Moving out of a rental in New Orleans, Metairie, or Mandeville? Whether you're trying to get your full security deposit back or leaving a property in great shape for the next tenant, this move-out cleaning checklist covers everything your landlord will be looking for — room by room.

We've built this guide based on real landlord inspection requirements in the greater New Orleans area. Use it as a DIY checklist or to understand exactly what a professional move-out cleaning service should deliver.

Why Move-Out Cleaning Matters in New Orleans

Louisiana landlord-tenant law allows landlords to deduct cleaning costs from your security deposit if the unit isn't returned in the same clean condition it was rented. In practice, this means even a partially dirty apartment can cost you $150–$400 in deductions — sometimes more for larger units.

The New Orleans and Metairie rental market is competitive, and landlords here know what to look for. A thorough move-out cleaning isn't just courtesy — it's one of the highest-ROI tasks you can do before handing back your keys.

The Full Move-Out Cleaning Checklist

Work through this list room by room. Check each item off as you go. Leave nothing for the last day — deep cleaning takes much longer than most people expect.

Kitchen

• Clean inside oven — remove racks, degrease walls, bottom, and door glass
• Clean stovetop — remove and scrub grates or burner caps
• Wipe down all exterior appliance surfaces (oven, microwave, refrigerator, dishwasher)
• Clean inside microwave — remove turntable, wipe walls and ceiling
• Defrost and clean inside refrigerator — wipe all shelves, drawers, door seals
• Run dishwasher on a cleaning cycle; wipe door edges and filter
• Wipe inside all cabinets and drawers — remove crumbs and residue
• Degrease and wipe all cabinet fronts and handles
• Clean countertops thoroughly — remove stains and residue
• Scrub sink and faucet — remove hard water stains and grime
• Clean backsplash — remove grease splatter
• Sweep and mop floors, including under appliances if moveable
• Wipe baseboards and light switches
• Empty and clean under the sink cabinet

Bathrooms

• Scrub toilet — bowl, under rim, exterior, base, and behind tank
• Clean and disinfect sink and faucet — remove soap scum and hard water
• Scrub shower and/or bathtub — walls, floor, fixtures, and drain cover
• Clean tile grout — remove mold and mildew staining
• Wipe and clean mirror and medicine cabinet (inside and outside)
• Clean all cabinet interiors and wipe down fronts
• Scrub floor — including corners and behind toilet
• Wipe baseboards, door frames, light switches, and outlet covers
• Remove and clean exhaust fan cover if possible
• Check for mold on caulking — report or treat before inspection

Bedrooms

• Remove all personal items, hangers, and trash
• Vacuum carpet thoroughly — including along walls and under beds if accessible
• Spot-clean carpet stains (or note for professional treatment)
• For hardwood or tile: sweep and mop; address scuffs
• Wipe interior of all closets — shelves, rods, and floors
• Wipe windowsills and window tracks — remove dirt and insect debris
• Clean window blinds or shades
• Wipe walls — remove scuffs, smudges, and marks
• Clean light fixtures and ceiling fans — dust blades and globes
• Wipe baseboards, door frames, and light switches

Living Room & Common Areas

• Remove all furniture, personal items, and wall hangings
• Vacuum or mop all floors
• Dust and wipe all surfaces — shelves, ledges, entertainment areas
• Clean ceiling fans and light fixtures
• Wipe windowsills and clean window tracks
• Wipe all baseboards and door frames
• Clean sliding door tracks if applicable
• Wipe light switches and outlet covers throughout
• Remove all nails/tacks from walls; patch holes if your lease requires it

Laundry Area

• Wipe inside washer drum and door seal — remove lint and residue
• Clean dryer drum and lint trap thoroughly
• Wipe exterior of both appliances
• Sweep and mop laundry area floor
• Wipe down any shelving or cabinets in the area

Outdoor / Patio / Garage (if applicable)

• Sweep patio, balcony, or porch
• Remove all personal belongings and trash
• Wipe down any outdoor fixtures or railings
• Sweep out garage floor and remove all items
• Clear out any storage rooms or utility closets

Common Reasons Landlords Withhold Deposits in New Orleans

Based on common rental disputes in the New Orleans area, here are the cleaning issues landlords most often cite when withholding deposits:

Oven and stovetop grease. This is the #1 deduction item. If you haven't cleaned your oven in months, it needs serious attention before move-out.

Bathroom mold and mildew. Louisiana's humidity means mold and mildew grow fast — especially in tile grout and around tub caulking. If it's black and ingrained, it may take professional treatment.

Dirty blinds and window tracks. These get overlooked constantly. Landlords notice immediately.

Carpet stains. If you have pets or kids, expect the carpet to need extra attention. Some stains require professional extraction — don't try to hide them.

Refrigerator interior. Surprisingly common — leftover food, spills, and odors are a quick deduction if not addressed.

DIY vs. Hiring a Professional Move-Out Cleaning Service

A full move-out cleaning for a 2-bedroom apartment in Metairie or New Orleans typically takes 6–10 hours when done properly — often longer for homes that haven't been deep-cleaned recently. Here's how DIY stacks up against hiring a professional:

DIY cleaning costs you nothing in money but takes an entire day (or two), often at the worst possible time — right when you're moving, packing, and managing logistics. Many renters underestimate the scope and end up with partial deductions anyway.

Professional move-out cleaning typically costs $200–$350 for a Metairie apartment, delivers landlord-ready results, and comes with a guarantee. When your security deposit is $1,000–$2,000, spending $250 to protect it is a smart investment.

NOLA Maid Easy offers move-out cleaning in Metairie and New Orleans with transparent flat-rate pricing and a satisfaction guarantee.

Frequently Asked Questions