Moving day is around the corner — boxes are packed, the van is booked. But before you hand back the keys, one of the most common sources of dispute in German tenancy law is waiting: the move-out clean. Every year, Berlin tenants lose thousands of euros in deposit deductions because the flat at handover did not match the agreed condition.
This checklist walks you through the handover in a structured way — and protects your deposit.
What is a move-out clean and when is it required?
Move-out cleaning (also: exit clean, "besenrein" handover) is the thorough cleaning of a flat at the end of a tenancy. Most Berlin leases contractually require a broom-clean handover.
Important: "broom-clean" does not mean as-new — but floors, bathrooms, kitchen and windows must be clean, free of dirt and functional.
The move-out cleaning checklist: room by room
Kitchen
- Degrease hob and oven inside and out
- Clean or replace the extractor hood filter
- Defrost and wipe out fridge and freezer
- Wipe cabinets inside and out
- Clean sink, fittings and drain
- Descale tiles and grout
- Mop floor (including under appliances)
Bathroom & WC
- Disinfect toilet inside and out
- Descale and scrub shower and bathtub
- Polish basin, fittings and mirrors
- Clean tile grout (remove mould)
- Check drains and ensure they run freely
- Mop the floor
Living rooms & bedrooms
- Vacuum and mop floors (including behind radiators)
- Clean windows inside and out
- Wipe window sills, radiators and door frames
- Remove hooks and screws, fill holes
- Clean sockets and light switches
- Wipe built-in wardrobes inside and out
Hallway & utility rooms
- Mop entrance and hallway
- Empty and clean cellar / storage rooms
- Empty and clean the letterbox
Cellar / loft (if rented)
- Completely emptied
- Floor swept
The most common Berlin handover mistakes
1. Windows cleaned only on the inside. Landlords always check the outside too. External window cleaning — especially raised ground floor or higher — is harder than people expect.
2. Ignoring mould in the shower. Mould in grout or silicone gets flagged immediately at handover and can lead to significant deposit deductions.
3. Forgetting the hob and oven. Baked-on grease in the oven is one of the most common reasons for deposit deductions in Berlin. Proper soaking and degreasing is essential.
4. Underestimating the time. A 60 m² flat needs 4–6 hours of focused work for a proper move-out clean. Squeezing that in on moving day puts you under enormous pressure.
DIY or hire a professional?
A professional move-out clean in Berlin costs between €150 and €400 — depending on size and condition. That sounds steep, but it is often cheaper than the deposit you stand to lose from a sub-par DIY job.
Why book DCVero for your move-out clean:
- Experienced team with professional equipment
- 100% eco-certified products — better for your health and the environment
- Photo report after every job as evidence for your landlord
- Flexible scheduling — short notice and weekends possible
- Fully insured (commercial liability)
Many of our clients book us the day before the handover. The team cleans the empty flat thoroughly and documents the result with photos — a strong argument at any handover meeting.
Request your quote now
Moving out in Berlin and want to protect your deposit? See our move-out cleaning service, or message us on WhatsApp at +49 176 65375623 — we reply within 2 hours.
DCVero Dienstleistungen — Clean. Green. On time.