What landlords actually inspect, a room-by-room checklist, and the legal line between damage and normal wear that decides whether you get your deposit back.
Get an Instant QuoteIndiana landlords cannot deduct from a security deposit for ordinary wear and tear. Faded paint, minor carpet flattening in walkways and small nail holes are generally wear. Grease build-up in an oven, stained carpet, and grime in bathrooms are generally cleaning issues that can be charged.
That distinction is why move-out cleaning pays for itself so reliably. You cannot undo four years of sunlight on a carpet, but you can remove every trace of the cleaning-related deductions, which are the ones landlords actually itemise most often.
Indiana law requires a landlord to provide an itemised list of damages within 45 days of the tenancy ending. If they don't, they generally forfeit the right to keep the deposit for those items. Photograph everything on the day you leave.
The kitchen is where deposits are won and lost. Inside the oven, including the door glass and racks. Inside and behind the refrigerator, including the seals. Inside the dishwasher, including the filter. Every cabinet and drawer, inside and out, with shelf liners removed.
Degrease the range hood and filter, wipe the backsplash, clean the sink and taps including underneath, and clean the floor including under any movable appliance.
Toilets inside and out including the base and behind. Tub and shower with attention to grout lines, door tracks and any soap or mineral build-up. Sinks, taps and drains. Mirrors and any glass.
Empty and wipe every cabinet and drawer, clean the extractor vent cover, and finish the floor including behind the toilet, which is the single most commonly missed spot in a move-out inspection.
All closets emptied and wiped, including shelving and rails. Baseboards, door frames, doors and switch plates throughout. Window sills, tracks and interior glass. Light fixtures and ceiling fan blades. Vent covers.
Spot-clean walls for scuffs and marks. Vacuum all carpet thoroughly and mop all hard flooring last, working out of the property.
Cleaning an occupied property is materially harder and produces a worse result — furniture hides exactly the areas an inspection targets. Move everything out first, then clean, then photograph.
If you are hiring help, book the clean for after the removal van has gone and before the final walkthrough. That is the window where a move-out clean is worth the most.
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