptied and wiped inside and out
- Hob, oven and baking trays clean
- Cooker hood and its grease filter cleaned
- Fridge and freezer defrosted and washed
- Dishwasher and sink clean
- Splashback and worktops free of grease
Bathroom, WC and sauna
In wet rooms, limescale and soap residue are the most common reasons for complaints.
- Toilet, washbasin and shower free of limescale and dirt
- Floor drain opened and cleaned
- Walls and grout washed
- Bathroom cabinet emptied and wiped
- Sauna benches and walls washed
Living spaces
In the living spaces, pay attention to the places hidden behind furniture.
- Floors vacuumed and washed
- Skirting boards, doors, frames and switches wiped
- Windows, sills and the gaps between panes clean
- Radiators and behind them free of dust
- Closets and wardrobes emptied and wiped
Before handing over the keys
Photographs of the apartment's condition at handover are useful if there is disagreement about it later.
- All belongings and rubbish removed, including the balcony and storage
- Fridge and freezer doors left ajar
- Photos of the apartment's condition saved
- Keys returned as agreed
Household tax credit for move-out cleaning
According to the Finnish Tax Administration, the household tax credit also applies to cleaning the old and the new home when you move, when the work is done by a company in the prepayment register. The credit is calculated on the labour portion.