Moving is stressful enough without worrying about your security deposit. In Ontario, landlords can deduct cleaning costs from your deposit if the unit isn’t left in reasonable condition. Whether you DIY or hire professionals, here’s the room-by-room checklist Toronto property managers actually inspect.
Kitchen
- Clean inside and outside of oven (including racks)
- Clean inside fridge and freezer (defrost freezer first)
- Wipe down all cabinets inside and out
- Degrease stovetop, range hood, and backsplash
- Scrub sink and faucet, remove limescale
- Mop floors, including under appliances if accessible
- Wipe light switches, outlets, and door handles
Bathrooms
- Scrub toilet (including base and behind)
- Descale showerhead, scrub tub/shower walls and grout
- Clean mirrors and glass
- Wipe vanity, sink, and faucet
- Empty and wipe medicine cabinet
- Mop floors, including corners and behind the toilet
Bedrooms & living areas
- Dust all surfaces, shelves, and baseboards
- Clean inside closets (shelves, rods, floors)
- Wipe window sills and tracks
- Vacuum carpets (consider shampooing for stains)
- Mop hard floors
- Remove nails/hooks and fill holes; touch up paint if required by lease
Throughout the unit
- Dust ceiling fans and light fixtures
- Wipe all doors, frames, and handles
- Clean light switch plates and outlet covers
- Check smoke detectors are working
- Take photos of every room after cleaning (your proof)
Don’t forget
- Balcony/patio sweep
- Storage locker cleanout
- Garbage and recycling removed — nothing left behind
DIY or hire professionals?
A thorough move-out clean of a 1-bedroom condo takes 4–6 hours for one person; a 2–3 bedroom home can take a full day. Professional move-in/move-out cleaning in the GTA typically runs $250–$500+ depending on size and condition.
Consider hiring pros if: you’re on a tight timeline between leases, the unit needs carpet shampooing or heavy degreasing, or you simply want the deposit-safe guarantee without spending your moving weekend scrubbing grout.
Get it done right
Cleaning Rituals specializes in move-in/move-out cleaning across Toronto and the GTA. We follow a deposit-safe checklist, bring all supplies and equipment, and offer free quotes — so you can hand back the keys with confidence.
Visit cleaningrituals.ca for a free move-out cleaning quote.