Don't Lose Your Deposit: The Official San Diego Renter's Move-Out Cleaning Checklist
Book professional move-out cleaning two weeks before your lease ends to pass landlord inspection and recover your full security deposit.
Published: April 1, 2026
Why Does Move-Out Cleaning Matter for Your Security Deposit?
Your lease is ending. You've packed the boxes, scheduled the movers, and notified your landlord. But there's one thing standing between you and your full security deposit: the move-out inspection. Don't lose your deposit to preventable cleaning failures—this is the official San Diego renter's move-out cleaning checklist covering every detail landlords inspect.
Under California Civil Code Section 1950.5, landlords have 21 calendar days to return your security deposit after you move out. They can deduct for cleaning needed to restore the unit to its original condition -- but not for normal wear and tear.
The catch? Most San Diego landlords hire professional cleaners at $500 to $1,200 and deduct every penny from your deposit. Whether you rent in Pacific Beach, North Park, or Coronado, this checklist shows you exactly what to clean, what landlords look for, and when to book professional help.
What Does California Law Say About Security Deposit Deductions?
Knowing your rights is the first step toward keeping your money. California tenant protection laws are among the strongest in the country.
Your landlord must return your deposit or provide an itemized deduction statement within 21 calendar days of move-out.
Landlords must list each deduction with receipts or invoices. Vague charges like "general cleaning" without documentation are disputable.
Faded paint, minor scuffs, worn carpet, and small nail holes from hanging pictures are normal wear and tear. Your landlord cannot charge for these.
- You have the right to a pre-move-out inspection (request it in writing)
- Landlords cannot deduct for painting unless you caused damage beyond normal use
- Cleaning charges must be reasonable -- not inflated quotes from premium vendors
- If your landlord misses the 21-day deadline, you may be entitled to the full deposit back
- Keep your professional cleaning receipt as proof of good-faith effort
Learn more about your rights at the California Courts Self-Help Center.
What Does a Complete Move-Out Cleaning Checklist Include?
Landlords inspect every corner. This room-by-room checklist covers every surface and fixture that property managers check during a final walkthrough.
- Inside oven, broiler pan, and oven racks (degreased)
- Inside refrigerator, freezer, and all shelves/drawers
- Inside all cabinets and drawers (wiped and crumb-free)
- Countertops, backsplash, and sink (stains removed)
- Stovetop, drip pans, and range hood filter
- Dishwasher interior, door edge, and filter trap
- Microwave interior and exterior (grease removed)
- Light fixtures, switch plates, and outlet covers
- Tile grout scrubbed (mold and mildew removed)
- Shower door tracks and glass (hard water deposits)
- Toilet interior, exterior, base, and behind tank
- All fixtures descaled (faucets, showerhead, handles)
- Exhaust fan cover removed and cleaned
- Medicine cabinet and vanity interior wiped
- Mirror, countertop, and soap dish areas
- Baseboards, door frame, and towel bar hardware
- Closet shelves, rods, and interior walls wiped
- Window blinds dusted (each slat, both sides)
- Baseboards cleaned along entire perimeter
- Light fixtures, ceiling fan blades, and switch plates
- Windowsills, tracks, and window frames cleaned
- Door and door frame wiped (including top edge)
- Walls spot-cleaned (scuff marks and handprints)
- Walls spot-cleaned (nail holes filled if required by lease)
- All light fixtures, ceiling fans, and switch plates
- Carpet vacuumed and spot-treated (or steam cleaned)
- Hard flooring mopped and baseboards wiped
- Window blinds, sills, and tracks cleaned
- Sliding glass door tracks (dirt and debris removed)
- Vents and air return covers dusted
- Front door interior and exterior wiped
- Closet interiors (coat, linen, utility) cleaned
- Garage floor swept (if applicable)
- Patio or balcony swept and wiped down
- Washer/dryer connections area cleaned
- Interior of washer drum and dryer lint trap
This checklist totals over 40 individual tasks across a typical San Diego rental unit. Most renters who attempt DIY move-out cleaning miss half of them. The items landlords catch most often -- inside the oven, bathroom grout, and window blinds -- are exactly the areas people skip. Our move-out cleaning service covers every item on this list.
What Do San Diego Landlords Deduct for Cleaning Failures?
