Move-Out Cleaning in Johnston: What Landlords and Tenants Need to Know

Moving out of a rental property in Johnston creates stress for both tenants and landlords. Tenants worry about getting their security deposit back. Landlords worry about whether the property will be ready for new tenants without expensive cleaning or repairs. Professional move-out cleaning solves both problems—but only if you understand what's actually required.

At Rodan Cleaning, we've been providing move-out cleaning services throughout Johnston, Des Moines, and the metro area since 1998. Over 25 years, we've cleaned hundreds of rental properties at turnover, worked with property management companies, and learned exactly what landlords require and what tenants need to do to protect their deposits.

Here's the complete guide to move-out cleaning in Johnston—including what's legally required, what makes sense financially, and how professional cleaning protects both landlords and tenants.

Understanding Move-Out Cleaning Requirements in Johnston

Iowa law and Johnston rental agreements create specific obligations around move-out cleaning.

What Iowa Law Requires

Iowa Code §562A.12 addresses security deposits and move-out conditions:

• Tenants must return property in same condition as received (normal wear and tear excepted)
• Landlords must return deposits within 30 days
• Landlords can deduct for damages beyond normal wear and tear
• Cleaning costs can be deducted if property isn't left "broom clean"

"Broom clean" is the legal standard—but what that means practically is often disputed between landlords and tenants.

What "Broom Clean" Actually Means

Courts have interpreted "broom clean" to mean:

• Floors swept or vacuumed
• Trash and personal items removed
• Appliances wiped down
• Bathrooms cleaned and sanitized
• General cleanliness appropriate for new occupancy

This is more than just sweeping floors—it's comprehensive cleaning that leaves the property ready for new tenants without additional work.

What Lease Agreements Often Require

Many Johnston rental agreements specify cleaning beyond "broom clean":

• Professional carpet cleaning with receipt
• Thorough appliance cleaning
• Window washing inside and out
• Deep bathroom cleaning
• Specific requirements for different property types

Always read your lease agreement carefully. What's required in writing matters more than verbal assurances or assumptions.

The Move-Out Cleaning Checklist for Johnston Rentals

This comprehensive checklist covers what landlords expect and what tenants need to do for deposit return.

Kitchen Move-Out Cleaning

Kitchens receive the most scrutiny during move-out inspections:

Appliances:

• Clean refrigerator completely (inside, outside, underneath)
• Remove all food and clean shelves and drawers
• Clean and defrost freezer if needed
• Clean oven thoroughly (inside, door, racks)
• Clean stovetop and remove all grease and food residue
• Clean range hood and filter
• Clean microwave inside and out
• Clean dishwasher (run cleaning cycle, wipe interior)
• Wipe down front of all appliances

Cabinets and Storage:

• Empty all cabinets completely
• Wipe down cabinet interiors
• Clean cabinet exteriors and handles
• Remove shelf liner if added by tenant
• Clean pantry shelves
• Address any sticky or stained areas

Counters, Sink, and Fixtures:

• Deep clean countertops
• Clean backsplash thoroughly
• Clean and sanitize sink
• Polish faucet and hardware
• Remove any hard water deposits
• Clean under sink area

Floors and Walls:

• Sweep and mop floors
• Clean baseboards
• Wipe down walls and remove any marks
• Clean light switches and outlets
• Remove any damage or holes from wall decorations

Bathroom Move-Out Cleaning

Bathrooms must be spotless for move-out:

Shower and Tub:

• Scrub tile and grout completely
• Remove all soap scum and hard water stains
• Clean shower head and fixtures
• Clean or replace shower curtain
• Clean shower doors completely
• Scrub tub including edges and caulking

Toilet:

• Deep clean inside bowl
• Clean exterior completely
• Clean behind and around base
• Remove any hard water staining

Sink and Vanity:

• Clean sink and remove all stains
• Polish faucet and drain
• Clean vanity inside and out
• Clean mirror streak-free
• Clean light fixtures

Floors and Walls:

• Scrub floor completely
• Clean baseboards
• Wipe down walls
• Clean exhaust fan cover
• Address any mildew or mold issues

