Ontario Landlord Move-Out Cleaning Checklist 2026
Ontario's Residential Tenancies Act sets out that tenants must return a unit in a "clean" condition at the end of a tenancy — but the Act doesn't define "clean" with specificity. In practice, this creates disputes. Here's a practical checklist for landlords of what's reasonable to require, and what documentation protects your ability to make a deduction.
What You Can Reasonably Require
- Kitchen: Oven cleaned (inside), fridge cleaned (inside and out), all cabinets wiped, counters clean, no food residue or grease buildup
- Bathrooms: Toilet scrubbed, tub/shower free of soap scum, sink clean, floors mopped
- All rooms: Floors vacuumed/mopped, no excessive dust, windows clean (interior)
- Entry areas: Front entry swept, any salt damage cleaned
What You Cannot Deduct For
- Normal wear and tear — light dust, minor scuffs, normal floor wear is not deductible
- Damage present at move-in — anything not documented in the move-in condition report
- Painting — repainting at end of tenancy is generally a landlord cost unless there's damage beyond normal wear
Protecting Yourself
- Document the unit's condition at move-in with timestamped photos
- Document the unit's condition at move-out with timestamped photos before cleaning
- If the tenant's clean doesn't meet the standard, get a professional invoice — deductions from the deposit require written documentation within the LTB's prescribed timelines