Move out cleaning cost by home size
Understanding move out cleaning cost starts with unit size. More rooms means more cabinets, more closets, more floor space, and more time. In Durham Region, move-out cleaning from a professional company typically runs $299 to $500 or more.
| Home size | Typical price range (Durham Region) | Estimated time |
|---|---|---|
| Studio or 1-bedroom | $299 – $369 | 3-4 hours |
| 2 bedrooms | $349 – $429 | 4-5 hours |
| 3 bedrooms | $399 – $499 | 5-6 hours |
| 4+ bedrooms | $449 – $599+ | 6+ hours |
These ranges assume the home is in average condition with furniture already removed. Homes with heavy buildup, pet damage, or years of deferred cleaning may require a custom quote. For context, the Canadian average for move-out cleaning is around $225, but that figure includes smaller units and less thorough cleans. A proper move-out clean that passes inspection typically costs $249 to $649 depending on home size.
What factors affect move-out cleaning cost?
Beyond square footage, these variables influence your final price:
1. Condition of the home
A unit that was maintained regularly throughout the tenancy is faster to clean than one where grease has built up in the kitchen for years and mildew has taken hold in the bathroom. Heavy buildup adds time and may require specialized products.
2. Appliance interiors
Inside the oven, fridge, and dishwasher are standard expectations for a move-out clean. If these have not been cleaned in months (or years), they add significant time. Some companies include appliance interiors in their base price; others charge them as add-ons.
3. Pet damage and odour
Pet hair embedded in carpet, scratches on floors, and urine odour require extra attention. Carpet may need extraction cleaning (not just vacuuming) to remove pet dander and odour. This is often an additional charge.
4. Carpet cleaning
Some landlords require professional carpet cleaning as a separate line item. Steam extraction (hot water extraction) typically costs $100 to $200 for a full unit and may be in addition to the general move-out clean.
5. Wall marks and scuffs
Light scuff marks can be wiped during a move-out clean. Extensive wall damage (holes, stains, crayon) is outside the scope of cleaning and falls into repair territory.
Move-out cleaning vs the cost of losing your deposit
This is the real calculation. In Ontario, landlords cannot technically hold a “damage deposit” (only last month’s rent), but they can pursue cleaning costs through the Landlord and Tenant Board if the unit is left in worse condition than when you moved in.
| Scenario | Typical cost to you |
|---|---|
| You hire a move-out cleaner | $299 – $500 |
| Landlord hires their own cleaner and deducts from rent | $400 – $800+ (landlords often pay premium rates) |
| Landlord files with LTB for cleaning costs | $400 – $800+ plus your time attending hearings |
| Dispute with landlord over condition | Stress, time, potential reference issues |
Hiring your own cleaner is almost always cheaper than what a landlord will charge. You also control the quality and can ensure the job meets inspection standards.
For homeowners selling a property, a move-out clean before showings or before the buyer takes possession creates a better impression and avoids last-minute negotiations over the home’s condition.
What should a move-out clean include?
A proper move-out clean goes beyond surface cleaning. It covers everything a landlord or property manager will inspect during a walkthrough.
Kitchen:
- Inside all cabinets and drawers (wiped clean)
- Inside oven (degreased, racks cleaned)
- Inside fridge (all shelves, drawers, walls, door seals)
- Inside dishwasher (filter, interior, door seal)
- Inside microwave
- Range hood and filter degreased
- Countertops, backsplash, and sink
- All appliance exteriors
- Floor (swept and mopped, including under toe kicks)
Bathrooms:
- Toilet sanitized (inside, outside, base, behind)
- Shower/tub scrubbed, grout cleaned
- Fixtures descaled
- Inside vanity cabinets
- Mirror and medicine cabinet
- Exhaust fan cover
- Floor mopped (including behind toilet)
All rooms:
- Inside all closets (shelves, rods, floors)
- Window tracks and sills
- Baseboards throughout
- Light switches and outlet covers
- Light fixtures (dusted or wiped)
- All floors vacuumed and mopped
- Doors and door frames wiped
If your lease specifies additional requirements (carpet cleaning, wall washing, window exteriors), confirm these with your cleaning provider before booking.
When to schedule move-out cleaning
Timing matters. The ideal sequence:
- Move all furniture and belongings out
- Do a walkthrough yourself to identify problem areas
- Have the cleaning done
- Do your final inspection with the landlord
Book early. The end of the month is peak demand for move-out cleaning across Durham Region. If your move-out date is the 30th or 31st, book at least two weeks in advance. Last-minute bookings may not be available or may cost more due to rush scheduling.
Allow buffer time. If possible, schedule the cleaning one to two days before your final inspection. This gives you time to address anything the cleaners missed or that you notice afterward.
DIY vs professional move-out cleaning
Cleaning the unit yourself saves money but carries risk. If the landlord is not satisfied with your cleaning, you may end up paying for a professional anyway (at their chosen company’s rates, which you do not control).
| Factor | DIY | Professional |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $30 – $80 in supplies | $299 – $500+ |
| Time | 6-12 hours (one person) | 0 hours (your time) |
| Risk | Landlord may reject and hire their own | Professional standard, receipt as proof |
| Appliance interiors | You need oven cleaner, time, effort | Included in scope |
| Documentation | None unless you photograph | Invoice serves as proof of professional cleaning |
The receipt matters. A professional cleaning invoice demonstrates to a landlord that you took reasonable steps to return the unit in good condition. This is useful documentation if a dispute arises.
Getting the best value from move-out cleaning
Three strategies:
-
Remove everything first. An empty unit is faster (and therefore cheaper) to clean. Do not ask cleaners to work around boxes and furniture.
-
Do a pre-clean walkthrough. Identify the worst areas and communicate them to the cleaning company. If the oven has not been cleaned in two years, mention it. Surprises on cleaning day can extend the visit and increase the cost.
-
Book early in the month. If your lease allows flexibility, scheduling mid-month rather than the last day gives you more availability and sometimes better pricing.
Get your quote
Our move-in and move-out cleaning starts at $299 per visit. The exact price depends on your unit size and condition. Request a quote with your move-out date and unit details for a specific number.
For a full breakdown of what to clean before you leave, see our move-out cleaning checklist. For more on the service itself, visit our move-in and move-out cleaning page.