Security deposits don't get withheld over big stuff. They get withheld over small, specific items that take a landlord ten minutes to photograph. This is the checklist Tehachapi property managers actually use on walkthroughs — work through it and there's very little left to argue about.
Kitchen
- Inside, outside, and on top of the refrigerator (pull it out and clean behind).
- Oven interior, racks, broiler pan, drip pans, and stovetop.
- Microwave inside and out, including the turntable.
- All cabinet interiors and drawers — empty, vacuumed, wiped.
- Sink, faucet, garbage disposal, and grout line behind the sink.
Bathrooms
- Toilet base and behind the toilet — not just the bowl.
- Shower door tracks and grout.
- Exhaust fan covers (remove and wash).
- Medicine cabinet interior and mirrors.
Whole-home
- All baseboards, door frames, and switch plates.
- Inside window tracks and sills.
- Closet shelving — top to bottom.
- Patch and touch-up small nail holes where allowed.
- Vacuum carpet edges; mop all hard floors twice.
DIY vs. hiring it out
A typical 3-bedroom move-out takes one person 12–16 hours to do right. A two-person professional crew does it in 4–6. If the deposit at stake is more than $500, hiring it out almost always pencils out.
FAQ
Does carpet cleaning count?
Most California leases require professional carpet cleaning with a receipt. Save it — landlords routinely ask.
What if the home was dirty when I moved in?
Your move-in inspection photos are your evidence. Without them, the burden of proof is usually on the tenant.