Getting your security deposit back in Arlington comes down to one thing more than anything else: the condition of the unit when you leave.

Most landlords and property managers use a move-out inspection checklist. They walk through every room, open every cabinet, and check things most tenants never think to clean. Here's what to cover so you're not leaving money behind.

Kitchen

The kitchen takes the longest and matters the most.

Oven: Clean inside, including the bottom, racks, and the glass door. Grease buildup in the oven is one of the most common deposit deductions in the area.
Refrigerator: Empty completely. Wipe down all shelves, drawers, and door seals. Pull it away from the wall and clean behind it if you can.
Microwave: Inside, outside, and the turntable.
Dishwasher: Wipe down the interior, clean the filter at the bottom, and check the door seal for residue.
Cabinets and drawers: Wipe out every single cabinet and drawer. This is almost always on the inspection list.
Countertops: Clean and free of stains or residue.
Sink and faucet: Scrub the basin, clean around the base of the faucet, and clear any buildup around the drain.
Range hood and exhaust fan: Grease collects here constantly and it's almost always forgotten.

Bathrooms

Toilet: Bowl, tank, base, and behind it.
Shower and tub: Scrub the tile and grout, clean the drain, and remove soap scum from glass doors or curtain rods.
Sink and vanity: Faucet, drain, and the inside of any under-sink cabinet.
Mirrors: No streaks.
Exhaust fan: Wipe down the cover. Dust accumulates on bathroom exhaust fans more than people realize.
Grout: If it's gone gray or pink, it needs to be scrubbed back to its original color, or as close as you can get.

Bedrooms and living areas

Closets: Wipe down shelves, remove any nails or hooks you installed, and vacuum or sweep the floor.
Baseboards: Run a damp cloth along all baseboards throughout the unit. This is a standard inspection point.
Walls: Remove scuff marks. A damp Magic Eraser handles most of them without damaging the paint.
Windows: Clean the glass on the inside and wipe down the sills and tracks.
Light fixtures and ceiling fans: Wipe down fan blades and clean the globes.
Doors and frames: Wipe down handles, door frames, and the top of the door where dust sits.

Floors

Hardwood or laminate: Sweep, then mop with an appropriate cleaner.
Carpet: Vacuum thoroughly. If there are stains, it's worth renting a carpet cleaner or hiring a professional and keeping the receipt to show the landlord.
Tile: Mop and scrub grout where needed.

The things people forget

A few items that show up on inspection checklists but regularly get missed:

Light switch plates and outlet covers (wipe them down)
Inside the bathroom medicine cabinet
The dryer lint trap and inside the washing machine drum
Smoke detectors (remove the dust)
Garage door tracks if you have a garage

DIY vs. hiring it out

A thorough move-out clean in a standard one or two-bedroom Arlington apartment takes six to eight hours — more if the unit hasn't had a proper deep clean in a while. At the end of a lease, you're already managing movers, utilities, address changes, and a hundred other things.

A lot of renters find it worth bringing in a professional move-out cleaning service. The cost is often a fraction of what a landlord would deduct, and you get a receipt you can show if there's ever a dispute.

If you do hire someone, make sure you're booking a move-out clean specifically — not a standard recurring clean. Move-out cleans include the inside of appliances, cabinets, and other areas that don't come standard in a regular visit.

Move-Out Cleaning Checklist for Arlington Renters