What is a Move-Out Inspection?
A move-out inspection is conducted by a landlord or property manager before a tenant officially moves out. This is done to determine if there are any damages or filth (besides the normal wear and tear) that deviate from the original condition of the property.
3 Ways to Pass Your Rental Inspection
Move out inspections are important because they can influence the return of your security deposit. Therefore, leaving your rental apartment or home in tip-top shape will be valuable. Here’s how:
1. Create or Follow a Cleaning Checklist
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed with the number of cleaning tasks in front of you, especially when you are in the process of moving. Writing out a cleaning checklist or finding a detailed list online can help alleviate stress and ensure that nothing gets missed. Besides the basic tasks, such as vacuuming/sweeping all rooms, a good rule of thumb is to complete the following:
- Remove any personal belongings and empty the trash.
- Wipe baseboards with soapy warm water and a washcloth.
- Scrub the kitchen and bathroom sinks and tiles.
- Deep clean any carpets.
- Sweep or vacuum closets.
- Dust off obscure areas (tops of ceiling fans, light fixtures, air vents, top of the refrigerator and ceiling corners).
- Replace lightbulbs that are burned out.
- Clean window sills and remove smudges from the glass.
- Power wash the patio or sweep the balcony (if applicable).
- Fix any damages and patch nail holes with spackle. Remember, ask your landlord about their preferred method of fixing or patching in case they would like to hire a professional.
2. Spend Extra Time Disinfecting the Kitchen and Bathrooms
Because of the frequent use and unique functions of kitchens and bathrooms, they often get dirty and stained. To make your rental property look spotless, spend extra time carefully cleaning these rooms.
The Kitchen
Vinegar and water, when combined, is an effective and safe cleaning product that can be used to disinfect your microwave, oven and dishwasher. To do this, place a heat-safe container with 4 parts water and 1 part vinegar inside each machine and run them. The heat and moisture will make it easier to wipe off any grime.
Bathrooms
The same vinegar-water mixture can be used to wipe down bathroom fixtures, other surfaces and your shower head. When cleaning, opt for a soft sponge and avoid using steel wool as it may scratch off the shiny, porcelain layer of sinks and tubs. To thoroughly clean your shower head, pour the mixture into a plastic bag, and tie it to your shower head. Let it sit for an hour, and then run the hot water to see any clogged spouts clear out.
3. Take Photos or Videos of the Cleaned Space
Once your space has been cleaned, take photos and videos of each room in your rental property. This documentation can serve as proof should there be any legal claims made by you or your landlord after the inspection. Details to capture are walls (especially where damage was fixed), flooring, windows, closets, sinks, showers and tubs.
Get Move-In Ready With Bekins Van Lines
Once your space is clean and ready to pass a move-out inspection with flying colors, make your move even easier with help from the expert movers at Bekins. We can support you throughout the entire process, from packing to transportation to storage. Contact us or request a free estimate to get started with a Bekins move.
