Ontario Tenant Move-Out Cleaning Checklist
Under the Ontario Residential Tenancies Act, tenants are required to leave a unit in a "reasonably clean condition." This checklist covers every area a landlord will inspect, organized by room, with notes on what's required vs. what's normal wear and tear.
What "Reasonably Clean" Means in Ontario
The Ontario Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) has established through case decisions that tenants must return the unit in the same condition they received it, accounting for reasonable wear and tear. This is not a perfect standard — small scuffs on walls, minor floor wear, and faded paint are normal wear and tear and are NOT chargeable. What is chargeable: excessive grease buildup, mould from improper ventilation, damage beyond normal use, and extreme filth.
Kitchen — Complete Checklist
- Oven interior — remove all baked-on grease, clean racks, broiler drawer
- Range hood — clean grease filter and exterior
- Stovetop and burners — remove all grease buildup
- Refrigerator — empty, defrost if applicable, clean all shelves and drawers
- Inside all cabinets and drawers — wipe clean
- Countertops and backsplash — no grease or staining
- Sink — descale and polish
- Dishwasher — clean interior filter and door seal
Bathrooms — Complete Checklist
- Toilet — bowl, under rim, exterior, and floor around base
- Shower or tub — remove soap scum, limescale, and mould
- Shower door track or curtain rod
- Tile and grout — scrub to remove mould and soap residue
- Sink — descale and clean drain
- Mirror — streak-free
- Exhaust fan — remove dust buildup (fire hazard)
- Cabinet interiors
Throughout the Home
- Floors — vacuum and mop all rooms
- Baseboards — dust and wipe along entire length
- Window sills and tracks
- Walls — spot clean visible scuffs and marks (normal scuffs are wear and tear)
- Closet interiors — vacuum and wipe shelves
- Light switches and outlet covers
- Ceiling fans and light fixtures
What Ontario Landlords Cannot Charge For
- Small scuffs on walls from normal furniture placement or movement
- Faded or slightly discoloured paint (unless you made unauthorized changes)
- Normal floor wear from walking
- Minor carpet wear in traffic areas
- Worn finishes on countertops and fixtures from normal use
Protect Your Deposit — Get a Professional Clean
The safest approach for Ontario tenants: book a professional move-out clean and keep the invoice with before-and-after photos. If the landlord disputes the condition, you have documented evidence that professional cleaning was performed. Maidless provides a timestamped photo report on every move-out clean — HST receipt included. Book at maidless.ca/ontario.