Living Areas Move-Out Cleaning

Main living spaces need thorough attention:

Floors:

• Professional carpet cleaning (if required by lease)
• Vacuum carpets thoroughly
• Remove all stains if possible
• Sweep and mop hard floors
• Clean baseboards throughout

Walls and Surfaces:

• Patch any nail holes or damage
• Wipe down walls and remove marks
• Clean light switches and outlets
• Dust ceiling fans and light fixtures
• Clean window sills and frames

Windows:

• Clean windows inside and out
• Clean window tracks
• Clean or dust blinds
• Wash curtains if provided by landlord

Bedroom Move-Out Cleaning

Bedrooms require attention even though they may seem clean:

• Vacuum or mop floors completely
• Clean carpets professionally if required
• Clean inside closets
• Wipe down closet shelves and rods
• Clean light fixtures
• Patch any wall damage
• Clean windows and window treatments

Additional Areas

Don't forget these commonly overlooked spaces:

Entry and Hallways:

• Clean entry flooring
• Wipe down doors and frames
• Clean light fixtures
• Remove any scuffs or marks

Laundry Area:

• Clean washer and dryer if provided
• Wipe down surfaces
• Sweep and mop floors

Garage or Storage:

• Remove all personal items
• Sweep floors
• Remove trash or debris

Exterior (if applicable):

• Remove all personal items from yard
• Sweep porch or patio
• Clean exterior light fixtures

For Tenants: Protecting Your Security Deposit

Strategic approach to move-out cleaning saves money and stress.

Document Everything

Before you clean:

• Take photos or video of property condition
• Review lease move-out requirements carefully
• Note pre-existing damage on move-in report
• Keep receipts for professional cleaning services

After cleaning:

• Take photos/video showing clean condition
• Date and timestamp documentation
• Keep copies of cleaning receipts
• Document communication with landlord

This documentation protects you if deposit deductions are disputed.

Decide: DIY or Professional Cleaning?

Consider professional cleaning if:

• Your lease requires it
• You have limited time before move-out
• You want to maximize deposit return
• The property requires deep cleaning beyond basic maintenance
• Carpets need professional treatment

DIY might work if:

• You maintained cleaning throughout tenancy
• Property is relatively small
• You have time and appropriate supplies
• Lease doesn't require professional service

Many Johnston tenants find professional move-out cleaning pays for itself through higher deposit returns.

Focus on High-Impact Areas

If budget is limited, prioritize:

1. Professional carpet cleaning (often lease-required)
2. Kitchen deep cleaning (heavily scrutinized)
3. Bathroom sanitization (impacts next tenant immediately)
4. Wall repair and cleaning (visible damage affects deposit)

Schedule Cleaning Strategically

Best timing for move-out cleaning:

• After all furniture and belongings removed
• 1-2 days before final walkthrough
• Allowing time for touch-ups if needed
• Before returning keys and final inspection

Don't wait until the last minute. Johnston rental market is competitive, and landlords want properties ready quickly.

For Landlords: Preparing Units for New Tenants

Professional property management requires strategic approach to turnover.

Set Clear Move-Out Expectations

Prevent disputes by:

• Including specific cleaning requirements in lease
• Providing move-out checklist to tenants
• Clarifying whether professional cleaning is required
• Documenting pre-existing conditions at move-in

Clear communication prevents most deposit disputes.

Conduct Thorough Move-Out Inspections

Professional inspection process:

• Schedule with adequate notice to tenant
• Use detailed checklist
• Document everything with photos
• Note damages vs. normal wear and tear
• Provide written summary to tenant

Good documentation supports any necessary deposit deductions.

Decide: Deduct or Handle Directly?

When tenant cleaning is insufficient:

Option 1: Deduct and hire professional cleaning

• Protects your standards
• Ensures thorough work
• Can document costs clearly
• Faster turnaround

Option 2: Return deposit and handle cleaning

• Avoids deposit disputes
• You control cleaning quality
• Can bundle with repairs
• May cost more initially

Many Johnston landlords prefer professional cleaning for every turnover regardless of tenant cleaning—ensuring consistent standards and faster re-rental.

