Rental Cleaning Checklist for Property Managers and Landlords

If you’re a landlord, property owner, or property manager preparing a rental home after tenants move out (or to rent for the first time), knowing where to start can feel overwhelming. According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), maintaining clean and well-kept rental units can help reduce vacancy time, improve tenant satisfaction, and protect your property’s long-term value.

This rental property cleaning checklist breaks down each step of the move-out cleaning process so you can handle your tenant turnover efficiently and with less stress. From deep cleaning kitchens and bathrooms to removing leftover belongings or debris, this guide helps ensure your rental is spotless and move-in ready for the next residents.

1. Remove Leftover Tenant Items and General Cleaning

When preparing a rental property for new tenants, start by tackling all leftover personal items and debris. If the previous tenant has left behind furniture, clothing, or other belongings, the first step is deciding how to handle these items.

There are several ways to clear out leftover household junk:

• Hire a junk removal company
• Rent a dumpster
• Donate items

If some items are gently used and could benefit someone in need, separate them from trash. You can either haul them to local donation centers yourself (if they meet donation guidelines), or hire a junk removal service to handle the donating for you.

The EPA recommends donating and reusing items whenever possible to reduce landfill waste and environmental impact.

If you don’t have the time or energy to sort through items, renting a dumpster or hiring a junk removal company is often the fastest solution. Depending on the amount left behind, a 10 yard dumpster or 20 yard dumpster may be an ideal option for disposing of trash quickly.

Pro tip: Hometown makes it easy to find local dumpster providers and licensed junk removal companies. You can compare pricing, request free quotes, and ensure the best service for your rental clean-out. While hiring a junk removal company may be more costly than renting a dumpster, the time and energy saved can allow your unit to be ready for new tenants faster, which can ultimately save you money.

Once all leftover items are removed, continue your general move-out cleaning:

• Vacuum floors and carpets
• Wipe down shelves, cabinets, and surfaces
• Dust ceiling fans, baseboards, and light fixtures
• Clean walls, doors, and light switches
• Replace burned-out light bulbs and check smoke detectors

Starting with a thorough rental clean-out ensures a smoother, faster turnover process and helps your property look fresh and well-maintained for new tenants.

Keep reading:

• The Importance of Getting Several Dumpster Rental Quotes
• How to Get the Best Deal on a Dumpster

2. Repair Walls and Floors

During a tenant turnover, walls and floors often show signs of wear and tear. Addressing these issues is an essential step in your move-out cleaning and rental preparation process, ensuring your property looks fresh and well-maintained for new tenants.

Walls

Walls may have nails, hooks, drywall anchors, scuffs, or small dents. Begin by removing leftover hardware. If only a few cleanly installed nails or hooks remain, they may not bother new tenants. Patch any holes, cracks, or other damage using spackle or lightweight wall filler. For larger drywall repairs, hiring a handyman or professional contractor ensures the work is done efficiently and correctly. Once repaired, sand patched areas and apply a fresh coat of neutral-colored paint to hide imperfections and create a uniform, tenant-ready appearance.

According to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), addressing small cosmetic repairs during tenant turnover can help preserve property value and prevent larger structural issues over time.

Floors

Floors can also experience significant wear during a tenant’s stay, including scratches, stains, or minor damage. Start by deep cleaning all surfaces, including carpets, hardwood, laminate, or tile. Address small issues like scratches or dents using appropriate repair kits or filler products. For carpets with heavy staining, consider professional cleaning or replacement if necessary. Hardwood or laminate flooring may benefit from sanding and refinishing in heavily trafficked areas. Ensuring floors are clean, safe, and visually appealing is crucial for attracting quality tenants.

Pro tip: Incorporating wall and floor repairs into your rental turnover checklist not only improves the property’s appearance but also prevents small issues from becoming more costly maintenance problems later. Freshly repaired walls and floors help your unit rent faster and leave a lasting positive impression on prospective tenants.

3. Deep Clean Kitchen

The kitchen is often the most-used space in a rental property, making it one of the most important areas to tackle during move-out cleaning. A thoroughly cleaned kitchen not only looks appealing but also signals to prospective tenants that the property has been well maintained.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends cleaning high-touch surfaces regularly to prevent the spread of germs and bacteria.

Countertops, Sinks, and Faucets

Start by scrubbing all countertops, sinks, and faucets. Remove any residue from food, cooking oils, or everyday wear to leave surfaces spotless and sanitized.

Cabinets and Drawers

Empty all cabinets and drawers in both the kitchen and bathroom. Over time, they can accumulate crumbs, spills, or other residue from utensils, food, and personal items. Wipe down the interior and exterior of all storage spaces with a disinfectant or all-purpose cleaner to ensure they are fresh and hygienic for new tenants.

Appliances

• Stovetop, Oven, and Range Hood: Degrease and scrub all surfaces, including burners and drip pans, to remove baked-on food and grease.
• Refrigerator and Freezer: Remove any leftover food and thoroughly clean the interior with a disinfectant spray. Don’t forget the shelves, drawers, and door compartments.
• Dishwasher, Microwave, and Other Appliances: Wipe down both inside and out. Stainless steel surfaces can quickly collect fingerprints and scuffs—use a damp microfiber cloth to restore shine. Make sure ovens and microwaves are cleaned thoroughly to prevent new tenants from encountering leftover food or odors.

