End of Tenancy Cleaning in Toronto — What the Ontario RTA Requires
Under the Ontario Residential Tenancies Act (RTA), tenants are required to leave a rental unit in a "reasonably clean condition." This standard is the basis for any landlord's claim against a deposit or last-month's rent at the end of a tenancy. Understanding exactly what this means — and what it doesn't mean — is important for Toronto tenants navigating end-of-lease.
What "Reasonably Clean" Means Under Ontario Law
The Ontario RTA does not define "reasonably clean" precisely, but the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) has established through case decisions a general standard: the unit should be returned in the same state of cleanliness as when the tenant moved in, accounting for reasonable wear and tear. This means:
- Kitchen appliances — clean inside and outside
- Refrigerator — emptied, defrosted, and cleaned
- Bathroom — clean and sanitary
- Floors — vacuumed or mopped
- Walls — not excessively marked or stained (small scuffs are normal wear and tear)
- Windows — clean (though landlords rarely hold tenants responsible for exterior window cleaning)
What Landlords Cannot Charge For
Normal wear and tear is explicitly excluded from tenant liability under the Ontario RTA. Small scuffs on walls, minor floor wear, faded paint, and standard appliance use are NOT chargeable. Only damage beyond normal wear — excessive grease buildup, mould from improper ventilation, holes in walls, cigarette smoke damage, or extreme filth — can be claimed.
End of Tenancy Cleaning Prices in Toronto (2026)
| Home Size | Price (incl. HST) |
|---|---|
| Bachelor / Studio | $219–$279 |
| 1 Bed / 1 Bath | $259–$329 |
| 2 Bed / 1 Bath | $299–$379 |
| 2 Bed / 2 Bath | $369–$469 |
| 3 Bed / 2 Bath | $489–$629 |
All prices include Ontario HST. Timestamped before-and-after photos provided on every end-of-tenancy clean — essential documentation for any LTB dispute. Book at maidless.ca/ontario.