Moving out of a rental property in Toronto can be stressful, but losing your security deposit due to inadequate cleaning adds unnecessary frustration and financial loss. Understanding what landlords expect and following a comprehensive cleaning checklist significantly increases your chances of receiving your full deposit back. This guide covers everything you need to know about move-out cleaning in Ontario.
Understanding Ontario Rental Standards
According to the Ontario Residential Tenancies Act, tenants must leave rental units in reasonably clean condition, accounting for normal wear and tear. Landlords cannot withhold deposits for minor issues or normal deterioration, but they can for inadequate cleaning or damage beyond normal use.
Start with the Kitchen
Kitchens receive intense scrutiny during move-out inspections. Clean inside and outside all appliances—the refrigerator, oven, microwave, and dishwasher require thorough attention. Remove all food remnants, wipe down shelves and drawers, and ensure no grease or grime remains. Clean the stovetop, including burner elements and drip pans. Don\’t forget the exhaust fan filter, which often accumulates significant grease buildup.
Scrub countertops, backsplashes, and sinks until they shine. Clean cabinet exteriors and hardware. Sweep and mop floors, paying special attention to corners and under appliances where crumbs accumulate.
Bathroom Deep Cleaning
Bathrooms must be spotless. According to CMHC rental housing guidelines, hygiene standards are particularly important in bathrooms. Scrub the toilet inside and out, including behind and around the base. Clean the bathtub or shower thoroughly, removing all soap scum, mildew, and hard water stains from tiles and grout.
Polish mirrors and fixtures until streak-free. Clean the vanity, sink, and faucets. Wipe down light fixtures and exhaust fans. Sweep and mop floors, ensuring corners and edges are spotless. Replace any missing or broken items like toilet paper holders or towel bars.
Living Areas and Bedrooms
Vacuum all carpets thoroughly, including edges and corners. If carpets show stains, consider professional cleaning—it\’s often worth the investment to secure your deposit. For hardwood or tile floors, sweep and mop until clean. Dust and wipe all baseboards, window sills, and door frames.
Clean inside all closets and cabinets. Remove any nails, picture hangers, or adhesive hooks from walls. Fill small holes with spackling compound and touch up with matching paint if necessary—check your lease agreement about painting requirements.
Windows and Glass
Clean all windows inside and out if accessible. Remove window screens, wash them, and reinstall. Clean window tracks and frames where dirt and debris accumulate. Don\’t forget sliding door glass and tracks.
Don\’t Overlook These Areas
Many tenants forget crucial spots that landlords check. Clean light switches and outlet covers. Wipe down all doors, including the tops. Dust ceiling fans and light fixtures. Remove cobwebs from corners and ceilings. Clean the balcony or patio if applicable. Ensure all vents and air returns are dust-free.
Final Touches
Remove all personal belongings and trash. Ensure nothing remains in storage areas, closets, or outdoor spaces. Take photos of the clean property for your records—this documentation proves the condition you left the unit in case disputes arise.
Consider Professional Help
Professional move-out cleaning services understand exactly what landlords and property managers expect. They have commercial-grade equipment and products that achieve superior results. According to Toronto housing resources, professional cleaning receipts also provide documentation of your efforts if deposit disputes occur.
The cost of professional cleaning is typically far less than losing even a portion of your security deposit. Plus, it saves you valuable time and stress during an already hectic moving period.
Timing Matters
Schedule cleaning for after all belongings are removed but before your final walk-through with the landlord. This ensures nothing gets missed and you can address any concerns before officially moving out.
Moving out doesn\’t have to mean losing your security deposit. With thorough cleaning and attention to detail, you can leave on good terms and recover your full deposit. If you\’re feeling overwhelmed or want to ensure professional results, contact our move-out cleaning specialists serving Toronto, Scarborough, East York, and North York. Let us handle the cleaning while you focus on your move.