The last few weeks of a tenancy are hectic. You are packing, arranging movers and setting up the next place, and the old flat easily gets left until the final day. That is a mistake. How you leave the unit shapes the handover inspection, and a calm, well-prepared handover is far more pleasant than a last-minute argument over stains and missing keys.
This guide walks through move out cleaning in Singapore, the small repairs worth doing, and how to prepare for the handover itself. It focuses on the practical work. For questions about your tenancy terms or a disagreement over your deposit, refer to your tenancy agreement and, if needed, seek proper advice.
Start With Your Tenancy Agreement and Inventory
Before you clean anything, dig out two documents: the tenancy agreement and the inventory or check-in report (often a list with photos made when you moved in).
Look for clauses on:
- Condition on return. Most agreements expect the unit back in the same condition as at the start, allowing for fair wear and tear.
- Aircon servicing. Many Singapore leases ask tenants to service the air-conditioners regularly and sometimes once more before handover. Check what yours says and keep the receipts.
- Curtains and soft furnishings. Some agreements ask for curtains to be cleaned or dry-cleaned before moving out.
- Professional cleaning. A few agreements require it. If yours does not, you can do it yourself.
- Minor repairs. Many leases make the tenant responsible for small repairs up to a set amount each time. Read the exact wording.
Compare the current state of each room with the check-in photos. That tells you what you need to restore and what was already there when you arrived.
Plan Your Timeline Backwards From Handover Day
Leaving everything to the last day rarely works. A rough plan:
- Three to four weeks before: Read the agreement, agree a handover date and time with your landlord or agent, and book any aircon servicing or cleaning you want done.
- Two weeks before: Fix small issues, sell or donate items you will not move, and arrange bulky item disposal.
- The week of the move: Pack and move out, then clean the empty unit. Cleaning is much easier once the furniture you own is gone.
- Handover day: Do a final walk-through, take photos and return all keys and access cards.
If you are moving house at the same time, our checklist for moving house covers address changes, utilities and other admin you should not miss.
Room by Room Move Out Cleaning Checklist
Focus on the areas inspectors usually look at first.
Kitchen
- Degrease the hob, hood and the wall behind the stove.
- Empty, defrost if needed, and wipe the fridge, then leave the door slightly open if it will be switched off.
- Clean inside the oven and microwave.
- Wipe cabinet doors, inside drawers and shelves.
- Clear the sink drain and polish the taps.
Bathrooms
- Scrub tiles and grout, especially around the shower area.
- Descale taps, shower heads and glass screens.
- Clean the toilet bowl, base and the area behind it.
- Clear hair from floor traps and check that water drains properly.
- Wipe mirrors and cabinets.
Bedrooms and living areas
- Dust ceiling fans, light fittings and the tops of wardrobes.
- Wipe skirting, switches and door handles.
- Clean inside wardrobes and drawers.
- Vacuum and mop all floors, including under where furniture stood.
- Clean windows and window tracks, which collect a lot of dust.
Service yard and balcony
- Sweep and wash the floor and clear the floor trap.
- Wipe the laundry rack area and any storage.
- Remove anything you left out, such as plant pots and pails.
Moving with plants? See our guide on moving house with your plants so you do not leave soil stains and water marks behind.
DIY Cleaning or Hire Help?
Both are reasonable choices. It depends on your time, the size of the flat and what your agreement requires.
| Approach | Good for | Things to keep in mind |
|---|---|---|
| Do it yourself | Small units, tenants with time and basic supplies | Takes longer than expected; leave a full day for an empty flat |
| Part-time cleaner for a few hours | Topping up your own cleaning in kitchen and bathrooms | Agree the scope clearly so the key areas are covered |
| End of tenancy cleaning service | Large units, tight timelines, or agreements that require it | Compare what is included, such as windows, ovens or curtains, and keep the invoice |
| Separate aircon servicing | Agreements that require servicing before handover | Book early in peak moving periods and keep the service receipt |
Prices vary by company and unit size, so ask for written quotes and check exactly what each one covers.
Small Repairs Worth Doing Before Handover
Fixing small things yourself is usually cheaper than having the cost deducted later. Common items include:
- Wall marks and holes. Patch nail or screw holes with filler and touch up paint if the agreement allows and you can match the colour. If unsure, ask the landlord first.
- Light bulbs. Replace any that have burnt out.
- Loose fittings. Tighten cabinet handles, towel rails and toilet roll holders.
- Blocked drains. Clear slow sinks and floor traps.
- Damaged items you caused. If something broke during your stay that is not normal wear, talk to the landlord about whether you should repair or replace it.
Fair wear and tear, such as slightly faded paint or light scuffs from normal living, is usually not the tenant’s responsibility. Damage beyond normal use usually is. Your agreement and the check-in inventory are your reference points.
On Handover Day
Arrive early and do one last walk-through before the landlord or agent comes.
- Take dated photos and videos of every room, cupboards open, and appliances working.
- Take meter readings for electricity and water and note them down.
- Gather all keys, remotes and access cards and list them so nothing is forgotten.
- Walk through the unit together and note any issues raised in writing, with an agreed next step.
- Keep copies of receipts for aircon servicing, cleaning and repairs.
If you need to check your next home before you move in, our guide on how to check a Singapore address is a useful next step.
A tidy, well-documented handover protects you, saves the landlord time and leaves both sides on good terms. A few planned weekends of effort is usually all it takes.