These are the most common cleaning-related deductions that Pacific Beach and Hillcrest property managers charge against security deposits.
| Cleaning Issue | Typical Deduction |
|---|---|
| Oven not cleaned (grease buildup) | $75 - $150 |
| Refrigerator not cleaned inside | $50 - $100 |
| Bathroom grout mold/mildew | $100 - $250 |
| Carpet stains not treated | $150 - $400 |
| Blinds not cleaned | $25 - $50 per window |
| Cabinets/drawers not wiped | $50 - $100 |
| Baseboards dirty | $50 - $100 |
| Light fixtures with dust/grime | $25 - $75 |
A landlord who deducts for an uncleaned oven ($150), dirty grout ($200), stained carpet ($300), and dusty blinds ($100) takes $750 from your deposit. A professional move-out cleaning for a two-bedroom North Park apartment costs $300 to $400. You save $350 to $450 by cleaning proactively instead of paying your landlord's vendor.
How Much Does Move-Out Cleaning Cost in San Diego?
Professional move-out cleaning costs a fraction of what landlords deduct. Here is what to budget based on your unit size.
| Unit Size | Square Footage | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 Bed | 400 - 800 sq ft | $250 - $350 |
| 2 Bedrooms | 800 - 1,200 sq ft | $300 - $400 |
| 3 Bedrooms | 1,200 - 1,800 sq ft | $400 - $550 |
| 4+ Bedrooms | 1,800+ sq ft | $550+ |
- Unit size and number of bathrooms
- Condition of oven, stovetop, and range hood
- Severity of bathroom grout buildup
- Carpet stain treatment requirements
- Whether appliances need interior deep cleaning
- Balcony or patio cleaning needs
- Every item on the room-by-room checklist above
- Inside oven, fridge, dishwasher, and microwave
- All cabinets and drawers wiped interior/exterior
- Grout scrubbing and fixture descaling
- Blinds, baseboards, and light fixtures throughout
- Post-clean walkthrough for landlord readiness
Should You DIY Move-Out Cleaning or Hire Professionals?
You're already juggling packing, utilities, and forwarding mail. Here is how DIY stacks up against professional move-out cleaning for landlord inspection results.
| Factor | DIY Move-Out | Professional Move-Out |
|---|---|---|
| Oven deep clean | 2+ hours with harsh chemicals | Commercial degreaser, 30 min |
| Grout restoration | Hours of scrubbing on knees | Professional-grade tools, 45 min |
| Inside all cabinets | Often missed or rushed | Every shelf, door, and hinge |
| Blinds (both sides) | Tedious, frequently skipped | Included in every room |
| Landlord pass rate | Variable (50-70% first try) | 95%+ first-try pass rate |
| Total time required | 12 - 20 hours (full unit) | 3 - 7 hours (we handle it) |
| Deposit recovery | Partial (missed areas = deductions) | Full deposit protection |
- You moved in recently and the unit is still clean
- Studio apartment with minimal kitchen use
- You have 2+ full days to dedicate to cleaning
- Your landlord gave specific (short) cleanup notes
- You lived in the unit for 1+ years
- Kitchen appliances need interior degreasing
- Bathroom grout has visible mold or discoloration
- Your lease end date is less than a week away
- You want a cleaning receipt for deposit disputes
- Your deposit is $2,000+ and you can't afford deductions
When Should You Book Move-Out Cleaning?
Timing is everything. Book too late and you risk losing your preferred date -- or worse, leaving the unit dirty and forfeiting your deposit.
4 Weeks Before Move-Out
Under California law, you can request a walkthrough with your landlord to identify cleaning items before your actual move-out date. This gives you a written list of exactly what needs attention.
2 - 3 Weeks Before Move-Out
This is the ideal booking window. San Diego move-out cleaning demand spikes May through September when most leases turn over. Booking early guarantees your date and lets you schedule a buffer day for touch-ups.
1 Week Before Move-Out
Professional cleaners need empty rooms. Move all furniture, boxes, and personal items out before the crew arrives. Clear closets, cabinets, and drawers completely.
1 - 2 Days Before Move-Out
Schedule cleaning for the day before or morning of your key return. Do a final walkthrough yourself after. Take timestamped photos of every room, including inside appliances and closets. Save your cleaning receipt and get written confirmation of key return.
If your lease ends this week, call us at (619) 853-3200. We handle urgent move-out cleaning requests across Pacific Beach, Hillcrest, North Park, and Coronado with 48-hour booking for most unit sizes.
