Moving Out Near UNM? Don’t Let Cleaning Cost You Your Deposit
UNM Move-Out Season Is Busy — and Landlords Know It
If you’re a University of New Mexico student, move-out season usually hits at the worst possible time: finals week. Between exams, packing, graduation plans, and travel, cleaning your apartment can feel like an afterthought.
Unfortunately, for many UNM students, cleaning mistakes are the #1 reason security deposits are withheld.
Landlords near UNM inspect units quickly and thoroughly, especially during high-turnover months like May and August. Understanding what they look for — and how to clean to their standards — can save you hundreds of dollars.
This guide breaks down exactly how UNM students should handle move-out cleaning in Albuquerque.
1. Understand Your Lease Before You Start Cleaning
Before buying supplies or booking help, read your lease agreement carefully. Most student rentals around UNM include clauses requiring:
Professional-level cleaning
Carpet cleaning with receipt
Appliance cleaning (oven, fridge, microwave)
Full bathroom sanitation
Trash removal and empty cabinets
If your lease requires professional carpet cleaning and you skip it, your landlord can legally deduct the cost — often at a higher rate than you’d pay yourself.
Pro Tip: Many property managers follow the same standards outlined in traditional end-of-lease cleaning checklists, even if they don’t provide one.
2. Empty the Apartment Completely First
One of the biggest mistakes students make is trying to clean around their stuff.
Before cleaning:
Remove all furniture and belongings
Empty every drawer, cabinet, and closet
Take out all trash (including balconies and storage areas)
A truly empty apartment makes it easier to spot dust, stains, and damage — and helps you clean more efficiently.
3. Focus on the Areas UNM Landlords Inspect Closely
Property managers don’t spend equal time in every room. These are the areas that matter most:
Kitchen (Highest Risk Area)
This is where most deposits are lost.
Clean thoroughly:
Inside and outside of the oven
Refrigerator shelves, drawers, door seals
Microwave interior
Cabinets and drawers (inside and out)
Stovetop grease and range hood
Sink and disposal
Grease, crumbs, and food residue are easy for inspectors to spot — and easy reasons to charge cleaning fees.
Bathrooms (Second Highest Risk)
Albuquerque’s hard water makes bathroom cleaning especially important.
Landlords look for:
Hard water stains on fixtures
Soap scum on showers and tubs
Clean grout lines
Sanitized toilets (including the base and behind it)
Mirrors, sinks, and vanities
If it looks like the bathroom wasn’t disinfected, expect deductions.
Living Areas and Bedrooms
These spaces should feel neutral and move-in ready.
Checklist:
Dust ceiling fans and vents
Clean window sills and tracks
Wipe baseboards
Remove wall scuffs
Vacuum carpets thoroughly
Dust buildup is extremely common in Albuquerque — and easy to miss if you’re rushing.
4. Walls, Doors, and “Small Details” Matter More Than You Think
Students often focus on big surfaces and forget the details — but landlords don’t.
Don’t forget to clean:
Light switches and outlets
Door handles and doors
Closet shelving
Air return vents
If you hung posters or shelves, patch small nail holes if allowed under your lease.
5. Carpet Cleaning: Check Your Lease Carefully
Most UNM-area rentals require professional carpet cleaning, not just vacuuming.
If required:
Schedule it before move-out
Keep the receipt
Take photos after cleaning
Skipping this step almost always results in a deduction — even if everything else is spotless.
6. Timing Is Everything During UNM Move-Out Season
Move-out cleaning companies book up fast near UNM, especially in May and August.
Best timeline:
Start cleaning 2–3 days before move-out
Finish deep cleaning the day before keys are due
Do a final walkthrough with fresh eyes
Take timestamped photos of every room
Photos are your best protection if there’s ever a dispute.
7. When Hiring a Professional Move-Out Cleaner Is the Smart Choice
Between finals, packing, and travel, many students simply don’t have time to deep clean properly. Hiring a professional move-out cleaning service in Albuquerque can actually save money if it helps you avoid deposit deductions.
Professional cleaners know:
What UNM-area landlords look for
How to remove hard water stains
How to clean appliances properly
How to meet inspection-level standards
Clean Canvas Company provides detailed move-out cleaning for student rentals near UNM, Nob Hill, and Downtown Albuquerque — helping students move out confidently and stress-free.
Final Thoughts
Moving out as a UNM student doesn’t have to mean losing your deposit. With the right preparation — and attention to detail — you can leave your rental inspection-ready and move on without unnecessary fees.
If time is tight or you want peace of mind, Clean Canvas Company is here to help UNM students handle move-out cleaning the right way.
