Move-Out Cleaning Checklist: 27 Points Landlords Check
St. Louis landlords know exactly where tenants miss — and those spots cost deposits. This 27-point room-by-room checklist covers every inspection trigger, from window tracks to oven interiors to door frame top edges.
3 Spots Landlords Always Check
Behind the refrigerator
Grease buildup and floor stains invisible until moved
Inside the oven
Baked-on residue that self-clean cycles miss
Window tracks
Compacted grime and mold that screams neglect
Kitchen — 9 Points
Inside Oven / Range Hood
Degrease interior walls, racks, door glass, and hood filter.
Behind the Refrigerator
Pull forward — clean coils, floor, and wall behind.
Inside All Cabinets & Drawers
Wipe every interior surface, shelf liner removed.
Floor Corners & Baseboards
Scrub where mop heads miss — a primary inspection point.
Bathrooms — 9 Points
Behind Toilet Base & Caulk Line
Scrub caulk at floor — yellowing triggers deductions.
Shower Grout, Caulk & Glass
Grout brush on tile seams, pan caulk mold cleared.
Exhaust Fan Cover
Remove, vacuum blades and housing, reinstall.
Drain Covers & Overflow Plates
Clear hair, mineral buildup, polish surrounds.
General — All Rooms, 9 Points
Window Tracks & Sills
Vacuum + brush track channels — a top-3 landlord flag.
Ceiling Fan Blades
Both sides — top accumulates dust that falls during inspection.
Door Frame Top Edge
Classic inspection point most tenants completely miss.
HVAC Return Vent Covers
Remove, vacuum fins, replace filter — landlords check.
Download the Full 27-Point Checklist
Get the complete printable checklist — all 27 inspection points with actionable detail on every item. We'll email you a copy for safekeeping.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do landlords check during a move-out inspection in St. Louis?
St. Louis landlords consistently flag three areas most often: behind the refrigerator (grease and floor stains), inside the oven (baked-on residue), and window tracks (compacted grime and mold). Beyond those, inspectors review bathroom caulk lines, exhaust fan covers, HVAC return vent filters, and the tops of door frames — areas that reveal whether a tenant cleaned thoroughly or just surface-level.
How much does move-out cleaning cost in St. Louis?
Professional move-out cleaning in St. Louis is flat-rated at $450 for most residential units. This covers all 27 points on this checklist — kitchen deep cleaning including inside the oven and behind appliances, bathroom restoration including grout scrubbing and drain clearing, and whole-home detail work including window tracks, baseboards, ceiling fan blades, and HVAC vents. No hourly billing, no surprise charges after the fact.
Can I do a move-out clean myself using this checklist?
Yes — this 27-point checklist covers exactly what St. Louis landlords inspect. If you have the time and the right supplies, working through it room by room is the most systematic approach. However, items like oven interior degreasing, shower grout scrubbing, and behind-appliance cleaning require commercial-grade products and equipment to achieve inspection-ready results. Many tenants find the time cost of a full move-out clean exceeds the flat-rate professional alternative.
How long before my move-out date should I schedule cleaning?
Schedule your professional move-out cleaning 1–3 days before your final inspection, not the day of your move. This gives time to address any overlooked areas if needed and ensures surfaces are fully dry before the walkthrough. In St. Louis, high-demand move dates — end of month and summer weekends — book out 5–10 days in advance. Call (314) 888-5325 as soon as your move date is confirmed.
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$450 flat-rate move-out cleaning · St. Louis & Metro East