To get your security deposit back, return the unit as clean as you received it: empty and wipe every cabinet, clean inside the oven and refrigerator, scrub bathrooms, wipe baseboards and walls, clean floors, and remove all trash. Then photograph everything. Under Florida law, landlords have 15 days to return a deposit or 30 days to send written notice of a claim.
Move-out week is stressful, especially in Gainesville, where so many leases around the University of Florida turn over at once. Cleaning often gets squeezed to the last night. This checklist helps you plan the work, protect your deposit, and decide whether to hand it off.
Florida Security Deposit Rules at a Glance
Florida’s security deposit law, Section 83.49 of the Florida Statutes, sets these timelines after a lease ends:
- If the landlord does not intend to make a claim, the deposit must be returned within 15 days.
- If the landlord intends to keep part of the deposit, written notice must be sent within 30 days.
- The tenant then has 15 days after receiving that notice to object.
Read your lease carefully, too. Many leases spell out cleaning expectations and move-out procedures. This post is general guidance, not legal advice; if you’re in a dispute, contact a qualified attorney or local tenant resource.
Before You Start Cleaning
- Find your move-in inspection report or photos. That’s your benchmark.
- Move everything out first. Cleaning an empty unit is faster and more thorough.
- Gather supplies: microfiber cloths, a non-scratch scrubber, a vacuum, a mop, trash bags, and gentle all-purpose and glass cleaners.
- Never mix cleaning products. The CDC warns against mixing products or chemicals and recommends good ventilation when cleaning indoors.
The Room-by-Room Move-Out Cleaning Checklist
Kitchen
- Empty, vacuum crumbs from, and wipe inside every cabinet and drawer
- Wipe cabinet fronts, handles, and the tops of upper cabinets
- Clean inside the oven, oven racks, and broiler drawer
- Degrease the stovetop, drip pans, and range hood filter
- Empty, defrost if needed, and wash the inside of the refrigerator and freezer, including shelves and drawers
- Pull the fridge and stove out if possible and clean behind and beneath them
- Clean inside the microwave and dishwasher
- Scrub the sink and faucet; run the disposal clean
- Wipe counters and backsplash
Bathrooms
- Scrub tub, shower walls, and doors to remove soap scum and scale
- Clean grout and caulk; treat any mildew spots
- Clean the toilet inside and out, including the base and behind it
- Empty and wipe vanity drawers and the medicine cabinet
- Polish mirrors, faucets, and fixtures
- Dust the exhaust fan cover
Bedrooms and Living Areas
- Dust ceiling fans, light fixtures, and blinds
- Wipe baseboards, door frames, doors, and light switches
- Spot clean scuffs and marks on walls (test a hidden spot first)
- Clean window sills and sliding-door tracks
- Empty and wipe closet shelves and floors
Floors Throughout
- Vacuum carpets thoroughly, especially edges and corners
- Sweep and mop hard floors, including under where furniture sat
- Check your lease for any carpet cleaning requirement
Finishing Touches
- Replace burned-out bulbs and AC filters if your lease requires it
- Clean balconies, patios, and entry areas
- Remove every bit of trash, including from the garage or storage closet
Gainesville-Specific Tips
Watch for mildew. Humidity can leave spots in bathroom grout, window tracks, and closets, especially if a unit sat closed up with the AC off. Look carefully and treat these before your inspection. Our guide to preventing mold in a humid Florida home explains why it happens.
Book early during peak turnover. When leases around campus end at the same time, cleaning schedules fill up. Reserve your move-out cleaning as soon as you know your date.
Don’t forget the porch and pollen. In spring, a film of pollen on sills, screens, and patios can make a clean unit look neglected.
Common Move-Out Cleaning Mistakes
- Cleaning before the unit is empty. Boxes and furniture hide floors, baseboards, and closet corners. Clean last, after everything is out.
- Forgetting inside the appliances. Ovens and refrigerators are among the first places a landlord looks.
- Skipping the tops of things. Upper cabinets, door frames, ceiling fans, and the top of the fridge collect dust that’s easy to miss and easy to spot.
- Leaving the AC off too early. In Florida heat, a closed-up unit can get humid fast, which invites mildew before your inspection. Check your lease and utility transfer dates.
- Running out of time. A full move-out clean usually takes longer than people expect. Schedule it for the day after you move your belongings, not the same night you’re carrying boxes.
- Using the wrong product on surfaces. Abrasive pads can scratch tubs, stainless steel, and glass stovetops. Test first and stick to non-scratch tools.
Document Your Clean
When you finish, walk through with your phone and take date-stamped photos or a video of every room, inside cabinets, inside appliances, and the floors. Keep these alongside your move-in photos. Return your keys as your lease directs and give your landlord your forwarding address in writing, so any deposit refund or notice reaches you.
DIY or Hire a Professional?
A thorough move-out clean is a big job, especially when you’re also packing, moving, and handing in keys. Professional move-in and move-out cleaning takes it off your plate with trained, vetted cleaners who know what inspections look for. If you’re in a smaller unit, our apartment cleaning services are a good fit.
Remember that cleaning can’t fix damage. Holes in walls, broken blinds, or stains that won’t come out are a separate issue. Curious about timing? Here’s how long a deep clean takes, and you can request a free move-out cleaning quote anytime.
Frequently Asked Questions
How clean does an apartment need to be when you move out?
Generally, as clean as it was at move-in, allowing for normal use. Your lease and move-in report are the best guide, since many leases list specific cleaning expectations.
How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Florida?
Under Florida Statute 83.49, 15 days if there’s no claim. If the landlord intends to impose a claim, written notice is due within 30 days.
Should you clean a new place before moving in?
Yes, if you can. An empty home is the easiest time to clean inside cabinets, closets, and appliances. Many people book move-in cleaning for the same reason.
