The Ultimate Move-Out Cleaning Checklist (Toronto Edition)

enjoyhousecleaning
Nov 19
3 min read

Your go-to guide to get your full deposit back — and leave your home spotless.

Ultimate Move-Out Cleaning Checklist (Toronto Edition)

Moving out in Toronto or the GTA is stressful enough. Packing, paperwork, keys, elevator bookings… and on top of that, you’re expected to hand over a perfectly clean home if you want your full deposit back.

To make your life easier (and avoid surprises on move-out day), here’s the ultimate landlord-approved Move-Out Cleaning Checklist (Toronto) — based on what property managers, landlords, and real estate agents in Toronto typically expect.

Why Move-Out Cleaning Matters in Toronto

Landlords in Toronto and the GTA are famously strict about cleanliness during move-out inspections. Even if you’ve taken good care of the place, dust, grease, and hidden buildup can cost you part (or all) of your deposit.

A proper move-out cleaning ensures:

You meet the building’s move-out requirements
You avoid extra charges from property management
You leave the space ready for new tenants
You reduce stress on an already busy day

The Essential Move-Out Cleaning Checklist Toronto Edition

Below is what most landlords and building managers in Toronto look for.Use this list to guide your final clean — or to understand what to expect if you book a professional Move-Out cleaning.

1. Kitchen — High-Attention Zone

The kitchen is where most deductions happen. Landlords are extra picky here.

✔ Appliances (inside + outside)

Inside the fridge
Inside the freezer (if defrosted)
Inside and outside of the oven
Stove top + burners
Microwave inside + outside
Range hood and filters
Dishwasher edges and seals

✔ Cabinets & Drawers (inside + outside)Remove crumbs, grease, dust and residue.

✔ Sinks & CountertopsScrub, disinfect, remove stains and buildup.

✔ Backsplash & WallsEspecially behind the stove — grease hides everywhere.

✔ FloorsVacuum + wash, including under appliances if accessible.

2. Bathrooms — Landlord Hotspots

Bathrooms are the second biggest reason tenants lose deposits.

✔ Shower / BathtubRemove soap scum, mildew, hard-water stains.

✔ Glass doorsNo streaks or water marks.

✔ Toilet (full sanitization)Inside, outside, base, behind the toilet.

✔ Vanity, sink, drawers & cabinets (inside + outside)

✔ Mirrors

✔ Tiles & grout detailing

✔ Exhaust fan

✔ Floors (deep wash)

3. Bedrooms & Living Areas

✔ BaseboardsThese always collect dust — landlords check.

✔ Doors, door frames, handlesFingerprints and smudges are common.

✔ Closets (shelves + tracks)

✔ Light switches & outlets

✔ Windowsills & tracks

✔ FloorsVacuum and wash (or vacuum carpeted floors thoroughly).

4. Appliances & Details Tenants Often Forget

These small details add up — and landlords definitely notice.

✔ Laundry machines (inside + outside)Front-load seals collect grime.

✔ Inside light fixturesBugs + dust.

✔ Vents & air returnsDust buildup is very common.

✔ WallsSpot cleaning scuffs and fingerprints.

✔ Balcony sweeping (if applicable)

Extras That Increase Cleaning Time (and Cost)

Some homes need a little more attention depending on condition.These add time to the estimate:

Heavy grease (kitchen, oven, stove)
Thick dust (long time without cleaning)
Pet hair everywhere
Post-renovation dust
Deep stains in bathrooms
Extra tasks like:
- Inside windows
- Inside appliances not originally requested
- Walls washing
- Organizing
- Decluttering
- Heavy buildup in grout
- Moving large furniture

Every home is different — and the condition affects how many hours your cleaning will need.

What Landlords in Toronto Usually Require

To avoid deductions, most landlords expect the home to be:

✔ Professionally cleaned✔ Free of grease, dust, stains and odors✔ Appliances cleaned inside + outside✔ All surfaces wiped and sanitized✔ Bathrooms detailed✔ Floors washed✔ Cabinets emptied and cleaned✔ No trash left behind

Buildings with move-in/move-out elevators (common in Toronto condos) also expect the unit to be handed over ready for inspection right after cleaning.