Moving Out Soon? Here’s How to Get Your Full Deposit Back in Singapore
Whether you’re renting an HDB, a condo, or a landed property, moving out can be stressful — especially when it comes to getting your security deposit back. One of the most common reasons tenants lose part of their deposit in Singapore is simple: the property wasn’t clean enough.
In this guide, we’ll show you exactly how to avoid that — and get your full deposit back without last-minute headaches or landlord disputes.
Why Do Landlords Deduct Deposits in Singapore?
Security deposits in Singapore are usually 1 to 2 months’ rent, which means you could lose thousands of dollars over issues that are avoidable.
The most common reasons for deductions:
The unit was returned dirty or dusty
Bathrooms or kitchen had grease, stains, or mould
Carpets or floors were not properly vacuumed or wiped
Furniture or trash was left behind
Small damages like holes in the wall were not patched
Some landlords hire a cleaning company after the tenant moves out — and deduct the bill from the deposit. This cost is often higher than hiring your own cleaning service.
What Is a Move-Out Cleaning Checklist?
A move-out clean (also called end-of-tenancy cleaning) is not the same as your weekly mop-and-go. It’s a full, detailed clean designed to meet landlord or property agent expectations.
Here’s a full checklist you can follow — or hand over to a professional cleaner.
General Cleaning:
Remove all personal items, trash, and leftover furniture
Vacuum and mop all floors
Wipe all surfaces, including shelves, ledges, and skirting boards
Dust ceiling fans, aircon vents, light fixtures
Clean interior windows and mirrors
Clean all doors, handles, and light switches
Bedroom & Living Area:
Vacuum upholstery, curtains (if still hung), and mattresses
Spot clean walls (remove marks where possible)
Check for cobwebs in corners and ceilings
Kitchen Deep Cleaning:
Degrease stove, hood, backsplash
Clean oven, microwave, and fridge interiors
Scrub sink and taps
Wipe down all cabinets (inside and outside)
Remove food residue and odours
Clean kitchen floor thoroughly
Bathroom Deep Cleaning:
Scrub toilets, sinks, showers, and bathtubs
Remove mould and limescale from grout, tiles, and corners
Disinfect all high-touch areas (handles, switches)
Clean mirrors, glass panels, and shelves
Mop floor with disinfectant
Why DIY Isn’t Always Enough
While you can attempt a deep clean yourself, most tenants underestimate the time, energy, and tools required.
Real Talk: Deep Cleaning Is a 6–10 Hour Job
It involves:
Scrubbing every tile joint in the bathroom
Degreasing the entire kitchen (including under appliances)
Vacuuming and mopping every inch, including behind heavy furniture
Using professional-grade chemicals (like anti-mould, degreasers)
Most landlords can immediately tell if a home was cleaned properly — especially if it’s part of their standard checklist. Trying to “wing it” could easily result in a $300–$500 deduction from your deposit.
When to Hire a Move-Out Cleaning Service
Here’s when you should definitely consider hiring pros:
You don’t have the time or energy to deep clean yourself
You’re moving out of a 3-room or larger flat
You want to ensure full deposit recovery
You’ve done renovation work recently
You’re unsure of what the landlord expects
You’re moving on short notice
A reputable move-out cleaning company in Singapore will already be familiar with agent and landlord standards — and work according to that checklist.
👉 See what our move-out cleaning service includes
Real Costs of End-of-Tenancy Cleaning
Let’s compare your options.
DIY Cleaning
Supplies: ~$50–$80 (cleaners, tools, gloves)
Time: 6–10 hours of work
Risk: May miss something important, costing you part of your deposit
Professional Cleaning
Cost: $180–$450 depending on size
Time: 3–5 hours by a team
Value: Deposit is more likely to be returned in full
Considering the average security deposit is $2,000+, spending $200–$300 on cleaning is a smart move.
When Should You Book Your Move-Out Clean?
The ideal time to book your move-out cleaning is 1 day before your handover, when:
All furniture is already moved out
You’ve done your own packing and removal
The unit is empty and ready to be cleaned thoroughly
Avoid booking too early — dust can settle again if days pass between cleaning and handover.
Smart Tips to Protect Your Deposit
Take photos after cleaning and before handover
Patch up minor holes or nail marks in the walls
Keep receipts from professional cleaning to show proof
Ask your agent/landlord in advance if there’s a cleaning checklist
Leave no trace behind — no trash, no mess, no excuses
FAQ: Is End-of-Tenancy Cleaning Required by Law?
It’s not legally required, but your tenancy agreement most likely includes it.
Common contract lines include:
“Tenant shall return the premises in clean and tenantable condition…”
“Landlord reserves the right to deduct cleaning and repair fees…”
That’s why many landlords insist on seeing a receipt for professional cleaning — to ensure it was done properly.
Final Thoughts: Clean Flat = Full Deposit
If you’re moving out soon, remember: you only get one shot at handover. A spotless unit gives your landlord no reason to deduct from your deposit — and gets you out cleanly, with no last-minute drama.
Professional cleaning is an investment, not an expense. It saves time, guarantees a good impression, and protects your hard-earned money.
Ready to Lock In Your Deposit?
At CleanologySG, we’ve helped hundreds of tenants get their full deposit back with checklist-based end-of-tenancy cleaning.
✅ Affordable flat rates
✅ Fast booking and WhatsApp response
✅ Trusted by landlords, agents, and tenants islandwide
📲 Contact us now or WhatsApp us to get your quote in minutes.