Moving in Los Angeles is stressful enough without worrying about losing your security deposit. With average deposits in LA running $2,000 to $5,000 or more, a thorough move-out clean is one of the smartest investments you can make. Here is a practical checklist to make sure you get that money back.
Start with the kitchen because it is where landlords look most critically. Clean inside the oven, microwave, and refrigerator. Wipe down all cabinet interiors and drawer fronts. Degrease the stovetop, range hood, and backsplash. Scrub the sink and polish the faucet. Do not forget to pull out appliances and clean behind and underneath them.
Bathrooms are the second area landlords inspect closely. Remove any mold or mildew from grout, shower doors, and caulk lines. Clean inside the medicine cabinet and under the sink. Scrub the toilet inside and out, polish all fixtures, and make sure the exhaust fan vent is dust-free.
For every room in the apartment, wipe down all baseboards, window sills, and door frames. Clean inside all closets including shelves and rods. Remove scuff marks from walls with a magic eraser. Vacuum or mop all floors and make sure corners are free of dust bunnies. Clean the interior side of all windows and their tracks.
A few items people often miss: light switch plates, outlet covers, light fixtures, blinds, and the inside of the dishwasher. Patch any small nail holes with spackle and touch up with matching paint if you have it. Replace any burned-out light bulbs so everything is working when the landlord does the walkthrough.
Many LA renters find that hiring a professional move-out cleaning service actually saves money because it protects a deposit worth thousands. The Detail Crew offers move-out cleaning starting at $350 with same-day quotes available. We handle everything on this checklist and more, and we can often schedule within 48 hours. Whether you are leaving a studio in Silver Lake or a house in Encino, we will make sure the place looks spotless for your final inspection.