Moving out of a rental in Phoenix? Your security deposit is on the line — and Arizona landlords have up to 14 business days after you vacate to return it (or send an itemized list of deductions). The most common reason for deductions isn't damage. It's cleaning.

This checklist covers everything landlords and property managers actually inspect, room by room. Work through it before your final walkthrough and you'll be in a strong position to get every dollar back.

A few things to do before you begin cleaning:

• Document the current condition with photos and video — date-stamped, every room
• Review your lease for any specific cleaning requirements (some require professional carpet cleaning, for example)
• Gather your supplies: all-purpose cleaner, glass cleaner, oven cleaner, toilet bowl cleaner, grout brush, microfiber cloths, mop, vacuum, and a ladder for ceiling fans and high shelves
• Allow enough time — a thorough move-out clean of a 2-bedroom apartment takes 4–6 hours; a house takes longer

The kitchen gets the most scrutiny. Grease and food residue are the most common reasons for deposit deductions.

Appliances:

• Oven: clean interior, racks, broiler drawer, and oven door glass (inside and out)
• Stovetop: remove and clean burner grates or drip pans; clean around burners
• Microwave: clean interior, turntable, and exterior including top
• Refrigerator: remove all food, clean all shelves and drawers, wipe interior walls and door seals, clean exterior including top and coils if accessible
• Dishwasher: clean filter, wipe interior walls and door, run a cleaning cycle

Surfaces:

• All cabinet interiors and exteriors — wipe down for grease and crumbs
• Countertops — clean and dry
• Backsplash — remove grease splatter
• Sink — scrub basin, clean faucet and handles, remove mineral deposits
• Under the sink — remove any items, wipe down interior

Floors:

• Sweep and mop — pay attention to corners and under appliances if accessible

Bathrooms are the second most scrutinized area. Soap scum, hard water deposits, and mold are the main issues.

Shower/Tub:

• Scrub tile walls and floor
• Clean grout lines — use a grout brush
• Remove soap scum from glass doors or shower curtain rod
• Clean shower head — remove mineral deposits
• Clean drain — remove hair and debris

Toilet:

• Clean bowl inside (under rim too)
• Wipe exterior — tank, base, and behind the toilet
• Clean seat, lid, and hinges

Vanity:

• Clean sink basin and faucet
• Wipe cabinet interiors and exteriors
• Clean mirror — no streaks
• Wipe countertop

Floors and Walls:

• Sweep and mop floor
• Wipe baseboards
• Check for mold on caulk lines — if present, clean with bleach solution or note it in your move-out documentation

Bedrooms are generally easier, but don't skip these:

• Clean inside all closets — shelves, rods, and floor
• Wipe down windowsills and window tracks
• Clean ceiling fan blades and light fixture
• Wipe light switches and outlet covers
• Vacuum carpet or mop hardwood floors
• Check walls for scuffs and marks — a Magic Eraser removes most without damaging paint

• Clean ceiling fan(s)
• Wipe all light fixtures and replace any burned-out bulbs
• Clean windows inside (landlords typically don't require exterior window cleaning)
• Wipe windowsills and tracks
• Clean baseboards
• Vacuum carpet thoroughly — move furniture if any is remaining
• Wipe down any built-in shelving or entertainment centers

• Clean washer drum and door seal (mold often hides in the rubber gasket)
• Wipe exterior of washer and dryer
• Clean dryer lint trap and the area around it
• Wipe down any shelving

• Sweep floor — remove all debris
• Remove any oil stains from floor (kitty litter absorbs fresh oil; degreaser for set stains)
• Wipe down shelving
• Ensure garage door opener works and leave remotes

Before you hand over the keys:

• Replace all burned-out light bulbs
• Remove all nails and picture hooks from walls — fill holes with spackling compound if required by lease
• Return all keys, garage openers, and mailbox keys
• Take final date-stamped photos of every room
• Check that all windows and doors lock properly

Under Arizona law (ARS § 33-1321), landlords can deduct for cleaning costs only if the unit is left in worse condition than it was at move-in (accounting for normal wear and tear). They cannot deduct for:

• Normal wear and tear on carpet
• Minor scuffs on walls from normal use
• Faded paint from sunlight

They can deduct for:

• Excessive dirt or grime requiring professional cleaning
• Damage beyond normal wear
• Missing items

Keep your move-in inspection report and photos. If you documented the condition at move-in, you have a clear baseline to compare against.

If you're short on time, moving long-distance, or the unit needs more work than you can handle, a professional move-out cleaning service is often worth the cost — especially when weighed against a potential deposit deduction.

WhatAMaid LLC specializes in move-in/move-out cleaning across Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe, Mesa, Chandler, and all of Maricopa County. Our move-out cleans are thorough, documented, and designed to meet landlord inspection standards. Starting at $250. Book online or contact us with questions.

Related reading:

• How to remove hard water stains from Phoenix shower doors — the bathroom task most renters miss that costs them their deposit
• How to clean tile grout in Phoenix — restoring grout to move-in condition before your final walkthrough
• How often should you deep clean your Arizona home? — what a full deep clean covers vs. regular maintenance cleaning