Moving out in Spain: an end-of-tenancy clean for your deposit
Leaving a rental in Marbella or the Costa del Sol? What landlords check at handover, a room-by-room cleaning checklist and how to protect your deposit.
· 1 min read
What happens at handover
When you leave a rented home in Spain, the landlord or agent usually walks through the property and compares it with its condition when you moved in. The deposit (the fianza, normally held against damage and unpaid bills) is returned if everything is in order.
Normal wear from daily living is generally not charged, but dirt, grease and neglected areas can lead to deductions. Check your contract, and compare with any photos or inventory you made at the start.
The places that get noticed
Kitchens decide most handovers: the inside of the oven, the extractor hood and its filter, the fridge and freezer (emptied, defrosted and wiped), the hob and the cupboards inside and out.
In bathrooms, look at limescale on taps, shower screens and grout, and clean the toilet thoroughly. Then wipe skirting boards, door frames, light switches, wardrobes and inside drawers.
Windows, floors and the details
Clean windows inside, tracks and shutter (persiana) slats included, and wipe terrace doors and balcony floors. Vacuum and mop every floor last, once everything else is finished, and empty any bins.
Do not forget air-conditioning grilles, which collect dust, and remove everything you own, including food and items left in storage rooms or garages.
Timing and getting help
Plan the clean for after the last box has gone but before the handover, and leave time to open windows so the home dries and smells fresh. Take dated photos of every room when you finish, in case of a dispute later.
If you are short on time, Lavanda can clean a property before handover. Book online to see the starting price; we confirm the final price for your property before the clean.
