Quick answer: Across LA, professional move out cleaning usually costs $180 to $450 for an apartment, with common add-ons for ovens, fridges, and walls. TurnOver LA is flat Make Ready pricing, Studio $225, 1BR $255, 2BR $335, 3BR+ $425, which includes a deep clean and a 12 point photo report. Standard turnaround is 48 hours.
Move out cleaning service means a top to bottom deep clean that brings a unit back to showable condition. In Los Angeles, market prices vary by size and condition, but our Make Ready covers the full scope for a flat rate per unit size with a 48 hour turnaround. You can book, confirm price, and schedule in under a minute. Get instant quote in 30 seconds
What does a professional move out cleaning include in LA?
A proper move out clean resets the unit for a new renter. Our Make Ready is a deep clean that includes all kitchens and bathrooms, interior appliances, interior windows and tracks, floors, baseboards, and touch surfaces. We also include floor detailing inside Make Ready, so there is no separate floor service to add. Ovens, refrigerators, and showers get degreased and descaled. Cabinet interiors are wiped if vacant. Light fixtures and switch plates are cleaned. Balconies are swept and spot wiped if present. We finish with a 12 point photo report that documents condition for your files and deposit accounting.
If you also need junk removed or a few minor repairs, we can stack those on the same visit so turnover stays on schedule. Typical LA vacancy loss runs $80 to $200 per day, so combining tasks into one window helps you recover days.
How much does move out cleaning cost in California?
Across Los Angeles, move out cleaning for apartments often runs $180 to $450 for a studio to 2 bedroom, and $350 to $700 for larger or heavily soiled units. Those are general market numbers. TurnOver LA pricing is a flat Make Ready by unit size, and includes the 12 point photo report and floor detailing.
| Unit size | Typical LA market | TurnOver LA Make Ready |
|---|---|---|
| Studio | $180 to $275 | $225 |
| 1 Bedroom | $220 to $350 | $255 |
| 2 Bedroom | $300 to $450 | $335 |
| 3BR or larger | $350 to $700 | $425 |
We complete every Make Ready within 48 hours without a rush fee. For heavy trash-outs, add a same day junk haul service at the catalog rate listed below so cleaning can proceed.
Can a landlord charge for cleaning after move out in California?
Yes, if the cleaning is to bring the unit back to the level of cleanliness it had at move in. California Civil Code §1950.5 allows landlords to deduct for cleaning to restore the unit to the same level of cleanliness, less normal wear and tear, and requires an itemized statement within 21 days. See the statute here: California Civil Code §1950.5 and guidance from the California DCA Landlord-Tenant Guide.
Under AB 12, most residential security deposits are capped at one month of rent starting in 2024. That makes clean, well documented turnovers more important because the deposit pool is smaller. See AB 12 (2023) security deposit cap. For deposit deadlines and best practices, cross-check our guide, California 21 day deposit return.
What exactly is in our Make Ready, and what is not?
Our Make Ready is the base deep clean and 12 point photo report. It includes kitchen and bath scrubs, appliance interiors, interior windows and tracks, dusting and wipe downs, and floors. It does not include repainting, drywall repairs, hardware installs, or hauling bulk junk. Those are available as add-ons at published rates below.
If the outgoing tenant left a load of trash or bulk items, add a unit cleanout. If doors or drawers are loose, add a handyman punch list. If keys were not returned, add a rekey service. The goal is to clear blockers in one window so leasing photos and showings can start within 48 hours.
What add-ons make sense to pair with cleaning to protect deposits and days vacant?
When cleaning exposes scuffs, scrapes, or safety issues, it is usually cheaper to resolve them now than to lose extra days waiting. Typical LA market ranges are shown for context, followed by our exact catalog prices.
- Junk haul, LA market $250 to $600 by size. TurnOver LA unit cleanout is Studio $200, 1 Bedroom $310, 2 Bedroom $420, 3BR or larger $420. Additional junk load $200 per load.
- Handyman, LA market $300 to $450 for a half day. TurnOver LA half day handyman punch list is $230. Full day is $425. General maintenance and safety visit is $125.
- Paint touch up, LA market $150 to $300. TurnOver LA paint touch up only is $200. Repainting per room is $395 per room, ceilings and baseboard or trim $125, and sand plus repaint cabinets or shelving $135.
- Minor drywall, LA market $175 to $350 per patch. TurnOver LA small drywall patch plus texture is $150 per patch, medium drywall repair $240 per patch.
