The landlord checklist
What your landlord walks the unit with
Most Madison landlords use a move-out form like this one. Every line below is on our sheet, ticked and dated when the clean is done.
- A clean fixes it
Kitchen
Oven door and outside
Fridge and freezer, outside and seals
Stovetop and drip pans
Cabinet fronts and insides
Sink, faucet and drain
Counters, backsplash and floor edges
Range hood filter
- A clean fixes it
Bathroom
Toilet, base and behind it
Tub or shower, glass and grout lines
Mirror and fixtures
Vanity top, drawers and sink
Exhaust fan cover
Floor, baseboards and door
Shower curtain rod and hooks
- A clean fixes most of it
Bedrooms
Closet shelves, rods and floor
Baseboards, sills and window tracks
Doors, handles and light switches
Blinds dusted
Ceiling fans and vents
Floors vacuumed or mopped
Window screens, brushed
- A clean fixes it
Living and dining rooms
Baseboards and corners
Windowsills and tracks
Light fixtures, wiped
Closet and entry floors
Doors and handles
Radiators, wiped
- Carpet stains may stay
Floors
Hard floors swept and mopped
Carpet vacuumed edge to edge
Floor under where furniture stood
Entry mat area
- Your part
Keys and walk-through
All keys returned to your landlord
A walk-through with the form, if offered
Your photos, dated
Your forwarding address in writing
Not a cleaning problem
Lines a clean won't clear
These show up on landlord forms too. We write them on your sheet so you know before the walk-through.
| What it takes | What we do | |
|---|---|---|
| Nail and screw holes | What it takesPatching and paint, if your landlord charges for it | What we doNote them on the sheet |
| Carpet stains and burns | What it takesA carpet cleaner or a replacement | What we doVacuum; try a cloth on fresh marks |
| Burnt-out bulbs | What it takesA new bulb, which is yours to buy | What we doTell you which ones |
| Mildew in grout | What it takesRe-grouting or a mold specialist | What we doScrub what comes off |
| Broken blinds | What it takesReplacement | What we doDust them and tell you |
Your part
Before you hand back the keys
A clean helps, but the walk-through is where your deposit is decided. A few things protect you.
Photograph every room after the clean, with the date showing.
Ask for the landlord's move-out form before you leave.
Walk the unit with your landlord if they offer.
Give your forwarding address in writing.
Keep our sheet, your photos and the lease together.
Want this sheet for your unit?
Send the address and your lease end date.