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Move-Out Cleaning Cost Calculator
Estimate the cost of cleaning a unit at move-out — base cost plus condition adjustments and add-ons. The chargeable share separates incremental cleaning above ordinary wear (deductible from deposit) from baseline turnover prep (landlord-borne).
Above ordinary wear only
Total cleaning cost
$417
Chargeable to security deposit
$250
Landlord absorbs (ordinary wear)
$167
Base + condition
$171
Carpet steam clean add-on
$171
Appliance deep clean add-on
$75
Window cleaning add-on
$0
How the math works
Move-out cleaning sits in two buckets: ordinary turnover prep (landlord pays) and cleaning beyond ordinary wear caused by the tenant (deductible from security deposit). Most leases require the unit returned in "the same condition as move-in, normal wear excepted." A standard 1-bed/1-bath cleaning runs $150-$275; 2-bed/2-bath $225-$400; carpet shampoo adds $80-$200 depending on size.
Landlords cannot charge tenants for full cleaning if the unit was rented in turnover-fresh condition. The deductible portion is the incremental cost above ordinary turnover. Heavy soil, pet odor, smoke, or grease beyond average use is chargeable. Always document with move-in and move-out condition photos and itemized receipts from a third-party cleaner.
How to Use
- Enter unit square footage, bed and bath counts.
- Pick move-out condition: broom-clean, average, or heavy.
- Toggle carpet, appliance, and window cleaning add-ons.
- Choose rate basis (per-sqft or flat) and enter the rate.
- Set the chargeable share — share above ordinary wear.
- Read total cleaning, chargeable amount, and what landlord absorbs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's a typical move-out cleaning rate?
Per-sqft rates run $0.12-$0.25 in most metros. Flat-rate cleans for a standard 1-bed are $150-$275; 2-bed $225-$400; 3-bed $325-$550. Rates spike 25-50% for carpet shampooing, appliance deep clean, and inside-window service.
Can I deduct the full cleaning bill from the deposit?
Only the portion above ordinary wear. If the unit was move-in fresh, you cannot charge the tenant for the baseline turnover. The deductible portion is the incremental cost — heavy soil, pet odor, smoke film, grease — verified by photos and a third-party invoice.
What is 'ordinary wear and tear'?
Faded paint, worn carpet from foot traffic, light stovetop discoloration, minor scuffs and nail holes from typical picture hanging, and dusting. Tenant-caused: stains, burn marks, pet damage, smoke residue, mold from non-ventilation, holes larger than nail holes, broken or missing fixtures.
Should the lease specify a cleaning fee?
Many leases include a 'mandatory cleaning fee' — these are unenforceable in CA, OR, and case law in many states if the unit was returned reasonably clean. A more defensible approach is to specify the standard the tenant must meet and itemize actual cleaning charges only when the standard is missed.
Related Calculators
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Make Ready Cost Calculator
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Turnover Cleaning Cost Calculator
Short-term rental turnover.
Tenant Turnover Cost Calculator
Total turnover cost.
Rent Ready Hold Cost Calculator
Daily holding cost.
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