Move-out cleaning checklist: how to hand back a clean rental in Cape Town
Most deposit disputes are not about damage. They are about dirt — an oven nobody opened, a shower screen with limescale, dust on top of the cupboards. A proper move-out clean removes cleanliness as a reason for a deduction.
How the deposit timeline works
Under South Africa's Rental Housing Act, the landlord and tenant should inspect the property together before the lease ends. If there is nothing to deduct, the deposit and interest are due within 7 days of the lease ending. If the landlord needs to pay for repairs or cleaning, the balance is due within 14 days of the restoration. If the tenant does not attend the inspection, the timeline is 21 days. Disputes in the Western Cape can go to the Rental Housing Tribunal.
That is why the clean should happen before the joint inspection — not after.
Kitchen
- Inside the oven, racks, hob and extractor filter
- Inside the fridge and freezer (defrosted, switched off, door left open if the landlord agrees)
- Every cupboard and drawer, inside and out
- Splashback, sink, taps and the area behind appliances
Bathrooms
- Shower screens and taps descaled
- Grout scrubbed, toilet cleaned including the base and behind it
- Mirrors, cabinets and extractor fans
Living areas and bedrooms
- Skirtings, door frames, light switches and plugs
- Built-in cupboards inside
- Marks on walls spot-cleaned (test first; never scrub painted walls hard)
- Windows, sills, tracks and burglar bars
Outside and extras
- Garage swept, balcony cleaned
- Remove all rubbish — landlords often deduct for removal
Timing
Book your clean for after the movers leave and at least a day before the inspection. End-of-month dates and November–December are the busiest weeks in Cape Town and Stellenbosch, so book early.
If you would rather hand it over, our move-out cleaning is built around the inspection checklist. Get a free quote.
This is general information, not legal advice. Check your lease and the Rental Housing Act for your situation.