So you’ve made the big decision to change your place of residence. You’ve spent weeks or even months looking for a new home, made arrangements with a moving company, and prepared yourself and your family for the big moving day.
Now all that’s left is to see how you’ll go about your move out cleaning in Atlanta. But what exactly is included in a move out cleaning? Is it the same thing as a move in cleaning service in Atlanta, and if not, how is it different?
Read on to learn the answers to these questions, and more.
How clean should an apartment be when you move out?
How much (if any) move out cleaning you should do depends on your specific situation. Are you moving out of a rented place and just giving the keys back to your landlord? Or was your previous home your property and you’re now selling it?
Some states require property sellers to ensure homes are “broom clean” before they’re sold. This means the walls and ceilings should be bare, and that the floors should at least be swept. Aside from this, you really should ensure that your property is as clean as it can be before it’s shown to potential buyers.
If you’re moving out of a rented apartment or house, taking steps to make sure it’s pristine is a good idea. Many landlords will look for excuses to avoid giving you back your initial deposit, and not giving them any reason to complain can spare you a lot of frustration.
What’s considered normal wear and tear for rental?
First off, it’s important to note that normal wear and tear isn’t the same thing as tenant-caused damage. Normal wear and tear occurs naturally with time and use, and is required to be paid for by the landlord as part of the standard maintenance.
Tenant-caused damage, on the other hand, is a result of tenant negligence, abuse, or carelessness. When these types of damage happen, the costs of repairs are paid for by the tenant.
Examples of normal wear and tear include:
- Carpeting that has some worn patches.
- Faded flooring due to sunlight exposure.
- Worn, loose windows and lightly scratched glass.
- Scratched and lightly watermarked countertops.
- Settling-induced wall cracks.
- Paint faded due to sunlight and scuffing caused by daily use.
Examples of tenant-caused damage include:
- Ripped or heavily-stained carpets.
- Deep scratches or holes in the floor.
- Smashed windows, torn screens, or broken latches.
- Chipped or burned counter-tops.
- Punctured or heavily stained walls.
- Paint that’s been changed without authorization or scribbled on.
Can my landlord charge me for cleaning?
A landlord is legally allowed to make deductions from your security deposit or charge you extra to cover the expenses of repairing tenant-caused damage or cleaning excessive filth. Landlords 
aren’t authorized to charge you for normal wear and tear.
That being said, many landlords will use any opportunity to withhold your security deposit or even ask further compensation. Don’t let yourself be taken for a ride.
By hiring a reputable cleaning company that uses cleaning techniques that have been approved by the National Cleaning Institute, you’ll be making it very hard for your previous landlord to find anything to complain about.
Are you looking for reliable Atlanta move out cleaning?
Here at The Moxie Maids, we pride ourselves on our ability to connect you with top-of-the-line cleaning pros who can provide you with an outstanding move out cleaning service. You’ll be able to sit back and relax, or do some pleasant shopping at the Phipps Plaza, without having to worry about cleaning.
Reach out to us if you have any further questions, or use our effortless online scheduling form to book a first-rate move out cleaning today.
