Move-Out Cleaning Checklist for Ottawa Tenants

Moving out of a rental in Ottawa? A proper clean makes the final walk-through easy, keeps things friendly with your landlord and helps you get a good reference for your next place. Here's a room-by-room move-out cleaning checklist, what Ontario law actually expects of tenants, and how long it all takes.

What Ontario tenants are expected to clean

Ontario's standard lease says the tenant is responsible for the ordinary cleanliness of the rental unit, except for any cleaning the landlord agreed to do. In practice, that means leaving the unit reasonably clean, with your belongings and garbage removed. Normal wear and tear, like minor scuffs or faded paint, isn't your responsibility.

Two things surprise a lot of people moving from other provinces:

• There are no damage deposits in Ontario. A landlord can only collect a last month's rent deposit and a refundable key deposit. So you're not cleaning to "get your damage deposit back."
• A landlord can still claim for damage. If a unit is left with damage beyond normal wear and tear, a landlord can apply to the Landlord and Tenant Board. A clean, well-documented unit protects you.

Your lease may have its own move-out terms, so read it before you start. This is general information, not legal advice.

Move-out cleaning checklist, room by room

Kitchen

• Empty, defrost and wipe out the fridge and freezer, including shelves, drawers and door seals
• Clean inside the oven, the racks and the stovetop; pull out the drip pans or wipe under the burners
• Wipe inside and outside all cabinets and drawers
• Clean the countertops, backsplash and sink, and shine the faucet
• Clean inside the microwave and the range hood filter
• Wipe the front of the dishwasher and run it empty

Bathrooms

• Scrub the toilet inside and out, including the base and behind it
• Descale the shower, tub, tiles, grout and glass door
• Clean the sink, faucet, mirror and vanity, inside and out
• Clear hair from drains
• Wipe the exhaust fan cover and light fixtures

Bedrooms and living areas

• Empty and wipe closets, shelves and built-ins
• Wipe baseboards, window sills and door frames
• Clean light switches, outlets and door handles
• Dust ceiling fans, light fixtures and vents
• Clean interior windows and tracks
• Spot-clean marks on walls (test a hidden spot first)

Throughout the unit

• Vacuum everywhere, including closets and corners, then mop hard floors
• Remove nails and hooks only if your lease allows it, and ask before patching holes
• Take out all garbage, recycling and green bin items. Leftover items can lead to a claim
• Check the balcony, storage locker and parking spot

Take photos before you hand back the keys

Once the unit is clean, walk through with your phone and take dated photos and a short video of every room, the inside of the appliances and any existing damage. If your landlord does a move-out inspection, go through it together. Return all keys and fobs so your key deposit comes back to you.

How long does a move-out clean take?

Doing it yourself, plan on a full day for a one-bedroom apartment and a weekend for a larger home. That's after the boxes are out. A professional team works faster. For example, our move-out clean of a 1–2 bedroom unit is about 6¾ labour hours, or roughly 3½ hours on site with a two-person team.

What does a professional move-out clean cost in Ottawa?

At $45 per cleaner, per hour, with the oven, fridge, cabinets and interior windows included, a move-out clean with SHossaini Solutions is about:

• 1–2 bedroom, 1 bathroom: about $343 with HST
• 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom: about $381 with HST
• 3 bedroom, 2½ bathroom with finished basement: about $470 with HST

See the full breakdown in our house cleaning cost guide, or get your exact price with the instant calculator.

Tips for a stress-free move-out

1. Book the clean for after the movers leave. Empty rooms clean faster, and nothing gets dirty again.
2. Clean top to bottom. Dust falls, so do shelves and fixtures before floors.
3. Defrost the freezer the night before. Put towels down to catch the water.
4. Book early at the end of the month. Most Ottawa leases end on the last day of the month, so cleaners fill up fast.

Landlords: we also clean units between tenants, and we can coordinate painting and repairs for a faster turnover. See our leasing and property management services.

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to clean my apartment when I move out in Ontario?

Ontario's standard lease makes tenants responsible for the ordinary cleanliness of the unit, so you should leave it reasonably clean, with your belongings and garbage removed. Normal wear and tear isn't your responsibility.

Can an Ontario landlord keep a damage deposit?

No. In Ontario, a landlord can only collect a last month's rent deposit and a refundable key deposit. Damage deposits aren't allowed.

Can my landlord charge me for cleaning?

A landlord can't charge for normal wear and tear. If a unit is left with damage or in a condition well beyond ordinary cleanliness, the landlord can apply to the Landlord and Tenant Board.

How much does a move-out clean cost in Ottawa?

With us, it's about $343 with HST for a 1–2 bedroom unit and about $381 for a 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home, with the oven, fridge, cabinets and interior windows included.

Should I clean before or after the movers?

After. An empty unit cleans faster and more thoroughly, and nothing gets tracked back in.

This article is general information about Ontario rentals, not legal advice. Check your lease, and contact the Landlord and Tenant Board or a legal clinic for advice on your situation. Prices are estimates from our 2026 calculator, rounded, and include 13% HST.