Apartment Cleaning: What Landlords Expect
Written by Shannon, Owner and Founder of Long Island MaidsWhat's "clean enough" for your landlord? Understanding the difference between normal wear and chargeable damage helps you know where to focus your cleaning efforts—and what you can push back on.
The Legal Standard: Normal Wear vs. Damage
According to the New York Attorney General, landlords can only deduct from your security deposit for damage that goes beyond normal wear and tear. But what does that actually mean?
Normal wear and tear is the natural deterioration that occurs from ordinary, everyday use. You can't be charged for it.
Damage is deterioration that results from negligence, carelessness, accident, or abuse. You can be charged for this.
Normal Wear vs. Damage: Quick Reference
| Area | Normal Wear ✓ | Chargeable Damage ✗ |
|---|---|---|
| Walls | Small nail holes, minor scuffs, faded paint | Large holes, crayon/marker, unauthorized paint colors |
| Carpet | Light wear in high-traffic areas, slight matting | Stains, burns, pet damage, tears |
| Floors | Minor scratches, dulling from foot traffic | Deep gouges, water damage, heavy scratches |
| Appliances | Light surface scratches, normal aging | Heavy grease buildup, burnt-on food, broken parts |
| Windows | Worn weatherstripping, minor condensation marks | Cracked/broken glass, torn screens |
| Blinds | Slight fading, dust accumulation | Broken slats, missing pieces, heavy staining |
| Bathroom | Worn caulk, minor grout discoloration | Mold damage, broken fixtures, heavily stained grout |
What Landlords Actually Check
During a move-out walkthrough, landlords typically spend 80% of their time in two rooms: the kitchen and bathroom. Here's what they're looking for:
- Oven interior clean (no burnt-on food or grease)
- Stovetop and drip pans clean
- Range hood and filter clean
- Refrigerator interior clean and empty
- Dishwasher interior clean
- Inside cabinets and drawers empty and clean
- Sink and counters clean
- Floor clean (including under appliances)
- Toilet clean inside and out (including behind)
- Tub/shower clean, no mold or heavy soap scum
- Grout reasonably clean (not moldy)
- Sink and vanity clean
- Mirror clean
- Inside medicine cabinet and vanity clean
- Exhaust fan not caked with dust
- Floor clean
- Floors vacuumed/mopped
- Closets empty and clean
- Walls free of excessive marks or damage
- Windows and blinds reasonably clean
- Light fixtures working and dusted
- Baseboards wiped
- All personal items removed
- HVAC vents dusted
What "Broom Clean" Means
Some leases specify the unit should be left in "broom clean" condition. This is a minimal standard that typically means:
- All personal belongings removed
- Floors swept or vacuumed
- No excessive dirt or debris
- Appliances emptied
- Trash removed
However, most Long Island landlords expect more than broom clean. When in doubt, clean more thoroughly—it's easier than fighting for your deposit.
Things That Shouldn't Cost You
Don't let landlords charge you for these—they're either normal wear or their responsibility:
- Repainting if you lived there 2+ years and didn't damage walls
- Carpet replacement if carpet was already old or worn
- Appliance repairs due to age, not misuse
- Light bulbs (routine maintenance)
- Cleaning for normal dust/dirt accumulated during move-out
- Touch-up painting for small nail holes
When to Hire Professional Cleaners
Consider professional cleaning if:
- Your deposit is $1,500+ (cleaning costs less than potential deductions)
- You don't have time to do it properly
- The apartment needs more than surface cleaning
- Your lease requires professional cleaning
- You want documentation that it was professionally cleaned
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between normal wear and tear vs. damage?
Normal wear and tear is natural deterioration from ordinary everyday use—you can't be charged for it. Examples include faded paint, minor scuffs, and worn carpet in high-traffic areas. Damage is deterioration from negligence, carelessness, or abuse—you can be charged for this. Examples include large holes in walls, stained carpet, and broken fixtures.
What areas do landlords check most during move-out inspection?
Landlords spend approximately 80% of their inspection time in the kitchen and bathroom. In the kitchen, they check inside appliances (oven, refrigerator, dishwasher), cabinets, under sink, and floors. In the bathroom, they check the toilet (including behind it), grout, caulk, exhaust fan, and medicine cabinet.
What does "broom clean" mean in a lease?
Broom clean is a minimal standard meaning: all personal belongings removed, floors swept or vacuumed, no excessive dirt or debris, appliances emptied, and trash removed. However, most Long Island landlords expect more than broom clean. When in doubt, clean more thoroughly—it's easier than fighting for your deposit.
How long should move-out cleaning take?
For a standard apartment (assuming it's already empty): Studio/1BR takes 3-5 hours, 2BR takes 4-6 hours, and 3BR takes 5-8 hours. Add additional time if you're still moving out belongings while cleaning.
When should I hire professional cleaners for move-out?
Consider professional cleaning if: your deposit is $1,500+ (cleaning costs less than potential deductions), you don't have time to do it properly, the apartment needs more than surface cleaning, your lease requires professional cleaning, or you want documentation that it was professionally cleaned.
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