Apartment turnover cleaning typically costs $100-$450 per unit, with an average near $225 for a vacant, standard-condition apartment. Unit size, local labor rates, heavy soil, and add-ons such as oven cleaning or carpet extraction can push the quote higher.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio or small unit | $100 | $150 | $225 | About 400-600 sq ft |
| One-bedroom | $125 | $200 | $300 | About 600-900 sq ft |
| Two-bedroom | $175 | $275 | $400 | About 900-1,300 sq ft |
| Three-bedroom | $250 | $350 | $550 | About 1,300-1,800 sq ft |
| Per-square-foot rate | $0.15 | $0.25 | $0.40 | Higher for unusually dirty units |
What landlords pay for a standard apartment turnover clean
Most quotes cover a vacant unit’s kitchen, bathroom, floors, reachable surfaces, cabinets, and interior windows. A typical one-bedroom clean runs $125-$300, while a two-bedroom often costs $175-$400. These ranges assume ordinary dust and residue, working utilities, and no hazardous waste or extensive repairs.
A basic turnover clean is usually priced by unit size and condition, not by a flat national rate. Some companies quote a minimum charge of $100-$150 even for a small studio. Per-square-foot pricing may be more common for property managers ordering several units at once.
Assumptions: U.S. standard cleaning, vacant apartment, normal access, and no major restoration work.
How labor, supplies, and disposal shape the cleaning quote
Labor is generally the largest expense. A cleaner may charge $25-$50 per hour, while a company rate can reach $35-$65 per labor hour after insurance, supervision, and overhead. Supplies are usually included, but disposal, access delays, or specialty products may be billed separately.
| Quote component | Typical charge | What it covers | When it rises |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cleaning labor | $25-$65 per labor hour | Kitchen, bath, floors, surfaces | Heavy soil or extra rooms |
| Supplies and equipment | $10-$35 per unit | Standard chemicals and tools | Specialty products required |
| Trash removal | $20-$100 per load | Bagged, nonhazardous debris | Large volume or distant disposal |
| Company overhead | $15-$60 per unit | Scheduling, insurance, supervision | Small or urgent appointments |
For example, 5 labor hours at $40 per hour produces $200 in labor before supplies or additional fees.
How unit size and condition change per-apartment pricing
Size sets the baseline, but condition determines how quickly a crew can finish. A 700-square-foot unit with light dust can fall near $125-$225; the same floor area with greasy cabinets, soap buildup, or pet hair may cost $225-$350. A 1,500-square-foot apartment commonly lands around $275-$500 before specialty work.
Several scope thresholds can change the estimate. Units above 1,200 square feet may require an additional cleaner or more labor hours. More than two bathrooms can add roughly $25-$60 per bathroom, while extensive adhesive, paint specks, or smoke residue may require a separate deep-cleaning rate.
Condition grading is often more important than a small difference in square footage. Request that the quote define “standard” versus “heavy” soil and identify whether inside appliances and cabinets are included.
What add-ons increase a vacant-unit cleaning bill
Common extras are oven interiors at $25-$60, refrigerator interiors at $20-$50, cabinet interiors at $20-$75, and interior window cleaning at $4-$10 per window. Carpet extraction often costs $0.20-$0.50 per square foot, with minimum charges of about $75-$150.
Pet odor treatment, grease removal, or post-construction dust can add $50-$250 or more depending on severity. Hauling abandoned furniture is usually separate from cleaning and may cost $75-$300 per load. Ask whether the contractor charges a trip fee or minimum for a second visit if repairs are still underway.
Confirm each included task in writing to avoid paying twice for appliance or carpet work. Cleaning crews may not remove paint, construction debris, biohazards, or bulky items unless those services are explicitly listed.
How long a turnover clean takes and labor rates
A studio may take 2-3 labor hours, a one-bedroom 3-5 hours, and a two-bedroom 4-7 hours. A three-bedroom with two bathrooms can require 6-10 labor hours. Two cleaners working three hours represent six labor hours, even though the appointment lasts only three hours.
Vacant units are usually faster than occupied homes because crews can reach floors and surfaces. Delayed keys, missing utilities, elevator restrictions, or unfinished maintenance can add $25-$100 in waiting or return-trip charges, depending on the contract.
Ask whether the estimate is based on labor hours or a fixed per-unit price. Fixed pricing makes budgeting easier, while hourly pricing can be fairer when unit condition is uncertain.
Regional labor markets shift apartment cleaning prices
Large coastal cities and high-cost metro areas may run 15%-35% above the national middle, while lower-cost rural markets can be 10%-20% below it. Local wage levels, parking, building access, and contractor availability all affect the final quote. A two-bedroom priced at $275 in a mid-cost market might reach $320-$370 in a high-cost city, or $220-$250 in a lower-cost area.
Travel charges are more likely when properties sit outside a provider’s normal service area. Multi-unit contracts may reduce the per-apartment rate by 5%-15% if units are ready together and crews can work without repeated setup or travel.
Compare quotes from providers serving the same local market and using the same task list. A low advertised rate may exclude appliance interiors, trash hauling, or sales tax where applicable.
How to lower turnover cleaning charges without cutting scope
Schedule cleaning after maintenance, painting, and flooring work are complete so the crew does not need to return. Remove tenant belongings and bag ordinary trash before arrival, but verify whether the cleaner’s contract permits customer prep or charges for disposal.
Bundle several vacant units in one building, provide clear access instructions, and send photos of unusually dirty areas before requesting a quote. Compare at least three itemized estimates and check whether they include the same rooms, appliances, windows, and carpet treatment.
Choose only the add-ons needed for the property’s condition. For example, a clean oven may not need a paid interior service, while stained carpet may need extraction beyond routine vacuuming. Clear scope and coordinated scheduling are usually safer savings than removing essential kitchen or bathroom tasks.