Professional Turnover Cleaning Benefits

Working with professional cleaning services provides:

• Faster turnaround between tenants
• Consistent quality across properties
• Documentation for deposit disputes
• Ability to handle multiple properties
• Reduced personal time investment

The cost of professional cleaning is often recovered through faster re-rental and higher deposit retention.

Why Johnston Landlords and Tenants Choose Rodan Cleaning

Move-out cleaning requires attention to detail and understanding of what property managers actually require.

We Understand Landlord Requirements

Over 25 years serving Johnston's rental market, we've learned what landlords and property managers need:

• Thorough cleaning that passes inspection
• Fast turnaround for quick re-rental
• Reliable service on scheduled dates
• Documentation for deposit disputes
• Consistent quality across multiple properties

We Help Tenants Protect Deposits

Tenants working with us benefit from:

• Cleaning that meets lease requirements
• Professional documentation (receipts, before/after photos)
• Service that satisfies strict landlords
• Guidance on what's actually required
• Peace of mind about deposit return

Professional Equipment and Products

We use commercial-grade equipment that delivers results DIY methods can't match:

• Professional carpet cleaning that removes deep stains
• Industrial cleaning products for stubborn issues
• Equipment that reaches everywhere
• Methods that dry properly

Trained, Reliable Team

Every cleaner on our team:

• Has been with us 2+ years
• Is trained through Cleaning University
• Understands move-out requirements
• Works with professional standards
• Shows up when scheduled

No surprises, no excuses, no problems.

Serving Johnston Since 1998

Rodan Cleaning was founded by Dan Vander Ploeg in 1998 and is now run by his son Zach. We've been serving Johnston landlords and tenants for over 25 years.

We're not a national franchise. We're locally owned and operated throughout Johnston, Des Moines, West Des Moines, Ankeny, Waukee, and Urbandale.

Move-Out Cleaning Cost Considerations

Understanding costs helps budget appropriately:

Typical Costs for Johnston Rentals

Professional move-out cleaning typically costs:

• Studio/1-bedroom: $150-250
• 2-bedroom: $200-350
• 3-bedroom: $300-450
• 4+ bedroom: $400-600+

Actual costs depend on:

• Property size and condition
• Amount of cleaning needed
• Whether carpet cleaning is included
• Additional services required (window cleaning, etc.)

Cost vs. Security Deposit

Consider this math:

• Average Johnston security deposit: $800-1,500
• Professional move-out cleaning: $200-400
• Potential deposit deduction for poor cleaning: $300-800

Professional cleaning that costs $300 can save $500+ in deposit deductions—a clear financial win for tenants.

For landlords, spending $300 on professional cleaning can enable re-rental 1-2 weeks faster, generating $400-800+ in additional rent.

Comprehensive House Cleaning Services in Johnston

Beyond move-out cleaning, we provide:

• Regular house cleaning: Weekly or bi-weekly maintenance
• Deep cleaning services: Thorough whole-house cleaning
• Carpet cleaning: Professional stain removal and deep cleaning
• Move-in cleaning: Preparing your new Johnston home
• Commercial cleaning: For Johnston businesses and offices

Whether you need one-time move-out service or ongoing cleaning support, we customize our approach to your needs.

Ready for Professional Move-Out Cleaning in Johnston?

If you're a tenant preparing to move out and want to protect your security deposit, or a landlord preparing a property for new tenants, professional move-out cleaning ensures the job gets done right.

Rodan Cleaning has been serving Johnston's rental market for over 25 years. We understand what landlords require, what tenants need, and how to deliver cleaning that satisfies both.

Schedule your move-out cleaning today.

Call or text Zach directly at (515) 276-1618 or email info@rodancleaning.com

We'll discuss your timeline, property size, and specific requirements, then schedule service that works with your move-out date.

Whether you're a tenant protecting your deposit or a landlord preparing for new tenants, professional move-out cleaning makes the process easier and more successful.

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