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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.
EveryCalc calculators are designed for fast, practical estimates with transparent inputs and no required account. We use plain formulas, visible assumptions, and related tools so visitors can check the result from more than one angle.
Results are informational only. For financial, tax, legal, medical, construction, or other high-impact decisions, verify the output against primary sources or a qualified professional.
Learn more about our review process on the EveryCalc methodology page.
How this calculator works
What this page estimates
This Move-Out Cleaning Cost Calculator is built to give a quick, browser-based estimate for move-out cleaning cost. 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). The inputs stay on the page during normal use, and the result should be treated as an estimate for planning, comparison, or education rather than professional advice.
Calculation approach
The calculator applies the standard relationship implied by the inputs, then formats the answer so it can be checked and reused. For finance tools, the most important step is using consistent units, rates, time periods, and assumptions before comparing the result with another calculator or outside quote.
Example workflow
For example, start with a realistic value you already know, change one input at a time, and watch how the answer moves. That makes it easier to tell whether the result is being driven by the main amount, the rate, the time period, or a unit conversion.
Practical checks
- Use current, real-world numbers when the result affects money, health, tax, or legal decisions.
- Run a low, base, and high case when the inputs are estimates.
- Check the related calculators below when the next decision depends on a different assumption.
How to interpret the move-out cleaning cost result
Best use
Use the result as a planning number for comparing payments, rates, returns, tax reserves, or cash-flow choices before you request a quote or make a commitment.
Cross-check
Compare the answer with the contract, lender estimate, tax form, brokerage statement, payroll record, or invoice that will control the real-world outcome.
Watch for
Do not rely on a single optimistic rate, return, or fee assumption. Money pages work best when you run low, base, and high cases and keep professional advice separate from the estimate.
This page belongs to the Finance calculator library, so the answer should be read in the context of the decision you are modeling rather than as a universal rule.
Before relying on this move-out cleaning cost estimate
Most calculator mistakes come from the inputs, not the arithmetic. Use this short audit before you reuse the answer in a spreadsheet, quote, application, or important conversation.
Confirm source numbers
Match balances, rates, fees, taxes, income, and payment dates against the lender quote, payroll record, tax form, statement, invoice, or contract.
Separate cash flow from total cost
A lower monthly payment can still cost more over time if fees, interest, taxes, or a longer term are hidden in the structure.
Run conservative cases
Test at least one higher-cost or lower-return case before using the output for a purchase, refinance, investment, loan, or tax decision.
Rerun this page when the rate, price, term, fee, tax rule, income, expense, or expected holding period changes.
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
Security Deposit Refund Calculator
Itemize move-out deductions.
Damage Repair Allowance Calculator
Repair cost budget.
Make Ready Cost Calculator
Full turnover budget.
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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