- Locks, LA market $125 to $225 to rekey. TurnOver LA rekey first lock is $100, additional lock rekey $50 per lock, full apartment rekey up to 2 locks $150, or front plus deadbolt $110. Smart lock install is $210.
Bundling any of the above with Make Ready keeps you on a single 48 hour clock. For showings, add the TLA Launch Pad listing media package at $399 to get photos and a quick floor overview right after cleaning.
Get instant quote in 30 seconds
What is the 80/20 rule in house cleaning, and does it apply to move outs?
The 80/20 rule says a small set of tasks drives most of the visible result. It applies, but you cannot skip the last 20 percent with a move out. Pros focus first on kitchens, baths, floors, and glass because those areas drive most leasing impressions and most deposit disputes. Then we finish the edges, like baseboards, tracks, and fixtures, so the unit photographs well and does not trigger re-cleans.
In practice, this means timing degreaser dwell on oven and hood while descaling the shower, then running a final microfiber pass after dust settles. We work top to bottom and back to front. That is how you get both speed and quality in the same 48 hour window.
How do photo reports and documentation help under California law?
Documentation lets you show what was cleaned and what pre-existing damage remained. Our 12 point photo report creates a dated record of the unit’s condition at turnover. That supports lawful deductions under California Civil Code §1950.5 and helps you produce a clear, itemized statement within 21 days. It also reduces he said she said escalations.
For process details, see the state’s California Tenants Guide and our walkthroughs on normal wear and tear in California and the California 21 day deposit return. The report also doubles as your leasing prep archive, so your media team knows what to shoot.
What timeline gets a vacant unit market ready fastest in LA?
Aim for a tight, two day block. Day 1 morning, final walkthrough and any junk haul. Day 1 afternoon, Make Ready deep clean. Day 2 morning, handyman punch and paint touch ups while the unit is empty and dust has settled. Day 2 afternoon, locks rekey and listing media.
With TurnOver LA there is a flat 48 hour turnaround on every job and no rush upcharge. In rent stabilized submarkets like West Hollywood, plan access notices and resident communications carefully and review the LAHD Rent Stabilization Ordinance before entering occupied units. Every day you recover saves $80 to $200 in vacancy loss depending on neighborhood and price point. Use our Make Ready deep clean as the anchor and stack the extras you need.
What is a simple move out cleaning checklist I can use today?
Use this numbered list to prep the unit and speed the clean. It targets the items that most often trigger re-cleans or deposit disputes. For a full turnover workflow, see our guide, Apartment turnover checklist.
- Empty all cabinets, closets, and drawers. Remove shelf liners and stickers.
- Unplug and pull forward the fridge if possible. Clear the drip pan and wipe behind.
- Remove all trash and bulk items, or schedule a cleanout.
- Pre-soak oven and stove parts with a safe degreaser to cut dwell time.
- Remove shower curtain rods and hooks. Clear any hard water filters or screens.
- Collect keys, fobs, mailbox keys, and remotes. Decide on a rekey plan.
- Mark paint scuffs and nail holes with painter’s tape for touch up routing.
- Open windows for airflow. Vacuum HVAC return grilles and replace filters if needed.
- Stage a step stool and working bulbs. Cleaning goofs happen in low light.
- Photograph move out condition before cleaning for your records.
What does a move out cleaning service include beyond the scrub?
For landlords and managers, a good move out service is the start of a full turnover. After the clean, you may need a half day handyman punch list at $230 to tune doors, tighten hardware, and rehang blinds. Touch up paint at $200 can save a full repaint. If you plan to relist immediately, the TLA Launch Pad media package is $399 for listing photos to hit your syndication the same week.
For more context on scope and definitions, see What is a Make Ready and our LA specific move out cleaning guide. If you manage multiple buildings, standardize your check-in and checkout photos and keep deposit workflows tied to the statute timelines.
Get instant quote in 30 seconds
Can tenants hire us directly, and does it help with deposits?
Yes. Tenants often book Make Ready before their key turn-in to reduce cleaning deductions. We provide an itemized invoice and the 12 point photo report. Pairing your clean with light handyman work is allowed if the landlord approves access, and it can be cheaper than being charged at move out. Always confirm what your lease requires, and review the California DCA Landlord-Tenant Guide.
For rent controlled properties, also check any local addenda tied to the LAHD Rent Stabilization Ordinance. If you have questions on what counts as normal wear, see our guide on normal wear and tear in California.