Move-Out Cleaning Checklist: What Pennsylvania Landlords Actually Inspect

Security deposit deductions for cleaning are one of the most common disputes between tenants and landlords in Pennsylvania. The good news: they are almost entirely preventable with the right checklist.

Whether you are moving out of a rental in State College, Scranton, Harrisburg, or anywhere else in PA, here is exactly what landlords and property managers look for during a move-out inspection.

Kitchen

• Oven interior — grease and baked-on food removed
• Oven drawer (below the oven) — wiped out
• Stovetop grates and burners — degreased
• Range hood and filter — wiped down or washed
• Microwave interior and exterior — spotless
• Refrigerator interior — shelves wiped, drawers removed and cleaned
• Refrigerator exterior including top and sides
• Dishwasher interior including filter and door gasket
• All cabinet interiors and exteriors wiped down
• Countertops — cleaned and free of stains or residue
• Sink and faucet — degreased and shined
• Floors swept and mopped, including under appliances

Bathrooms

• Toilet — bowl, seat, lid, tank exterior, and base
• Bathtub and/or shower — soap scum, mildew, and hard water removed
• Shower grout — scrubbed (this is heavily scrutinized)
• Shower door tracks — clean and free of buildup
• Sink and vanity — wiped inside and out
• Mirror — streak-free
• Medicine cabinet interior and exterior
• Exhaust fan — dust removed
• Floors mopped, including behind the toilet
• Caulk around tub and sink — stains removed if possible

Bedrooms and Living Areas

• All closets vacuumed and wiped — shelves, rods, and floors
• Ceiling fans dusted
• Blinds dusted or wiped
• Window sills and tracks cleaned
• Baseboards wiped
• Light switch plates wiped
• Door frames and doors wiped
• Walls spot-cleaned for scuffs and marks (minor ones)
• Carpets vacuumed thoroughly — or professionally cleaned if required by lease
• Hardwood/vinyl floors swept and mopped

Laundry Area (if applicable)

• Washer drum and door gasket wiped
• Dryer drum and lint trap cleaned
• Behind and under washer and dryer swept
• Laundry room floor mopped

General Throughout the Unit

• All trash removed — nothing left behind
• All light fixtures have working bulbs
• Front door and all exterior doors wiped
• Garage swept and oil stains addressed if applicable

Pro Tip: Hire a Professional Move-Out Cleaning Service

The safest way to pass a move-out inspection is to hire a professional cleaning company that specializes in move-out cleanings. Professionals know exactly what landlords check because they do these cleanings every week.

A professional move-out clean also gives you documentation. Many cleaning companies, including Black Diamond, will note the condition of the home before and after — which protects you if a landlord makes an unfair deduction.

Black Diamond Cleaning Solutions handles move-out cleanings across Pennsylvania and New York. Our move-out service follows a comprehensive checklist designed specifically to meet landlord inspection standards. Contact us for a free quote before your move-out date.