If appliances are old, damaged, or showing signs of wear, consider replacing them before re-listing the unit. New or well-maintained appliances not only increase the property’s value but also attract reliable tenants and reduce maintenance calls. Consider upgrading to ENERGY STAR®-certified models to lower energy bills and appeal to eco-conscious tenants.

Floors

Sweep and mop under and behind all large appliances. This area often collects crumbs, dust, and debris that can attract pests if left uncleaned.

Pro tip: Incorporating a kitchen deep cleaning into your rental turnover checklist ensures that your property is hygienic, visually appealing, and ready for showings, helping you rent your unit faster while minimizing complaints from new tenants.

4. Sanitize and Refresh Bathroom

A spotless bathroom is essential for making a great first impression on new tenants and ensuring your rental property is move-in ready.

Start by thoroughly scrubbing and sanitizing all toilets, sinks, showers, and tubs. Pay special attention to removing soap scum, mold, mildew, and rust, which can accumulate during a tenant’s stay.

Next, clean tile grout, mirrors, and chrome fixtures to restore the bathroom’s shine. Replace shower curtains and liners if they are worn or stained, and restock basic items like toilet paper, hand soap, or air fresheners for move-in day.

Pro tip: A clean, odor-free bathroom not only improves tenant satisfaction but also signals that the property has been well maintained. Using a bathroom cleaning checklist as part of your rental turnover process can save time and ensure nothing is overlooked during move-out cleaning.

5. Clean Bedrooms and Living Areas

Bedrooms and living areas are where tenants spend the majority of their time, so a meticulous clean-up is essential to make the property feel welcoming and well-maintained.

Closets and Shelving

Empty all closets and shelves, removing dust, cobwebs, and leftover debris. Clean, odor-free closets can make a big impression on future tenants and make it faster to re-rent.

Walls and Doors

Wipe down walls, doors, and trim to remove scuffs, fingerprints, or any marks left from furniture. Small details, like fingerprints on light switch plates, can subconsciously affect a prospective tenant’s impression.

Ceiling Fans, Blinds, and Light Fixtures

Dust ceiling fans, blinds, and light fixtures thoroughly. Fans and blinds often collect layers of dust and allergens, so this step improves both cleanliness and air quality.

Floors and Carpets

Check carpets for stains, odors, or excessive wear. Schedule professional carpet cleaning if necessary. Hardwood and laminate floors should be swept, mopped, and polished to restore shine. Landlords report that freshly cleaned hardwood floors significantly increase tenant interest during showings.

Air Out the Space

Leave windows slightly open during cleaning to circulate fresh air. This is especially effective in rooms that may have lingering odors from pets, smoking, or cooking. Fresh-smelling bedrooms and living areas make the property feel inviting and move-in ready.

Pro tip: If you're pressed for time or want your rental unit to be as clean and shiny as possible, we recommend hiring a professional cleaning company to help handle the mess.

6. Improve Exterior and Curb Appeal

First impressions start outside the front door. A well-maintained exterior increases rental appeal and can even allow landlords to justify higher rental rates.

Yard and Entryways

Sweep porches, patios, walkways, and entryways to remove leaves, dirt, and debris. Mow lawns, trim bushes, remove weeds, and edge walkways. Even small details, like replacing a missing welcome mat or adding a potted plant, can make a noticeable difference.

Siding, Driveways, and Walkways

Power wash siding, driveways, and walkways to remove grime, moss, or mildew. A sparkling exterior signals a well-cared-for property.

Gutters and Drainage

Clean out gutters and remove debris. This not only improves appearance but also prevents water damage and protects landscaping.

Exterior Repairs

Inspect for chipped paint, broken fixtures, or damaged trim. Repairing these issues before showing the property can prevent tenants from requesting immediate fixes after move-in. Repainting the front door and fixing loose exterior light fixtures can help secure tenants faster.

Pro tip: A tidy, well-maintained exterior communicates pride in ownership and sets expectations for how the property is cared for inside. It’s a simple, high-impact way to attract reliable tenants.

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7. Final Walkthrough

Before listing the property again, perform a thorough inspection to ensure everything is in proper working order.

Doors, Windows, and Locks

Test every door and window to ensure they open, close, and lock properly. Replace any broken or loose locks to enhance tenant safety.

Utilities and Appliances

Verify that all utilities and appliances are functioning correctly. Running faucets, testing the HVAC system, and checking light switches can prevent tenant complaints and maintenance calls.

Inspect for Issues

Look for signs of water damage, mold, pest activity, or other maintenance concerns. Addressing these proactively protects your property value and ensures a smooth rental process.

Documentation

Take updated photos of the unit after cleaning and repairs. These images can be used for online listings or for reference in case of disputes with future tenants.

Final tip: Keep this rental turnover cleaning checklist on file. Using the same process for each move-out ensures consistency, saves time, and reduces stress for landlords and property managers.

Learn more:

• Hiring a Junk Removal Service for Tenant Cleanups
• Understanding Junk Removal Quotes
• Rent a Dumpster From a Prescreened Local Dumpster Service