We all know moving sucks, but you know what is worse? Not getting your rental deposit back. Make sure it doesn’t happen to you with some of our quick tips to a clean apartment.

1. Clean the Kitchen Appliances

Your apartment is already empty, where else do people look? Your kitchen. It is the first place people go to gauge a home’s cleanliness. Make sure to scrub out the oven, wipe down the inside of the fridge, and the microwave.

2. Clean the Windows

A clean window allows more light into the apartment and brightens up the space. It is very easy to spot grimy windows.

3. Spackle and Paint

Fill any holes left by hanging things on the wall. Always sand and re-touch the paint job. It might be a bit more work if you have to return the walls to “renters’ white”.

4. Don’t Leave Anything Behind

You might think it is common courtesy to leave some old cleaning supplies or extra pots and pans behind. But your landlord might not think so, and might charge you for a cleaning fee. It is more safe to remove everything.

5. Arrange an Inspection

Be present for your landlord’s final inspection. They will be less inclined to make comments about the smaller details.

6. Document Everything (Take Photos)

Be sure to document the state of your apartment when you leave with lots of photos. Remember to leave date/time stamps on.

7. Take Final Meter Readings

Take final readings on the date you move out and inform your utilities suppliers ASAP. You don’t want to be paying for utilities you didn’t use! Most utilities companies have websites where you can set a date for when you’re moving out.

8. Gather the Keys

All of the keys. No family or friend should hold any extras. Leave these for your landlord.

9. Know the Laws

Rental deposits can be pretty expensive. Be sure you know what the rental laws are in your area, and hold your landlord to the law. If necessary, small claims court is there if you need to settle a disagreement (you remembered to document everything, right?).

10. Clean Everything

Let’s not leave anything to chance. Dust and vacuum every room, and pay special attention to the kitchen (washboards and cabinets) and bathrooms. Leave the perfect impression to get your deposit back!

We know moving out is very stressful! Follow this quick checklist to make your life easier!

Updated for 2026

Moving out of a New York City apartment in 2026 comes with a few additional considerations. Many landlords now require digital documentation of the apartment’s condition, so make sure to take high-resolution photos and videos with timestamps. Some buildings have switched to digital move-out checklists that you can complete through a building portal.

New York’s updated tenant protection laws have strengthened your rights regarding security deposit returns. Landlords now have a stricter timeline (14 days in NYC) to return your deposit or provide an itemized list of deductions. Keep copies of all communication with your landlord and property management company.

If you’d rather focus on the logistics of your move and leave the cleaning to the pros, Synergy Maids offers dedicated move-out cleaning packages priced at $20 per room and $20 per bathroom on top of our standard flat-rate pricing. Our teams know exactly what landlords look for during final inspections.

10 Things To Do Before You Move Out