When moving out of a rental property, many people assume that "the security deposit will cover the cleaning cost, so a deep clean is unnecessary." However, whether or not you clean before moving out is directly tied to the risk of being charged additional restoration costs. This article summarizes the scope of cleaning you should handle before vacating and the items that can help.
Is it better to clean before moving out?
After a tenant moves out, the property management company will generally arrange professional house cleaning. If you paid a security deposit when you moved in, it may be applied toward restoration costs, but if there is dirt or damage beyond normal wear and use, you may be charged additional fees. On the other hand, there are cases where part of the security deposit is returned if the unit has been cleaned appropriately.
There is no need to make everything spotless, but cleaning within a reasonable range helps prevent disputes over the security deposit.
Which areas should you focus on cleaning?
Flooring
Once furniture and appliances are moved, years of dust and grime become visible. It is efficient to pack your cleaning tools last and clean the floors immediately before moving out. For wood flooring, vacuum along the grooves first, then wipe with a tightly wrung cloth. For greasy dirt, a cloth wrung out with hot water is effective.
Walls
The areas behind furniture tend to collect dust easily. For vinyl wallpaper, remove dust with a vacuum first, then wipe by patting with a tightly wrung cloth. Depending on the wallpaper material, detergent may cause discoloration or damage, so test it on an inconspicuous area before cleaning.
Wet areas
If routine cleaning has been done consistently, excessive cleaning is unnecessary. However, if mold or water scale has built up, addressing it before moving out can help you avoid the risk of being charged high replacement costs. Be sure to check for mold and soap scum in the bathroom, as well as water scale in the toilet tank and urine splash stains around the toilet.
Windows
Once the room is empty of furniture and curtains, dirt on the windows becomes more noticeable. Wiping with newspaper dampened with water allows the ink to break down oily residue and also provides anti-fog and polishing effects.
Helpful items for move-out cleaning
Melamine sponge
A scrubbing sponge that can be used without detergent, it is ideal for stubborn grime on faucets, gas stoves, tiles, range hoods, and doorknobs. Wet it thoroughly with water first, scrub gently, and finish by wiping the area with a dry towel.
Citric acid and baking soda
Because water scale and soap scum are alkaline, acidic citric acid neutralizes them and helps remove them. Baking soda is mildly alkaline and has a polishing effect, making it useful for greasy kitchen stains and burnt-on residue.
Ceiling mold-removal wiper
Cleaning a bathroom ceiling is difficult because of the height and the risk of cleaning solution dripping down. Using a mold-removal wiper that does not require detergent allows you to clean safely and efficiently.
Related reading
- [A Must-Read for Landlords] A Complete Guide to the "Pre-Move-In Inspection" That Can Determine the Success of Rental Management
- What Are Rent Reduction Guidelines? The Impact of the 2020 Civil Code Revision and How Landlords Should Respond
- Restoration Costs for Installing Security Systems in Rental Housing: Cost Responsibility Rules Landlords Should Understand
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q. If I do not clean before moving out, how much could I be charged?
A. It depends on the extent of the dirt and staining, but if it is judged to exceed normal use, additional cleaning costs will be deducted from the security deposit. In severe cases, you may receive an extra charge that exceeds the deposit amount.
Q. Do I need to clean dirt caused by normal wear and tear before moving out?
A. Dirt caused by normal wear and tear, such as sun fading or electrical burn marks, is generally the landlord's responsibility. As a tenant, it is sufficient to address only "dirt beyond normal use."
Q. Can I get my full security deposit back?
A. If the condition is within the scope of normal use, repair costs are the landlord's responsibility, but house-cleaning fees depend on the terms of the lease agreement. It is wise to review applicable rules such as the Rental Housing Dispute Prevention Ordinance (the Tokyo Rules).
