Move-Out Cleaning Checklist for Singapore Rentals (Get Your Deposit Back)
The short answer
At handover, your landlord or agent inspects the unit against the move-in inventory list. Anything beyond fair wear and tear can be deducted from your deposit. Often worth one to three months' rent. A professional move-out clean costs about S$300-S$600 and is usually far cheaper than the deductions it prevents. Use the room-by-room checklist below, or hire a verified cleaner.
Moving out of a Singapore rental comes down to one inspection. Get the unit clean to the standard it was handed to you, and the deposit comes back in full. Miss the spots agents always check, and you’ll see deductions. Here’s exactly what to cover.
Before you start
- Clean after all furniture and belongings are removed. You can’t clean what’s covered.
- Find your move-in inventory list / condition report. That’s the standard you’ll be measured against.
- Check the tenancy agreement for any clause requiring professional aircon servicing at handover (very common in Singapore).
- Schedule the clean 1 to 2 days before the final handover inspection.
Room-by-room move-out checklist
Kitchen
- Degrease stovetop, hood and backsplash
- Clean inside and outside of oven, microwave and fridge (defrost if leaving it)
- Wipe down all cabinets inside and out
- Scrub sink and polish taps; clear any limescale
- Clean exhaust filter
Bathrooms
- Descale and disinfect toilet, sink, shower and taps
- Remove soap scum and mould from tiles, grout and glass
- Clear and wipe cabinets and mirrors
- Unclog and clean floor traps
Bedrooms & living areas
- Wipe walls for marks, scuffs and fingerprints
- Clean inside built-in wardrobes and shelving
- Dust and wipe skirting, switches, door frames and ledges
- Clean windows, tracks and grilles (a common deduction spot)
- Vacuum and mop all floors
Aircon & extras
- Arrange professional aircon servicing if your agreement requires it. Keep the receipt
- Clean ceiling fans and light fittings
- Wipe down balcony, including railings and floor
- Clear all rubbish and any leftover items
DIY or hire a professional?
A full move-out clean on an empty unit is heavy work. Windows, oven interiors, grout, and wall marks eat hours. Doing it yourself saves the fee but costs a day or more and risks missing the exact spots agents check. Hiring a move-out cleaning specialist (S$300-S$600) transfers that risk to people who do it daily, and many offer a re-clean if the landlord flags anything. For a deposit worth thousands, the maths usually favours hiring. See our full cleaning price guide for how costs compare.
Next: How to choose a reliable cleaning company in Singapore · or get free move-out cleaning quotes →
Frequently asked questions
Do I need professional move-out cleaning to get my deposit back?
Not always, but many Singapore tenancy agreements require the unit returned in clean condition. A professional clean (S$300-S$600) is usually cheaper than the deductions a landlord can take from a deposit worth one to several months' rent.
How much does move-out cleaning cost in Singapore?
Typically S$300-S$600, depending on the unit's size and condition. Bigger or post-reno-level units cost more.
When should I schedule it?
After your furniture is out but before the final handover inspection. Ideally one to two days before you return the keys.
What do landlords inspect at handover?
They check against the move-in inventory: walls, floors, windows, kitchen, bathrooms, aircon-servicing records, and any damage beyond fair wear and tear.