Moving out of a home or apartment in Miami? Whether you’re headed to a new neighborhood or leaving the city, one thing is certain: if you want your full security deposit back, you need to clean — and clean well.
At Miami House Cleaning, we’ve helped hundreds of renters leave their spaces spotless. Here’s our ultimate move-out cleaning checklist to make sure nothing gets overlooked.
✅ Kitchen
Clean inside and outside of all appliances (fridge, oven, microwave)
Scrub countertops and backsplash
Wipe down cabinets (inside and out)
Sweep and mop floors
Empty and sanitize trash can
✅ Bathroom
Scrub toilet, tub, shower, and sink
Clean mirrors and fixtures
Remove soap scum and hard water stains
Wipe baseboards and vents
Mop floor and empty trash
✅ Bedrooms & Living Areas
Dust all surfaces (walls, window sills, shelves)
Wipe down doors and light switches
Clean inside closets and drawers
Vacuum carpets or mop floors
Remove all personal items and trash
✅ Final Touches
Fill nail holes and touch up paint if required by your lease
Clean windows and sliding glass doors
Replace burnt-out lightbulbs
Check for forgotten items in cabinets or behind furniture
🧼 Bonus Tip: Use EPA-Approved Cleaners
Using trusted products matters. We recommend EPA-approved disinfectants to ensure your space is truly sanitized for the next resident.
💬 Too Busy to Clean It All Yourself?
Moving is stressful enough. Let our team handle the cleaning so you can focus on your next chapter.
➡️ Book your professional move-out cleaning in Miami and let us help you leave your space spotless.
✅ Need a printable checklist? Contact us — we’ll email you our official move-out guide!
Why a Move-Out Cleaning Checklist Matters in Miami
Miami landlords and property managers are notoriously strict about move-out inspections — and with security deposits often running $2,000 to $5,000 on Miami rentals, the stakes are high. Missing a single detail can cost you hundreds. This checklist covers everything Florida landlords typically inspect.
The Complete Room-by-Room Move-Out Cleaning Checklist
✅ Kitchen
- Empty refrigerator; clean shelves, drawers, and rubber seals
- Defrost and clean freezer
- Clean oven (inside, door, racks) and stovetop
- Clean microwave inside and out
- Wipe down dishwasher and run a cleaning cycle
- Empty all cabinets; wipe inside and outside, including tops
- Scrub sink and polish faucet
- Clean backsplash and tile
- Wipe down trash can and replace bag
- Sweep and mop floor; clean baseboards
✅ Bathrooms
- Scrub and disinfect toilet (including base and behind)
- Clean shower/tub — descale fixtures, scrub grout (critical in Miami’s humidity)
- Polish sink, faucet, and mirror
- Empty and wipe vanity cabinets and drawers
- Clean exhaust fan cover
- Sweep and mop; clean baseboards
- Replace shower curtain liner if stained
✅ Bedrooms & Living Areas
- Dust baseboards, window sills, ceiling fans, and light fixtures
- Vacuum carpets thoroughly (consider professional steam cleaning)
- Mop hardwood/tile floors
- Clean inside closets and shelves
- Wipe doors, door frames, and switchplates
- Spot-clean walls (remove marks, scuffs, sticky spots)
✅ Windows & Doors
- Clean inside of all windows
- Wipe sills and tracks (sand buildup is common in Miami)
- Clean sliding glass door tracks
- Wipe down front and patio doors
✅ Commonly Missed Spots
- Inside AC vents and air returns
- Behind and under the refrigerator and stove
- Inside light fixtures and dome covers
- Laundry room (inside washer lint trap, dryer vent)
- Patio/balcony — sweep and wipe down railings
- Garage (if applicable) — sweep, empty shelves
Florida Security Deposit Law — What You Need to Know
Under Florida Statute §83.49, your landlord must return your full deposit within 15 days if they aren’t withholding any — or must send a written notice of claim within 30 days if they are. If you dispute the deduction, you have 15 days to respond in writing. A professional cleaning with a dated receipt is one of the strongest defenses you can have against unfair cleaning deductions.
DIY vs. Professional Move-Out Cleaning
If you’re handy and have time, a DIY move-out clean can save money. But in Miami, where humidity creates mildew and sand gets into everything, a professional clean typically takes 3–5 hours with a team of two — vs. a full weekend DIY. Plus, professional receipts carry weight with landlords in a deposit dispute.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need carpet cleaning too?
If your lease mentions professional carpet cleaning, yes. We offer steam cleaning as an add-on. Even without a lease clause, carpets in Miami homes often need it after 12+ months due to humidity and indoor pets.
What if the landlord still withholds money?
Send a written dispute within 15 days of receiving their notice. Include your professional cleaning receipt, photos of the clean apartment, and a demand for the full deposit. If they refuse, small claims court is your next step — Florida strongly favors tenants with documented professional cleaning.
Should I schedule the cleaning before or after moving out?
After. Once your furniture is out, we can clean everything thoroughly — including behind where appliances and furniture used to be.
Can you do the cleaning on the same day as my move?
Yes, if booked in advance. We often schedule clients for move-day cleanings, typically starting 2–4 hours after movers finish.
Book Your Miami Move-Out Cleaning
Don’t let cleaning be the reason you lose hundreds of dollars on your deposit. Let us handle it. Call (754) 354-6072 or visit our Move-In / Move-Out Cleaning page to book online. We serve Miami, Miami Beach, Brickell, Coral Gables, Wynwood, Coconut Grove, and all of South Florida.