Would anyone care to share their list that one would send to a soon-to-be-leaving Tenant detailing what need to be cleaned.

3 yr. T is leaving end of June.

From what I can see not much if any damage but she is not the best housekeeper in the world and the place was spotless when she took occupancy.

Frank,

My lease is clear: The last few pages are our MOVE OUT PACKET, signed at lease signing. We make a copy and send it when they give us notice. It includes a full page, 2 column list of STANDARD CLEANING AND REPAIR COSTS agreed at lease signing.

My move out packet contains that signed list along with a simple checklist that states

Our goal is to help you get your entire deposit back! This checklist will help you know what to do.

Resident agrees to return the home in MOVE IN condition, ready for the next resident. Any cleaning or repairs that must be made are billed at $35 per hour. (time to raise that figure!)

Overall, if it does not move, wash it! :)

cabinets inside and out, sinks, de-lime faucets, appliances, leave the dishwasher door open to air out, toilets, tub/showers, mow, light bulbs, ceiling fan blades, bugs out of light shades, vacuum and sweep, spider webs, porch, garage, deck,

remove all trash, remove all personal items, drop off keys at The UPS Store Box #xxx, call or text us when you are done.

If you request we will happily do a walk thru prior to move out to help you identify tasks that need completion so you can get your deposit back.

We send this by mail the moment we know they plan to move. Then we mail it again. Then drop off a copy to eyeball the place. Yes, 3 copies. They set the first one aside because they are not packing yet. My goal is to remind them WHEN they are packing and cleaning.

Note: people often are gone BEFORE the lease is up so never assume they are still there on the 15th, 22nd, etc.

BRAD

We want to ensure a full return of your Security Deposit according to NCTSDA. Some of the requirements for that include returning the property in the same state as it was delivered to you i.e. “Ready to Occupy” excluding normal wear & tear. Please be sure that the following is done and initial when completed (leave this list in the unit with keys:)

1. FLOORING _________/____________

• All floors must be swept and lightly mopped clean.

• All carpeting must be professionally cleaned and receipts must be provided.

2. KITCHEN _________/____________

• Appliances: Refrigerator and freezer should be emptied.

• Shelves, doors, interior walls and exterior (including TOP) should be wiped clean.

• Stoves and microwaves should be cleaned both inside and out.The ‘self-cleaning’ function is acceptable for the oven - do not use oven cleaner if you have a self-cleaning oven as this will damage the finish.

• Cupboards & drawers should be completely emptied and wiped clean inside and out.

• Counters, sinks and faucets should be wiped clean.

3. BATHROOMS _________/____________

• Cupboards and medicine chests should be emptied and wiped clean.

• Sinks, commodes, tubs and showers should be clean, including walls and floors of shower.

4. LIVING SPACES _________/____________

• Empty all rooms & closets of personal items, remove all trash and debris.

• Sweep or vacuum the floors of closets.

• Be sure to remove all items from shelves.

5. LIGHTING FIXTURES & SMOKE DETECTORS _______/_______

All light fixtures must have working light bulbs of the same or better type (CFL, LED, etc.) or a fee of $10 per bulb will be assessed.

• Any fire extinguishers provided must remain on the premises.

• All smoke detectors should be in place.

• Ceilings Fan Blades should be cleaned and dusted. (TIP: Dust ceiling fan blades by sliding a pillowcase over the blade and drawing it back, containing all dust inside the case. Then wipe clean.)

6. WINDOWS & DOORS _________/____________

• Windows and doors must be closed and locked, and blinds closed.

7. WALLS _________/____________

• Walls should be wiped cleaned of any visible dirt.

• Baseboards should be wiped clean of dust and pet hair.

8. EXTERIOR _________/____________

• All personal items, trash and debris must be removed from the premises and from decks and grounds.

• Cigarette butts must be removed from the grounds.

• Any animal debris or excrement must be removed.

9. UTILITIES _________/____________

• All Utility Bills must be paid in full. If final bill is not available, an amount equal to an average bill will be withheld and

any overage will be refunded separately.

10. TRANSFERRING POSSESSION _________/____________

• Leave a valid forwarding address so that deposit monies due can be returned in a timely manner.

Here is part of my move out letter. I also attach a charge list so they know the approximate amount they could be charged for stuff.

The refund of deposit will be based, in part, on cleaning the following items as stated in the rental agreement:

1. All appliances inside and out and under (under refrigerator crisper drawers and stove drip pans and under drip pans).

2. Cabinets and drawers inside and out.

3. Light fixtures. Make certain bulbs are present and working.

4. Sweep, mop, and scrub all hard surface floors. Including baseboards and door casings.

5. Ceilings, ceiling fans, walls, and window coverings cleaned. Please scrub walls with hot water and white rag or magic eraser as needed to remove dirt, grime, and smudges.

6. Vents, return air grates, and furnace filters.

7. All plumbing fixtures and shower tile/enclosure including tracks on doors.

8. All windows and doors, window sills, and tracks.

9. Vacuum carpets and rugs (Do Not Shampoo), spot clean as needed (professional carpet cleaning will be subtracted from your deposit).

10. Mow and edge lawn. Remove fallen limbs, twigs, excessive leaves, and trash from property. Trim back shrubs and remove volunteer trees and other vegetation growth. This INCLUDES pet waste and cigarette butts.

11. If you had a satellite dish installed please remove it.

In addition, the following needs to be completed:

1. All garbage/trash/debris inside and outside removed to appropriate receptacle.

2. All keys and/or garage door openers must be returned.

3. Property in rent ready condition, the same as you received it minus ordinary wear and tear.

Please check closets, drawers, cabinets, attic, basement, and garage etc.. for any of your belongings.

Let me know if you would like to meet before your move out day to walk through and discuss any cleaning and/or damage items that need to be addressed prior to move out to optimize your deposit refund. Attached (or on back) is a list of common cleaning and damage charges that may be subtracted from your deposit, if not completed. It is our policy to mail the deposit accounting and deposit refund to the forwarding address that you provide within 30 day of obtaining the keys and/or possession of the property. If any deductions are made they will be explained in writing. Please let me know if you have any questions.

Thank yo all for the very detaled replies. I will have my work cut oout for me that's for sure [making yours/mine. :-)

BRAD: Thanks to you for reminding me that it is time to re-jigger the lease to reflect not only THIS issue but I incorporat6e the

Go Frank!