Move-out cleaning is one of the most common sources of disputes between Ontario landlords and tenants. The Ontario Residential Tenancies Act sets out the legal framework, but what that means in practice — what you must clean, what counts as normal wear and tear, and what documentation protects you — is less well understood. This guide covers everything.
Ontario RTA and Move-Out Cleaning: The Legal Basics
The Ontario Residential Tenancies Act requires tenants to maintain the rental unit in a state of ordinary cleanliness throughout the tenancy and to return it in the same condition it was received, with allowance for ordinary wear and tear. "Ordinary wear and tear" does not include cleaning — a dirty oven, soap scum, or accumulated grime are not considered normal wear and tear under Ontario law.
Key difference from BC
Ontario allows landlords to collect only a last-month's-rent deposit — not a damage deposit like in BC. This means landlords who want to deduct for cleaning costs above the rent deposit must apply to the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB). In practice, many disputes are resolved between parties without LTB involvement — but having documentation (receipts, photos) is essential either way.
The Move-Out Inspection
Ontario landlords are required to complete a move-in and move-out inspection with the tenant. Best practices:
- Walk through the unit with your landlord before your last day
- Get any concerns noted in writing, signed by both parties
- Take your own timestamped photos of every room
If your landlord refuses to do an inspection, document this in writing. A landlord's failure to complete a required inspection report weakens their ability to claim cleaning deductions.
Full Move-Out Cleaning Checklist for Ontario Rentals
Kitchen
- Inside oven, broiler drawer, and oven racks
- Stovetop — all burners, grates, and drip pans
- Range hood and grease filters
- Microwave interior (if applicable)
- Inside refrigerator — all shelves, drawers, door seals
- Inside all cabinets and drawers
- Under the sink
- Countertops, backsplash, and sink
- Dishwasher interior (if applicable)
Bathrooms
- Toilet — bowl, under the rim, exterior, base, seat and lid
- Shower and tub — walls, grout, caulking, showerhead
- Vanity, sink, faucet
- Cabinet and drawer interiors
- Mirror
- Exhaust fan — dust and grime
- Floors and baseboards
All Rooms
- Floors — vacuumed or swept and mopped
- Baseboards throughout
- Window sills and window tracks
- Interior windowpanes
- Light switch plates and outlet covers
- Ceiling fans and light fixtures
- Inside all closets
- Walls — spot clean scuffs and marks
Move-Out Cleaning Prices Across Ontario (2026)
| City | 1 Bed / 1 Bath | 2 Bed / 2 Bath | 3 Bed / 2 Bath |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toronto | $279–$359 | $399–$509 | $509–$659 |
| Mississauga | $259–$329 | $369–$469 | $479–$619 |
| Brampton | $249–$319 | $349–$449 | $459–$589 |
| Hamilton | $239–$309 | $339–$429 | $449–$569 |
| Barrie | $229–$299 | $319–$409 | $419–$539 |
All prices include Ontario HST (13%).
What to Do If Your Landlord Disputes the Clean
- Present your cleaning receipt and before-and-after photos
- If your service offers a guarantee, book a re-clean of any disputed areas
- Request all concerns in writing from your landlord
- If disputes cannot be resolved, apply to the LTB at ltb.gov.on.ca (filing fee: $53)
Maidless provides a receipt and timestamped before-and-after photos on every move-out job across all Ontario cities we serve. Our re-clean guarantee means we'll address any landlord concern within 24 hours.