📞 (904) 808-7368  |  320 High Tide Drive, Suite 101-D, St. Augustine, FL 32080Owner Portal  |  Tenant Portal
Tenant Resources

Move-Out Cleaning Guide

Please read your lease carefully alongside this guide.

Everything you need to know to vacate your rental property properly, protect your security deposit, and leave on good terms.

⬇ Download PDF Guide 🔧 Preferred Vendors
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Forwarding Address Required

We must receive each tenant of record's forwarding address for the return of your security deposit claim or refund. If not received, it may delay your return. Please provide this to our office before or on your move-out date.

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Move-Out Requirements

  1. 1

    Return All Keys & Access Items

    Return all keys, pool cards, passes, garage openers, gate openers, etc. that were issued during your lease to our office. Failure to do so may result in a re-keying charge against your security deposit.

  2. 2

    Remove All Furniture & Personal Items

    All furniture and personal belongings must be removed from the property. Any items left behind will be considered abandoned property and the cost to remove them will be charged to your security deposit.

  3. 3

    Professional Cleaning — Invoice Required

    Professional cleaning is required, and a paid invoice must be provided to us. To reduce your cost, perform thorough general house cleaning first — especially kitchens and bathrooms:

    • Run a self-cleaning oven cycle (if available)
    • Replace cook range drip pans
    • Check high areas: cabinets, fans, and vents
    • Remove all ice from freezer / turn off ice maker

    The cleaner you leave the property, the less housekeeping is needed and the fewer deductions from your security deposit.

  4. 4

    Professional Carpet Cleaning — Invoice Required

    Carpets must be professionally cleaned after all furniture is removed, and a paid invoice must be provided. We can arrange this service and deduct the cost from your security deposit if preferred. Note: carpet cleaning does not remove responsibility for tenant-caused stains or odors that may need additional remediation.

  5. 5

    No Debris Left at Property or Curb

    No debris, rubbish, or discarded items are to be left in, at, or near the property or at the street upon move-out.

  6. 6

    Lawn Care (House Rentals)

    Lawn must be mowed, trimmed, and edged. Flower beds must be weeded before turning in your keys.

  7. 7

    Painting & Wall Repair

    It is highly advised to hire a professional painter for any wall repair or painting needed. We can provide this service and deduct the cost from your security deposit. Incorrect repairs or non-matching paint colors/finishes may increase the work needed to restore the property and result in higher security deductions.

  8. 8

    Replace Filters, Bulbs & Batteries

    Before you leave, replace: air conditioner filter, any burned-out light bulbs, and dead smoke detector batteries.

  9. 9

    Flea Treatment (Pet Owners)

    If a pet has been kept on the premises at any time during your tenancy, you are required to have the property professionally sprayed for fleas prior to move-out.

  10. 10

    Security Deposit — Florida Law

    Security deposit claims and refunds are processed in accordance with Florida law:

    • No claims: refund issued within 15 days of move-out.
    • Claim made: a certified letter will be sent within 30 days of move-out.

    Refunds are sent via Certified Mail to tenants of record (not Guarantors). All correspondence must be with tenants of record only. Per Florida law, you must provide a forwarding address to ensure timely payment.

Detailed Cleaning Checklist

This is a guide, not the final list for your specific property. Some items may not apply. Professional carpet cleaning is a separate requirement.

Kitchen — Work Area

Clean inside & outside cupboard doors
Clean drawer faces
Clean cupboard shelves & inside drawers
Clean cupboard under sink
Clean counters, remove stains
Clean sink, remove stains, polish fixtures
Clean splashboard & wall above sink & counter

Stove

Clean walls around & above stove
Clean inside and outside of range hood
Remove range hood filter, clean & replace
Clean outside handles, control knobs & panels
Clean inside oven & racks
Clean stove top & burner rings
Clean storage drawer & broiler pan
Clean drip pans & line with foil

Refrigerator

Clean sides, top, door & handle
Empty ice, defrost & clean freezer
Remove & clean shelves & crisper drawers
Clean door shelves & compartments
Leave refrigerator plugged in, at normal settings

Dishwasher

Remove items or debris from bottom & screen
Clean along inside, outside & front panel

Floor

Sweep & mop

Bathroom

Clean tub & surround; polish fixtures
Clean sink & soap holder
Clean inside/outside cupboards & drawers
Clean inside/outside medicine cabinet
Clean inside/outside toilet & disinfect
Wash floor, remove dirt along tub & toilet
Remove shower curtain

General — All Rooms

Remove all nails from walls
Remove marks & fingerprints on walls
Clean switch plates; replace missing/broken
Clean outlet plates; replace missing/broken
Dust mini-blinds
Clean baseboards
Clean window sills and inside glass
Clean closet shelves & rods
Remove fingerprints around doorknobs
Remove all cobwebs
Vacuum all carpets
Thoroughly clean all tile / vinyl floors

Light Fixtures

Remove bugs/debris from light covers
Replace burned-out light bulbs

Fireplace / Insert

Remove ashes & debris and sweep out
Clean hearth & mantle

Smoke Alarm

Test; replace battery if necessary

Outside

Clean exterior light fixtures, replace dead bulbs
Edge & weed flower beds
Mow lawn just before turning in keys
Remove all debris from grounds & storage areas
Sweep carport, storage areas & walkways
Remove cobwebs from eaves, porch & doors

Garage

Sweep clean, remove cobwebs

Repairs

Complete tenant day-to-day maintenance
Repair any tenant damage done to property
Repair broken windows

Last Steps

Remove garbage — do not leave at curb
Remove all personal belongings

Note: Move-out inspections are not conducted with the tenant. You are welcome to document and photograph the property at move-out for your own records. All items left undone will be charged to the tenant. Agent shall not be responsible for items left behind.