Security deposits in Ontario are technically called “rent deposits” and can only be applied to the last month’s rent — not damage or cleaning. Still, many landlords use a poor move-out inspection as leverage in disputes, or to delay returning funds. A genuinely clean unit removes that leverage entirely. Here’s the full room-by-room checklist we use on every move-out booking.
Kitchen
The room landlords inspect hardest
- Inside oven, racks, and stovetop — grease buildup is the #1 deposit dispute trigger
- Inside refrigerator and freezer, including door seals
- Inside and outside all cabinets and drawers
- Range hood and exhaust filter
- Countertops, backsplash, and sink (descale faucet)
- Floor including under removable appliances
Bathrooms
Grout and mold are the most common deductions
- Tub, shower, and grout lines scrubbed and mold-free
- Toilet, including base and behind the bowl
- Vanity, sink, and mirror — descaled and streak-free
- Exhaust fan cover dusted
- Inside medicine cabinets and under-sink cabinets
Bedrooms
- Inside closets, including shelving and rods
- Baseboards and window sills dusted
- Light fixtures and ceiling fans
- Floors vacuumed and/or mopped
- Walls spot-checked for marks
Living Room
- Baseboards, window sills, and door frames
- Light fixtures and switch plates
- Floors thoroughly cleaned
- Any built-in shelving wiped down
Laundry Room
- Inside washer drum and detergent tray
- Dryer lint trap and exterior
- Floor behind and under machines if accessible
Entry & Hallways
- Entryway floor and closet
- Light switches and door handles wiped (high-touch areas)
- Hallway baseboards and walls spot-checked
What Landlords Actually Inspect
| Area | What They Check |
|---|---|
| Kitchen appliances | Grease, food residue inside oven/fridge |
| Bathroom grout | Mold, soap scum, mineral buildup |
| Walls & baseboards | Scuff marks, nail holes, dust |
| Floors | Stains, residue, vacuum lines |
| Windows & sills | Dust, fingerprints, tracks |
Take dated photos or video of every room after cleaning, before the final walkthrough. Under Ontario’s Residential Tenancies Act, landlords cannot deduct for normal wear and tear — photo evidence is your strongest protection if a dispute arises later at the Landlord and Tenant Board.
DIY vs. Professional Move-Out Cleaning
A thorough DIY move-out clean on a 2–3 bedroom unit realistically takes 5–8 hours of focused work, on top of the time already spent packing and moving. A professional move-out clean typically takes a two-person team 3–4 hours, with the deep-clean-level detail landlords specifically look for — grout, appliance interiors, and baseboards included as standard, not an upsell.
Move-out cleaning starts from $200 for a studio or condo and $390 for a 3-bedroom unit. See our full 2026 pricing guide for detailed rates, or read our deep clean vs. standard clean comparison to understand exactly what’s included.
Book Your Move-Out Clean
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