When you move out of a rental flat in Sollefteå, the home is expected to be cleaned. A moving-out cleaning is more than a regular weekly cleaning – it is a thorough cleaning of the entire home from ceiling to floor, and if the cleaning is not approved, the landlord may have it re-cleaned at your expense. This article explains what is included in a moving-out cleaning, what you are responsible for, how to plan the cleaning, and what happens at the move-out inspection.

What a moving-out cleaning involves

A moving-out cleaning means leaving the home in a condition where the next tenant can move in directly. All surfaces are wiped, floors are vacuumed and washed, windows are cleaned, and the kitchen, bathroom and toilet are cleaned thoroughly. No personal items, furniture or rubbish may be left behind.

The difference from a regular cleaning is that the moving-out cleaning is more extensive. It is not just about wiping surfaces, but also about cleaning what is often skipped in weekly cleaning – for example the oven, the refrigerator, window frames, radiators and floor drains.

As a tenant, you are normally responsible for the home being cleaned when the keys are returned. What is exactly required may appear in the rental agreement or in the checklist used at the move-out inspection. Read the agreement well in advance before you move, so you know what is expected of you.

Preparations before the moving-out cleaning

Start planning the cleaning several days before the move-out date. A moving-out cleaning takes longer than most people think, especially in a large flat. Set aside a full day for the cleaning, and preferably another half day for dealing with things to throw away or take to recycling.

Go through the home room by room and decide what to keep, throw away or donate. The less that is left, the easier it is to clean. Empty all cupboards, drawers and storage rooms before you start cleaning, so you can reach all surfaces.

Get the right equipment in advance: vacuum cleaner, bucket, microfibre cloths, rubber squeegee, cleaning products for different surfaces, a ladder or stool to reach high, and possibly a window scraper. Having everything in place makes the cleaning go faster.

Room by room: what is checked at the inspection

Kitchen

In the kitchen, all surfaces are wiped, including doors, countertops, cooker, extractor fan and taps. The oven is cleaned inside and out, and the fridge and freezer are emptied, defrosted if needed and wiped. Sink, taps and floor drain are descaled, and the floor is vacuumed and washed. All cupboards and drawers must be empty and wiped inside.

Bathroom and toilet

The bathroom is scrubbed from ceiling to floor. Toilet, sink, shower and bathtub are cleaned, and tiles and grout are wiped. The floor drain is cleared of hair and dirt, and mirrors and taps are polished. All surfaces must be free of limescale, soap scum and hair.

Bedroom and living room

In other rooms, all surfaces are wiped, including radiators, doors, skirting boards, window sills and any shelves. Floors are vacuumed and washed, and any marks on walls are wiped off if this can be done without damaging the surface. Curtains and blinds must be intact and clean.

Windows

Windows are cleaned inside and out where it can be reached safely. Window frames and window sills are wiped. Window mirrors and any mirror doors are polished.

Clean yourself or hire a cleaning company

You can choose to clean yourself or hire a professional cleaning company. If you hire a company, you can sometimes get a guarantee that the cleaning is approved at the inspection, but it costs money. The price depends on the size and condition of the home.

If you clean yourself, you save money, but you are responsible for the result being approved yourself. This is a good option if you have time and energy, especially if the home is relatively small and well maintained.

Whichever you choose, start in good time before the move-out date. Do not wait until the last day – then there is no margin if something needs to be redone.

Inspection and return of keys

When the home is cleaned, a move-out inspection takes place. The landlord or a representative goes through the home and checks that the cleaning is approved and that no damage has occurred beyond normal wear and tear. The keys are returned when the inspection is complete.

It is good to be present at the inspection so you can answer questions and fix small things on the spot. You can also take photos of the cleaned home as documentation, in case a dispute about the condition arises later.

If the cleaning is not approved

If the landlord considers that the cleaning is not sufficient, you may be asked to clean again, or the landlord may hire a cleaning company and charge you for the cost. It is therefore important that the cleaning is approved already the first time.

Keep receipts or photos showing that the home was cleaned when you left it, in case a dispute arises later. If you hired a cleaning company, keep their receipt and any guarantee.

Checklist before moving out

Start cleaning well in advance of the move-out date
Empty all cupboards, drawers and storage rooms
Get cleaning equipment and cleaning products in advance
Clean the kitchen and bathroom thoroughly, including oven and refrigerator
Wipe all surfaces, including radiators, skirting boards and window sills
Vacuum and wash all floors
Clean windows where they can be reached safely
Remove all personal items, furniture and rubbish
Return all keys at the inspection

Frequently asked questions about moving-out cleaning

Do I have to hire a cleaning company?

No, you may clean yourself if you want. But the cleaning must be approved by the landlord, regardless of who cleaned.

What happens if I forget to clean something?

If you forget something, the landlord may charge you to fix it. That is why a checklist is helpful.

Can I leave furniture behind?

No, all furniture and personal items must be removed before the keys are returned, unless the landlord has said otherwise.

Who is responsible for damage caused during cleaning?

If you or a cleaning company cause damage to the home during cleaning, such as scratches on the floor or broken tiles, you may be liable to compensate for the damage. Be careful when cleaning.

Moving-out cleaning in Sollefteå: Do it right