Most Michigan leases require the unit returned in "broom clean" or "professionally cleaned" condition to get a security deposit back in full. Here's exactly what that tends to mean in practice, room by room.

Kitchen

  • Inside and outside of all cabinets and drawers
  • Inside the oven, stovetop, and range hood/filter
  • Inside the refrigerator and freezer (unplugged and left slightly open if vacating for a while)
  • Inside the microwave
  • Sink, faucet, and countertops degreased
  • Floors swept, mopped, and edges cleaned

Bathrooms

  • Toilet, tub/shower, and sink scrubbed and disinfected
  • Grout and caulk lines addressed — this is where most deposit disputes start
  • Mirrors and glass streak-free
  • Exhaust fan cover dusted
  • Cabinets emptied and wiped inside and out

Bedrooms & living areas

  • All closets emptied, vacuumed, and wiped down
  • Baseboards, door frames, and window sills wiped
  • Light fixtures and ceiling fans dusted
  • Floors vacuumed and mopped throughout, including under any furniture you're leaving
  • Walls spot-checked for scuffs (some, not all, are normal wear and tear)

Easy-to-miss spots that cost deposits

  • Window tracks and sills (dirt collects here fast and is highly visible)
  • Behind the refrigerator and stove, if movable
  • Light switch plates and door handles
  • Vent covers and returns
  • Inside dishwasher and washer/dryer, if provided with the unit

Normal wear vs. what you're responsible for

Michigan landlord-tenant law generally distinguishes between normal wear and tear (which landlords can't deduct for) and actual damage or uncleanliness (which they can). A dirty oven or grimy bathroom grout typically falls on the tenant's side of that line — which is exactly why move-out cleaning is worth treating as seriously as the packing itself.

Why professional move-out cleaning is worth it

Beyond time savings, a documented professional cleaning gives you something to point to if a landlord disputes your deposit return — and it takes the guesswork out of whether you actually hit every spot a walkthrough inspector will check.