Cleaning Rental Properties Between Tenants in Ontario
Ontario landlords have specific obligations around property condition at turnover, and the cleaning that happens between tenants directly affects both the property's rental appeal and any security deposit (last month's rent) disputes under the Residential Tenancies Act.
Ontario RTA Framework
Under Ontario's RTA, the last month's rent deposit can only be applied to last month's rent — it cannot legally be used for cleaning costs after a tenant leaves, even if the property is left in poor condition. Cleaning cost deductions must be pursued separately through the Landlord and Tenant Board if the tenant refuses to pay. This means the financial value of cleaning documentation is in establishing the condition at entry (for future LTB applications) rather than automatic deposit deduction.
Move-Out Inspection Documentation
Document the property condition thoroughly on the day the tenant vacates: photograph every room, appliance interior, bathroom, and any areas of concern. Compare against the move-in condition report (which should have been completed at the tenancy start). This documentation is your evidence base if a Landlord and Tenant Board application becomes necessary.
Between-Tenant Cleaning Scope
Professional between-tenant cleaning typically covers: full kitchen including appliance interiors (oven, fridge, dishwasher), all bathrooms, all floors and walls (spot cleaning marks), windows interior, and all light fixtures and ceiling fans. For properties with significant wear, a full repaint is often the most cost-effective intervention — paint over rather than trying to deep clean wall surfaces that have absorbed years of cooking, pet, and smoke odour.
Pricing (2026)
| Unit Type | Between-Tenant Clean |
|---|---|
| 1 Bed / 1 Bath | $198–$268 |
| 3 Bed / 1.5 Bath House | $298–$398 |
Includes Ontario HST (13%). Book at maidless.ca/ontario.