🧽 Move-Out Cleaning Guide: What Landlords Look For in Southern California

Moving is stressful enough — the last thing you want is to lose part (or all) of your deposit because of overlooked messes. Whether you're moving out of an apartment in Costa Mesa, a rental home in Upland, or a condo in Santa Ana, landlords across Southern California are surprisingly consistent in what they inspect after a tenant leaves.

At Sunny Sweepers, we’ve helped hundreds of renters impress landlords and avoid unexpected fees — and we’re breaking down exactly what you should focus on in your move-out clean.

🎯 What Landlords Actually Check (Hint: It’s More Than You Think)

Here are the top areas landlords and property managers inspect across Orange County, San Bernardino County, and East Los Angeles:

✅ 1. Kitchen Appliances

Stoves, ovens, microwaves, and refrigerators are often the first place a landlord checks. Grease buildup and food residue are red flags. In Pasadena and Tustin, property managers may charge extra for cleaning if these aren't spotless.

✅ 2. Floors & Baseboards

Crumbs, hair, pet dander, and scuff marks — especially behind furniture — are major deposit-eaters. Many landlords in Glendora, Anaheim, and La Verne look for professional-level results here.

✅ 3. Bathrooms

Mildew, soap scum, and dusty vents are common reasons deposits are withheld. Don’t forget toilet bases, shower grout, and light fixtures.

✅ 4. Walls & Doors

Marks, handprints, and holes from wall decor need attention. Some leases in Long Beach and Irvine require holes to be patched and painted.

✅ 5. Windows & Blinds

Dusty blinds, fingerprint-covered glass, and cobwebs can instantly signal neglect. These small touches go a long way, especially in well-lit homes in Rancho Cucamonga or Laguna Hills.

✅ 6. Trash & Leftovers

Leaving behind food, garbage, or unwanted furniture is an automatic fee in most Southern California leases — even in cities like South Pasadena and Corona.

🧼 Sunny Sweepers' Move-Out Cleaning Checklist

We’ve developed a detailed checklist based on what landlords actually look for — available free at sunnysweepers.com/checklist

Here's what we help cover in every move-out clean:

• Kitchen deep clean (inside appliances, sinks, backsplashes)

• Bathroom sanitation (toilets, tubs, grout, faucets)

• Floor vacuuming and mopping (including corners and edges)

• Wall wipe-downs and baseboard cleaning

• Dusting of ceiling fans, blinds, and light fixtures

• Window and mirror polishing

• Trash removal and deodorizing

🏡 Cleaning for Homeowners Too? Absolutely.

If you’re selling your home in Chino Hills, Arcadia, or Laguna Niguel, we also offer real estate-ready cleanings. Staged homes show better — and sell faster — when sparkling clean.

📍 Local, Trusted, and Ready to Help

Sunny Sweepers proudly serves move-out clients all over Orange County, San Bernardino County, and East LA, including:

• Tustin, Costa Mesa, Santa Ana

• Ontario, Jurupa Valley, Rancho Cucamonga

• Pasadena, West Covina, Cerritos, and more

🎁 SPECIAL OFFER

Mention this blog post and get $50 off your first move-out clean when referred by a friend or realtor.

📞 Ready to leave your place cleaner than when you moved in?
Click here to book your move-out clean — and leave the dirty work to us!