When your lease ends, you can't help but wonder how your move-out or final inspection will go.

You may have kept your apartment in good condition throughout your tenancy, but sometimes life gets in the way, or you didn't have enough time to clean those carpet stains or repair the hole in the wall. Branson, Missouri property managers understand that apartment inspection is crucial because it helps you as the tenant to keep your security deposit.



Landlords always want a clean space to show to their new tenants. Not only is the landlord in a bind when the apartment is dirty and disorganized, but they also have to incur additional costs to have it cleaned, which delays the arrival of new tenants. Even if you think a stain on the floor or a scuff on the bath are minor annoyances, your landlord may disagree. You must clean the home to make a good impression on new tenants.

Because move-out inspections are only performed after tenants have vacated the premises, the landlord will have a dirty and damaged apartment that they must repair before finding a new tenant. It could take weeks to restore, costing the property owner money and time.

Landlords use your security deposit to protect themselves from the costs of cleaning and repairing apartment interiors. If the apartment is below standard, which means it has damage, is dirty, or has left your belongings and garbage behind, the landlord will use your deposit to cover the costs of preparing the unit for the next tenant.

The landlord usually inspects the walls to ensure it has no jams or scratches. If you have punched a nail or two into the wall, you must fix it before the inspection. Otherwise, the landlord can charge you for the cost of repairs, which is usually deducted from your security deposit.

Now that you understand the significance of your end-of-tenancy inspection, checks out these cleaning hacks for your apartment.

Clean the Baseboards

When cleaning our homes, we rarely pay attention to the baseboards, but dirt, dust, and grime can become trapped in the grooves and discolor the surface over time. Wipe away dirt with a sponge and warm soapy water.

Clean the Bathtub and Basin

Stains can cause the bathtub to discolor quickly. Use a gentle detergent to clean the tub and vanity. Bleach should not be used because it will corrode any metal plugs or drains. Even if you come across tough stains, use a soft sponge rather than a wire brush. Harsh applications will damage the bath, putting you in a difficult situation!

Wash the Windows

Many Branson property managers know that many tenants fail to clean the windows and frames. Don't let your landlord notice the frames' state! Wipe it down, clean up any mold, and leave the surface sparkling.

Remove Dust

Take a soft cloth to wipe off the dust that has settled on these difficult-to-reach places, such as the tops of pendant light fittings and ceiling fans.

Clean the Kitchen

Because the kitchen is such a valuable space in any home, landlords and listing agents inspect the faucets, countertops, and appliances such as the microwave and dishwasher. Before the final inspection, ensure that these areas are clean.

Clean the Oven

Take the time to restore the kitchen areas from the stovetop to the inside of the oven. To avoid damaging the dials or the knowledge of the appliance, remove any burned food and grease and only use a compatible oven cleaner.

Clean the Carpets

You can use an odor-neutralizing powder on carpets with odors, but stains must be treated carefully. If you use the wrong type of cleaning agent, you can bleach the carpet, so if you are unsure how to remove the stain, it is best to hire a professional to clean it for you.

Vacuum and Remove the Trash

If you still have furniture in the apartment, move it so you can vacuum the dust and dirt that has accumulated beneath it. All garbage bags and any trash inside the apartment should be disposed of, along with a thorough vacuum.

Fix Holes

If you're going to patch a hole yourself, think about it carefully to create a seamless job. If you cannot complete a successful DIY project, you will need to hire drywall repair services or an experienced handyperson to fix it for you.

Wipe the Walls

Marks and dirt on the walls can easily discolor them or leave dark patches on the surface. This may give the impression that you have stained the walls. To avoid penalties and get a full refund of your security deposit, scrub it with a soapy solution.

Most Branson property managers recommend the cleaning hacks listed above for your rental move-out as some of the best ways to get a full refund of your security deposit.