What do landlords actually check during a move-out inspection?
Landlords and property managers focus on areas that cost money to fix or clean after you leave. Having a solid move-out cleaning checklist ensures you cover the spots that trigger the most common deposit deductions:
- Dirty oven and stovetop
- Grimy bathroom tile and grout
- Dusty or dirty baseboards
- Stained or sticky floors
- Dirty cabinet and closet interiors
- Neglected appliance interiors (fridge, dishwasher)
The checklist below covers all of these. If you clean everything on this list, you have addressed the cleanliness standard most landlords expect. The average move-out cleaning in Canada costs $150 to $300 when hired out, which is almost always less than what a landlord deducts for a dirty unit.
Kitchen move-out checklist
The kitchen gets the most scrutiny because it is the most expensive room to restore.
- Clean inside the oven (racks, walls, door glass)
- Clean inside the fridge (shelves, drawers, walls, door seals)
- Clean inside the dishwasher (filter, door edges, racks)
- Degrease the stovetop, drip pans, and range hood
- Wipe all countertops and backsplash
- Clean inside all cabinets and drawers (crumbs, stains, shelf liner)
- Wipe exterior of all cabinet doors and handles
- Clean the sink and polish the faucet
- Wipe light switches and outlet covers
- Sweep and mop the floor, including edges and under-cabinet toe kicks
Bathroom move-out checklist
Bathrooms show neglect quickly. Grout, fixtures, and the toilet base are the areas landlords notice first.
- Scrub and sanitize the toilet (inside bowl, exterior, base, behind tank)
- Clean shower/tub tile and grout
- Descale shower glass, faucets, and showerhead
- Clean the vanity, sink, and mirror
- Wipe inside medicine cabinet or vanity drawers
- Clean the exhaust fan cover
- Wipe baseboards around the entire room
- Sweep and mop the floor (including behind the toilet)
Bedroom and living area move-out checklist
With furniture gone, every mark and dust bunny is visible. Use the empty space to your advantage.
- Wipe inside all closets (shelves, rods, floor)
- Clean closet doors and tracks (sliding doors collect grime)
- Wipe all baseboards around the room
- Clean window sills and tracks
- Wipe interior window glass
- Clean light switches, outlet covers, and door handles
- Dust light fixtures and ceiling fan blades
- Vacuum all floors, including closet floors and edges
- Mop hard floors
Entryway, hallway, and extras
These areas are easy to forget but visible during a walkthrough.
- Wipe the front door (interior side) and door frame
- Clean the coat closet interior
- Wipe hallway baseboards
- Clean any built-in shelving or linen closets
- Vacuum and mop hallway floors
- Wipe the thermostat and any wall-mounted fixtures
- Clean the laundry area (washer/dryer exterior, lint trap, shelf)
Common mistakes that cost deposits
Even thorough cleaners miss these:
| Missed area | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Top of the fridge | Landlords check. It collects a thick layer of greasy dust. |
| Oven door glass (between panes) | Visible grease between the glass panels looks terrible. |
| Baseboards throughout | Dusty baseboards signal “not cleaned” even if floors are spotless. |
| Window tracks | Caked-in dirt and dead insects are immediately visible. |
| Cabinet interiors | Crumbs and stains inside cabinets suggest the whole unit was neglected. |
| Behind the toilet | The base and floor behind the toilet collect dust and splatter. |
The timing that works
The best sequence for a move-out clean:
- Move furniture out first. You cannot clean behind things that are still there.
- Clean top to bottom. Start with high shelves and light fixtures, end with floors.
- Do kitchens and bathrooms first. They take the longest and need products to soak.
- Finish with a final floor pass. Vacuum and mop everything once all other tasks are done.
- Do a walkthrough yourself. Check every room from the doorway, the way your landlord will.
How long does a move-out clean take?
Time depends on unit size and how well the home was maintained during your tenancy.
| Unit size | DIY (one person) | Professional team |
|---|---|---|
| 1 bedroom | 4-6 hours | 2-3 hours |
| 2 bedrooms | 6-8 hours | 3-4 hours |
| 3 bedrooms | 8-10 hours | 4-5 hours |
| 4+ bedrooms | 10-12 hours | 5-6 hours |
These estimates assume furniture is already removed. Heavy buildup (grease in the kitchen, mildew in bathrooms) adds time regardless of method.
When to hire a professional move-out clean
Consider a professional move-out cleaning service when:
- Your move date and inspection are the same day (no time to clean yourself)
- The unit has not been deep cleaned in over a year
- You want a guaranteed standard that satisfies property managers
- You are managing a move across cities and cannot be in two places at once
Professional move-out cleans typically take three to five hours and cover everything on this list plus areas most people miss. The cost is usually less than the deposit deduction you would face for an unclean unit. In Durham Region, expect to pay $299 or more depending on unit size and condition.
Book your move-out clean at least two weeks before your move date, especially if you are leaving at the end of the month when demand peaks.