Moving is stressful enough without worrying about losing your security deposit. But Atlanta landlords and property managers have high expectations — and a missed spot can cost you hundreds of dollars.
After doing hundreds of move-out cleans across Atlanta, Buckhead, Decatur, Sandy Springs, and the Metro area, here's exactly what gets inspected, what gets missed, and how to make sure you get every dollar back.
Atlanta Landlord Tip
Atlanta landlords typically have 30 days to return your security deposit or provide a written explanation of deductions. A documented professional clean is your best defense if there's a dispute.
The Complete Atlanta Move-Out Cleaning Checklist
Work through this room by room. These are the exact areas Atlanta landlords and property managers inspect most carefully.
Kitchen
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Inside oven — including racks and drawerThis is the #1 most cited reason for deposit deductions in Atlanta apartments. Grease buildup inside the oven is expensive to remove professionally.
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Inside refrigerator and freezerEmpty, defrost if needed, wipe all interior surfaces, shelves, and drawers. Don't forget the rubber seal around the door.
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Inside all cabinets and drawersWipe every interior surface. Remove all shelf liner. Clear out any food crumbs or debris.
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Stovetop and hood ventRemove and clean burner grates. Degrease the hood vent — grease buildup here is a common inspection point.
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Countertops and backsplashRemove all grease and stains. Pay attention to corners and the area behind the faucet.
✓
Sink and garbage disposalScrub the sink, clean the drain, and run the disposal with ice and salt to deodorize.
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Floor mopped including under appliancesPull out the refrigerator and stove to clean underneath — a surprisingly common inspection point.
Bathrooms
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Toilet — inside, outside, and behindDon't forget the base of the toilet and the area behind it against the wall.
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Tub and shower — grout scrubbedGrout mold and soap scum in the shower are very commonly cited in Atlanta deposit deductions. Scrub grout lines thoroughly.
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Sink and vanityRemove all toothpaste residue, soap scum, and water stains. Clean inside the vanity cabinet.
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Mirrors spotlessUse a streak-free glass cleaner. Landlords notice mirror spots.
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Exhaust fan cleanedRemove and clean the fan cover. Dust buildup is very visible on bathroom exhaust fans.
Bedrooms and Living Areas
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Baseboards wiped throughoutEvery baseboard in every room. This is one of the most commonly missed areas that landlords always check.
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Walls — spot cleaned for marks and scuffsUse a magic eraser for scuffs. Note any actual damage with photos before you leave.
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Ceiling fans dusted and wipedEvery ceiling fan blade needs to be wiped — not just dusted. Built-up grime on fan blades is very noticeable.
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Window sills and tracksWipe window sills and clean out the tracks. Dirty window tracks are commonly cited in Atlanta move-out inspections.
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Closets — swept and wipedEmpty every closet completely and sweep or vacuum the floor. Wipe down shelving.
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Carpets vacuumed or professionally cleanedMost Atlanta leases require professional carpet cleaning before move-out. Check your lease.
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Hard floors swept and moppedPay attention to corners and edges where dust accumulates.
The Easiest Way to Get Your Deposit Back in Atlanta
Hire a professional. Here's why it almost always pays off:
The average security deposit for an Atlanta apartment is $1,000–$2,000. Professional move-out cleaning typically costs a fraction of that. And a professional clean comes with documentation — a receipt showing the property was professionally cleaned, which is your best protection if a landlord tries to make deductions.
Miracle Maker Cleaning specializes in move-out cleaning across Atlanta. We know exactly what Atlanta landlords look for because we've done hundreds of these cleans. We cover every item on this checklist — and then some.
Book Your Atlanta Move-Out Clean Today
We serve all of Metro Atlanta including Buckhead, Midtown, Sandy Springs, Decatur, Marietta, and more. Get a free quote in minutes.
📦 Get My Move-Out Quote
Before You Leave — Document Everything
Even after a thorough clean, protect yourself with photos. Walk through the entire property and photograph every room after cleaning is complete. Note any pre-existing damage. Send photos to your landlord before handing back the keys. This documentation is your strongest protection if there's a deposit dispute.
Questions about move-out cleaning in Atlanta? Call us at 678-228-8498.
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