Move Out Cleaning Miami: The Complete Checklist
A step-by-step guide for tenants protecting their deposit and landlords prepping for the next renter — with Miami-Dade-specific tips.
Whether you're a tenant trying to get every dollar of your security deposit back, or a landlord turning a unit between renters, a thorough move-out clean is the difference between a smooth handoff and a costly dispute. Use the checklist below room by room — and skip to the bottom if you'd rather have our Miami cleaning team handle it.
Before you start
- Remove everything from the unit first — you can't clean around boxes.
- Take dated photos of every room, including closets and appliances, before and after.
- Re-read your lease: many Miami leases require professional carpet cleaning with a receipt.
- Gather supplies: degreaser, non-abrasive bathroom cleaner, microfiber cloths, mop, vacuum, and trash bags.
Kitchen
- Degrease oven, racks, broiler pan, and door glass
- Stovetop, burners, and range-hood filter
- Microwave inside and out
- Empty and wipe inside the refrigerator and freezer (defrost if needed)
- Inside all cabinets, drawers, and pantry shelves
- Sink, faucet, garbage disposal, and backsplash
- Countertops, including under small appliances
Bathrooms
- Descale shower walls, glass door, and tub
- Toilet inside, outside, base, and behind
- Sink, faucet, and vanity (inside and outside)
- Mirrors and any medicine cabinet
- Exhaust fan vent cover
- Floor: scrub grout and corners
Bedrooms & Living Areas
- Inside all closets and shelving
- Wipe walls for scuffs, marks, and tape residue
- Baseboards, door frames, and switch plates
- Ceiling fans, light fixtures, and A/C vents
- Windows, sills, and tracks (interior)
- Vacuum carpet thoroughly; steam-clean if lease requires
Whole Unit
- Replace burnt-out light bulbs and smoke-detector batteries
- Patch nail holes (landlord-approved)
- Wipe all interior doors and hardware
- Sweep balcony, patio, or stairwell
- Empty every wastebasket and remove all trash
Miami-Dade waste disposal tips
- Bulky items (mattresses, furniture, large appliances) must go to a Miami-Dade Trash & Recycling Center — leaving them at the curb can trigger code-enforcement fines.
- Hazardous waste (paint, batteries, chemicals) is accepted free at the Home Chemical Collection Center on NW 79th Ave.
- Schedule cleaning AFTER movers leave — Miami high-rise freight elevators are often booked back-to-back and dust travels.
- Coastal humidity grows mildew fast. If the unit has sat empty, run the A/C below 78°F during the clean.
- HOA buildings (Brickell, Aventura, Edgewater) usually require a move-out time window. Confirm with the front desk before booking.
For landlords & property managers
Once the unit is empty and cleaned, run this short turnover checklist before the next tenant walks in.
- Re-key locks or rotate smart-lock codes
- Replace A/C filter and confirm thermostat works
- Test every outlet, GFCI, and smoke detector
- Photo-document the cleaned unit for the next lease
- Touch-up paint on high-traffic walls and trim
- Schedule pressure-washing for entryways and balconies
Want us to do it instead?
Our Miami crew handles move-out cleans for tenants, landlords, and property managers — same-week availability across Brickell, Coral Gables, Doral, Kendall, Aventura, and the rest of Miami-Dade. Insured, deposit-friendly results.
Ready to transform your property?
Whether you need cleaning, painting, or property maintenance, our team is ready to help.