Where Do We Provide Move-Out Cleaning in San Diego?
We serve every neighborhood in San Diego County. Here are the areas with the highest move-out cleaning demand and what renters there should know.
High renter turnover from college students and young professionals. Lease cycles peak in August and September. Beach-adjacent units often need extra attention to salt air residue on windows and balconies.
Older apartment buildings with vintage fixtures and tile grout that requires specialized cleaning. Property managers here are detail-oriented about cabinet interiors and bathroom exhaust fans.
Dense rental market with studio and one-bedroom units. Compact kitchens mean oven and stovetop grease buildup is concentrated. Landlords often inspect garbage disposals and dishwasher interiors.
Higher-end rentals with stricter inspection standards. Property management companies in Coronado frequently photograph every surface during walkthrough. Professional cleaning receipts carry extra weight here.
How Can You Maximize Your Security Deposit Recovery?
Beyond cleaning, these steps protect your deposit under California tenant law.
California renters have the legal right to request this inspection. Your landlord must identify specific items before your actual move-out date, giving you a chance to address them.
Take timestamped photos of every room, inside every appliance, and inside every cabinet after cleaning. These are your evidence if a landlord disputes the condition.
A professional receipt proves you invested in restoring the unit. If your landlord still deducts costs, this strengthens your case in San Diego Small Claims Court.
If your oven has 6+ months of baked-on grease, your grout has visible mold, or carpet stains need steam extraction, consider upgrading to a deep cleaning. Call us at (619) 853-3200 or request a free quote and we will recommend the right service level for your unit.
- San Diego County Tenant Rights Information
- California Courts -- Security Deposit Disputes Self-Help
- California Civil Code Section 1950.5 -- Security Deposit Law (Full Text)
Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance should I book move-out cleaning in San Diego?
Book your move-out cleaning at least two weeks before your lease end date. San Diego's rental market is busiest from May through September, when move-out cleaning slots fill quickly. Scheduling early ensures you get your preferred date and gives you time for a touch-up if the landlord requests changes during their inspection.
What does California law say about security deposit deductions for cleaning?
Under California Civil Code Section 1950.5, landlords must return your security deposit within 21 calendar days of move-out. They can only deduct for cleaning needed to restore the unit to the condition it was in at move-in, minus normal wear and tear. Landlords must provide an itemized statement of any deductions, and cleaning charges must reflect reasonable costs.
How much does move-out cleaning cost in San Diego?
Professional move-out cleaning in San Diego typically ranges from $250 to $550 depending on unit size and condition. A studio or one-bedroom apartment costs approximately $250 to $350. A two-bedroom unit runs $300 to $400, and a three-bedroom home ranges from $400 to $550. These costs are significantly less than typical landlord cleaning deductions of $500 to $1,200.
What is the difference between move-out cleaning and regular cleaning?
Move-out cleaning is a comprehensive deep clean designed to meet landlord inspection standards. It includes areas that regular cleaning does not cover, such as inside the oven, behind the refrigerator, inside all cabinets and drawers, window tracks, baseboards, light fixtures, exhaust fans, and grout scrubbing. The goal is to restore the unit to move-in condition.
Can my landlord deduct cleaning costs if I hire professional cleaners?
If you hire professional move-out cleaners and the unit passes inspection, your landlord cannot deduct cleaning costs from your deposit. Keep your cleaning receipt as proof. If the landlord disputes the cleaning quality, the receipt demonstrates you made a good-faith effort. Under California law, landlords can only charge for cleaning that restores the unit beyond normal wear and tear.
Does Bravo Maids offer move-out cleaning in Pacific Beach and North Park?
Yes. Bravo Maids provides professional move-out cleaning throughout San Diego, including Pacific Beach, North Park, Hillcrest, Coronado, Mission Valley, La Jolla, and all surrounding neighborhoods. We offer flexible scheduling to align with your lease end date and can typically book within 48 hours for urgent move-out requests.
Related Resources
Book our specialized move-out cleaning with a 95%+ landlord inspection pass rate.
Learn more →Comprehensive deep cleaning that covers baseboards, appliance interiors, and grout scrubbing.
Learn more →Specialized move-out cleaning for Coronado rentals dealing with high humidity and salt air.
Learn more →Your Deposit Is Worth Protecting
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