Under Florida Statute 83.49, a landlord who isn’t withholding any part of a security deposit has 15 days after move-out to return it. If they intend to keep some or all of it, they have 30 days to mail written notice explaining why. That deadline puts the burden on the tenant to leave the unit in a condition that doesn’t give the landlord a reason to make that claim in the first place, and cleanliness is one of the most common reasons deposits get reduced.
Here’s what a move-out clean actually needs to cover in a rental in Clermont, Davenport, Kissimmee, or anywhere else in the Four Corners area, and where a general wipe-down usually falls short.
For the exact room-by-room order to work through when you clean, from ceiling height down to the floors, see our Move-Out Cleaning Checklist: What Landlords Actually Inspect.
What Do Landlords Actually Check at Move-Out?
Most landlords and property managers compare the unit against a move-in inspection report, looking for anything beyond normal wear and tear. Kitchens, bathrooms, floors, and the inside of appliances get the closest look, since they show buildup fastest and are the easiest to document with a photo.
| Area | What Gets Checked |
|---|---|
| Kitchen | Inside the oven, refrigerator, and microwave; grease on the range hood and backsplash; cabinet interiors and drawer tracks |
| Bathrooms | Grout and caulk staining, soap scum on tile and glass, inside the toilet tank, under the sink |
| Floors | Baseboards, corners, and closet floors, not just open floor space |
| Walls and fixtures | Light switch plates, door frames, ceiling fan blades, and vent covers, which collect dust that’s easy to miss at eye level |
Why Do So Many Renters Lose Part of Their Deposit?
It usually isn’t one big thing. It’s several small ones that add up: a range hood that never got degreased during the lease, baseboards that collected a year or two of dust, or a bathroom exhaust fan that was never wiped down. None of it looks like damage on move-in day, but by move-out, in a humid Central Florida rental, those areas often need more than a quick pass to look genuinely reset.
Should You Clean Before or After You’ve Moved Everything Out?
After. Furniture and boxes hide baseboards, closet floors, and corners, which are exactly the spots a landlord checks closely. A clean space with nothing in it also makes it much easier to take clear, well-lit photos for your own records the same day you turn in keys, which matters if there’s ever a dispute over the deposit.
What Should You Document Before You Leave?
Photograph every room after cleaning, including the inside of the oven and refrigerator, all four walls, closet interiors, and the floor with nothing on it. Keep a copy for yourself and, if your lease allows it, send it with your move-out notice. If a landlord in Clermont or the surrounding area does intend to make a deduction, this documentation is what supports a dispute if the claim doesn’t match the condition you actually left the unit in.
Move Out Clean, Booked in About a Minute
Clermont City Clean provides move-in and move-out cleaning across Clermont, Davenport, Kissimmee, Winter Garden, Celebration, Groveland, Windermere, and Orlando, covering the inside-appliance, baseboard, and detail work that a standard tidy-up skips. Every cleaner is insured and vetted, and booking or getting a quote takes about 60 seconds online, available 24/7. If anything’s missed, report it within 24 hours and the team returns to re-clean it at no charge.
Get a free quote or book online anytime at clermontcityclean.com/book.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Florida?
Under Florida Statute 83.49, a landlord has 15 days to return the full deposit if no deductions are being made, or 30 days to send written notice by certified mail if they intend to claim part of it.
What counts as normal wear and tear versus a cleanliness issue?
Normal wear and tear covers gradual changes like minor carpet wear or small nail holes from hung photos. A dirty oven, grimy baseboards, or soap-scum-covered shower glass generally isn’t wear and tear, since it results from lack of cleaning rather than ordinary use.
Should I clean the inside of appliances even if I never used them much?
Yes. Landlords typically check inside the oven, refrigerator, and microwave regardless of how often a tenant used them, since these areas show buildup clearly and are simple to inspect.
Is it worth hiring a cleaning service for a move-out instead of doing it myself?
It depends on time and thoroughness. A professional move-out clean covers the detail areas, baseboards, inside appliances, vent covers, that are easy to miss when you’re also packing and coordinating a move.
Can I dispute a security deposit deduction in Florida?
Yes. If a landlord’s claim doesn’t match the actual condition you left the unit in, dated photos and any move-out documentation you kept support a dispute. Florida law also requires the landlord to follow the notice timeline in Statute 83.49 or forfeit the right to make a claim.
Do I need to clean before or after all my belongings are out of the unit?
After. Furniture and boxes block access to baseboards, closet floors, and corners, which are commonly checked areas, so a full move-out clean works best once the space is completely empty.