MOVE IN-OUT CHECKLIST

The following guidelines and checklists are provided for your benefit, but they may not cover every possible item. Any cleaning, repairs, or removal costs beyond normal wear and tear will be deducted from your security deposit.

Important Requirements Before Move-Out

1. Carpet Cleaning

You must hire a professional company to steam clean all carpets. This must be completed while you still have possession of the property (for example, if you vacate on Tuesday, the cleaning cannot be scheduled for Wednesday).

Only professional steam cleaning by a reputable company is accepted. Do not use rental machines, home cleaners, or chemical cleaning services.

You must provide a receipt as proof.

If the cleaning is unsatisfactory or no receipt is provided, we will arrange professional cleaning after you vacate and deduct the cost from your security deposit.

2. Damages

Any damages beyond normal wear and tear that were not documented on your move-in condition form will be deducted from your security deposit.

3. Trash & Personal Belongings

Remove all trash and personal belongings from the property.

Anything left behind after your vacate date will be considered abandoned and removed at your expense.

Do not overfill trash cans or leave bags beside them. Any costs for removing excess trash will be deducted from your security deposit.

4. Light Bulbs & Filters

Replace all burned-out light bulbs (including appliance bulbs), furnace/HVAC filters, and oven vent filters (typically located under the microwave) before move-out.

5. Yard Maintenance

If yard care was your responsibility per the lease, the yard must be returned in similar condition to how you received it.

Mow the lawn within 3 days prior to your move-out date (especially important in summer months).

Trim, edge, and water as needed.

Weed and neaten all flower beds.

Remove all pet feces from the yard, even if it was not from your pet.

Any additional yard work required (mowing, weeding, tidying, etc.) will be deducted from your security deposit.

6. Move-Out Walkthrough

A final walkthrough will be conducted whether or not you are present.

If you wish to attend, please email info@steelgatepm.com to schedule it. Walkthroughs are only scheduled on business days (no weekends).

The property must be completely clean, empty, and vacant at the time of the walkthrough.

There are no follow-up walkthroughs. You will not have the opportunity to return and address any issues afterward.

We will note the condition of the home during the walkthrough but cannot provide estimates for potential security deposit deductions at that time.

Move-Out Cleaning Checklist

Your home must be returned clean and in the same condition as when you moved in (less normal wear and tear). All personal items must be removed.

Exterior Yard

• Pick up and properly dispose of all animal feces (even if not your pet).

• Mow, trim, edge, and water the lawn so it is neat.

• Weed and tidy all flower beds.

• Wipe down doors, jambs, knobs, and locks.

• Remove spider webs around entryways and doors.

• Sweep exterior entry, patio, and remove all debris.

Garage

• Wipe down doors, jambs, knobs, and locks.

• Wipe light switches and garage door opener.

• Sweep and spray off floors.

Interior

• Clean all light fixtures.

• Dust ceiling fans.

• Dust air vents.

• Spot clean walls.

• Clean windows, sills, tracks, and blinds.

• Dust blinds and curtain rods.

• Clean baseboards.

• Wipe outlets and light switches.

• Replace all burned-out bulbs with matching color and type.

• Wash all doors (especially around knobs).

• Clean and dust walls; patch any screw holes or larger holes.

• Clean fireplace (if applicable).

• Wipe down all cobwebs.

• Wipe all shelves and cabinets.

• Replace HVAC filter(s).

• Sweep, mop, or vacuum floors as appropriate.

Kitchen

• Clean inside and outside of all appliances, including:

• Stove hood and filter

• Microwave (inside and out)

• Drip pans, oven racks, and inside of oven (including bottom drawer if present)

• Refrigerator and freezer (wipe all shelves and door shelves)

• Dishwasher (inside and out)

• Any other appliances

• Replace any burned-out appliance bulbs.

• Wipe cabinets and drawers inside and out.

• Scrub kitchen floor and baseboards.

• Clean countertops and backsplash (free of food particles, dust, and grease).

• Clean pantry and wipe all shelves.

Bathrooms

• Scrub bathtub, shower, sink, doors, and all fixtures.

• Clean inside and outside of toilet.

• Scrub floors, baseboards, and behind toilet.

• Clean inside and outside of medicine cabinet.

• Wipe cabinets and drawers inside and out.

• Clean sink, faucet, and countertop.

• Wash mirrors.

• Wipe down all other surfaces.

Trash Removal

• Remove all trash from the property.

• If you have excess trash beyond normal pickup, you must arrange for it to be hauled away at your expense.

• Do not overflow trash receptacles.

Commonly Overlooked Items

• Replace HVAC filter(s)

• Clean inside all appliances (especially refrigerator, oven, and bottom oven drawer)

• Replace all burned-out light bulbs

• Dust ceiling fans and blinds

• Clean inside drawers and cabinets

• Pull weeds from flower beds and mow the lawn shortly before move-out

• Ensure all trash is completely removed

If you prefer not to handle the cleaning yourself, please let us know and we can recommend a professional cleaning company.