Why is thorough move-out cleaning important?

Moving into a new home is often an exciting and hectic phase of life. However, leaving the old apartment requires a thorough move-out cleaning. It’s not just a matter of good housing etiquette—it’s also a way to respect the next resident. A carefully done cleaning ensures that the new tenant can step into a spotless home without stress or worry. Additionally, the cleanliness of the apartment directly affects its value and rentability. If the outgoing tenant neglects the cleaning, YH Kodit reserves the right to hire an external cleaning service and charge the tenant for the related costs.

What does move-out cleaning include?

There are several key tasks to keep in mind:

• Cleaning floors: All floor surfaces must be vacuumed and, if necessary, washed. Laminate flooring in particular should be wiped with a damp mop and a laminate-safe cleaner.
• Surface cleaning: All surfaces, including doors, closets, walls, and light switches, must be free of stains and dirt.
• Thorough kitchen cleaning: The oven and range hood must be cleaned of baked-on grease. Don’t forget to wash the grease filter. Defrosting and cleaning the fridge and freezer are also required.
• Washing windows and balcony glass: Windows must be washed thoroughly—inside and out in summer, at least the inside in winter.
• Tidying outdoor areas: The balcony and storage unit must also be cleaned.

Tips to make move-out cleaning easier

• Prepare in advance: Start wiping down cabinets and drawers while packing.
• Empty the apartment early: Remove all furniture and items before the final cleaning. An empty space is much easier to vacuum and mop.
• Invite helping hands: If possible, have a friend or family member help—it speeds things up.
• Schedule wisely and have supplies ready: Allocate enough time and make sure you’ve got all the necessary cleaning products and tools.

Did you know you can use a household tax credit for move-out cleaning?

Thanks to the household tax deduction, you can make the cleaning easier by hiring a professional cleaning service. You can deduct the cost from your taxes, making the service more affordable and saving you time and effort during a busy move. Cleaning typically costs around €200–400, depending on the size of the apartment.

Move-out cleaning may not be the most pleasant part of relocating, but done well, it’s the key to a smooth handover and a fresh start.

A note from YH Kodit property manager

Cleaning quality is one of the most common reasons tenants contact our customer service. While the new resident expects to move into a spotless apartment, the outgoing resident may consider their cleaning sufficient. If the new resident finds the cleaning incomplete and ends up doing it themselves, they may request compensation—photos must be provided as evidence.

After you’ve submitted your termination notice, we’ll send you detailed cleaning instructions. In cases of neglect, we’ll need to cover the cleaning costs using the security deposit. If you’re uncertain about what’s required, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our customer service.

Still searching for a new rental home in the Tampere or Turku area? Don’t forget to check out our available listings!