Are you supposed to clean your house after you sell it?

Author: Victor Hayes  |  Last update: Friday, July 11, 2025

No, you don't have to clean your house when you sell it. However, you should. While it is important to leave your home in a good condition in terms of maintenance, you should leave it as clean as you expect it to be if you were moving in. Most purchase agreements have no clause on how clean the house should be left.

Do I have to clean my house after selling?

It is the responsibility of the seller to clean out the purchased home before the closing. If the seller has not fulfilled this obligation, you should reach out to your real estate agent and lawyer to address the issue and ensure that the home is properly cleared before you take possession.

Can you leave stuff in a house when you sell it?

Yes, you can leave items behind when selling your house, but this must be agreed upon with the buyer. Typically, the sales contract specifies what items stay, such as fixtures, appliances, or furniture. Anything not explicitly included is expected to be removed.

What happens if you don't clean your house when you move out?

You're likely to lose your security deposit and cleaning deposit and get a bill for any other thing that they can blame on you.

Whose responsibility is it to clean the house?

It is the responsibility of everyone living in a home to contribute to cleaning that home. If you have a hired housekeeper, they would be responsible for the deep cleaning however everyone should still be expected to clean up after themselves. If you took it out, put it away, if you opened it, close it.

THINGS TO FIX BEFORE SELLING YOUR HOUSE

What happens if the seller doesn't clean the house?

There is no law against selling a dirty house and no standard definition of what “clean” means, but it can be worthwhile for the seller to make the effort – especially since a clean house could result in better offers from buyers.

Who is responsible for move out cleaning?

While tenants are typically responsible for cleaning the unit, landlords also have certain responsibilities when it comes to maintaining the property. This includes cleaning common areas, such as hallways and stairwells, and ensuring that the unit is in good condition before a new tenant moves in.

Is a house supposed to be clean when you buy it?

The only things that'll make a messy person clean are shame, guilt and a contract. Sellers do not have to clean a house before they move out. Sellers do, however, need to make sure the house is in the same sort of condition it was in when a purchase contract was accepted – within reason.

Is it okay to leave stuff behind when you move?

Depending on your lease agreement, leaving items intentionally may result in cleaning charges. It takes more effort, but leaving furniture by a dumpster or attempting to sell it online may be a better option.

Can my landlord make me clean my house?

Here are some examples of cleanliness regulations in different states: In California, tenants are required to keep their rental units in a clean and sanitary condition. This includes regularly cleaning kitchens and bathrooms, properly disposing of trash, and controlling pests.

Can I sell my house and leave everything behind?

As long as it's not specified in the contract, items not attached or built into the property typically do not stay behind. This applies to furniture and many other items that the new buyer may not want to deal with.

Can you leave stuff in a house when you move out?

Unless you have confirmed with your agent or the buyer about any items remaining with the house, then get rid of it all. We know that the previous seller left all kinds of junk in the shed; however, that doesn't mean you should do it to the next person.

Can you sell your house with stuff in it?

You can absolutely list your home sale to include all furnishings. If there are any items of furniture or decor that you do want to keep, make sure your Realtor lists them as an exclusion.

How much do you have to clean when you move out?

You should aim to leave the property in the same condition as when you moved in, minus normal wear and tear. This includes thoroughly cleaning all rooms, including the kitchen and bathrooms, dusting and wiping down surfaces, vacuuming and mopping floors, and addressing any stains or marks on walls and carpets.

How clean should my house be for a viewing?

The most important thing at the very start is to clean each room from top to bottom. Start by dusting lights, skirting boards, doorframes and paintings, and shake all pillows and cushions to get all of the dust out. Then vacuum the furniture, carpets and floors and wipe down all surfaces.

What happens if you leave stuff in the house you sold?

If you realize you left something behind, contact the buyer or your realtor as soon as possible to see if they would be willing to allow you to come and collect the item, or if your realtor can arrange it for you. In most cases, buyers will be understanding, provided it hasn't been long since they moved in.

Should I clean after moving out?

After you've packed up all of your belongings, there's one final step you'll need to tackle before you can settle into your new space: cleaning! Not only does tidying up help prepare the apartment for the next tenant, but it may even be required to get your security deposit back.

Should I get rid of everything when I move?

Not only can a large declutter before moving save you time and energy on both ends of your move, but it can also help save you money. Why? The more stuff you have, the more it costs to move it.

Is it OK to not clean your house?

Can not cleaning your house lead to structural damage? It seems unbelievable, but extreme neglect of cleaning chores can lead to structural damage. Long-term dirt and moisture buildup in kitchens and bathrooms can cause mold and mildew to rot wood and other supportive components.

How clean should a house be when you move in?

General cleaning:

Ceilings and corners: Remove cobwebs and dust from ceiling corners. Light switches and doorknobs: Wipe down to disinfect these high-touch areas. Air vents: Vacuum or wipe down to remove dust buildup. Baseboards: Wipe down to remove dust and dirt.

How many times a year should you clean your house?

Determining how often to clean a house depends on size, how often rooms are used, and the types of furniture and surfaces you have. Certain things require more frequent attention and need to be cleaned every day, while a general clean can be done once a week, and a deep clean every few months or annually.

How clean is a seller required to leave the house after moving out?

Sellers should keep in mind that they are not required to leave the home spotless but should remove any trash or debris that may be left behind from their move. They should also take care of any cleaning tasks that are specific to their home, such as cleaning the oven or shampooing the carpets.

Do you have to clean your house when you move?

One of the last items to tick off on your moving home checklist should be the cleaning. This applies to both the house you're moving out of and your new home. It's common courtesy that you leave a house behind that's as clean as you'd hope your new home will be.

Does a landlord have to clean my house before I move-in?

Generally, landlords are responsible for cleaning their property before a new tenant moves in. This is one way you can ensure the unit is safe and habitable. However, you may charge the previous tenant for the cleaning costs if they did leave the property in a poorer condition than when they received it.

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