A Deep Clean When Moving Out is Essential for a Hassle-Free Experience, but not Always a Must

When moving out, one of the most common questions tenants ask is: “Do I really need to deep clean, or can I get away with a surface-level clean?” The answer largely depends on your landlord’s expectations. While deep cleaning isn’t always legally required, it is highly recommended to avoid any disputes or penalties.

The Legal Side: What Ontario’s Residential Tenancies Act Says

According to Ontario’s Residential Tenancies Act, tenants are required to return their rental unit in the same state of cleanliness as it was at the start of the lease, excluding normal wear and tear. Although the Act doesn’t explicitly require a deep clean, it does specify that the property must be in a “reasonable” condition for the next occupant.

This means tenants are responsible for:

• Removing all personal belongings.
• Cleaning areas that have accumulated dirt, grime, or stains during their stay.
• Repairing damage beyond normal wear and tear.

“Normal wear and tear” refers to the natural deterioration from everyday use, like minor scuffs on walls, faded paint, or light scratches on floors. It doesn’t include things like grease stains, soap scum, or built-up food residue in the kitchen, all of which need to be cleaned before moving out.

“Reasonable” cleanliness, as outlined in Ontario’s Residential Tenancies Act, does not mean the unit must be left in perfect, pristine condition. It acknowledges that normal use of a home will result in some wear and tear, like minor scuffs on walls or light scratches on floors. The law doesn’t require perfection—what it asks for is a space that is clean and presentable for the next tenant. As long as the property is free of significant dirt, grime, and damage, and any personal items are removed, the standard of “reasonable” cleanliness is typically met. It’s about leaving the space in a livable, hygienic state, not making it look brand new.

Is a Deep Clean Always Necessary?

Deep cleaning is the safest approach to ensure you get your security deposit back, but based on Ontario’s legal requirements, it’s not always essential. Here are instances where deep cleaning may not be required:

• Pre-existing damage or grime: If the property wasn’t clean when you moved in, and you documented it, you may only need to do a surface clean.
• Professional cleaning by the landlord: Some leases include a mandatory cleaning fee for professional services at the end of the tenancy. If this applies, a deep clean may not be necessary.
• Short-term tenancy: If you’ve only been there for a short time and the property has minimal wear, a lighter clean might suffice. But always focus on high-traffic areas like the kitchen and bathroom.

However, Deep Cleaning Is Often Recommended

While Ontario law doesn’t explicitly demand a deep clean, landlords expect a spotless unit. A simple surface wipe and vacuum may not be enough to meet their expectations.

Here’s why deep cleaning is a smart idea:

1. Security deposit recovery: Landlords can deduct cleaning fees from your deposit if the property isn’t returned in good condition. Even if the home looks clean, things like dust on baseboards or dirt in corners can result in deductions.
2. Preventing disputes: Disagreements over cleanliness are a leading cause of tenant-landlord conflicts. A thorough clean can prevent any disputes and make your move-out smoother.
3. Positive impressions: A clean home helps you leave a positive impression, especially if you need a good reference from your landlord for future rentals.

What Does Ontario Law Say About Cleaning Charges?

In Ontario, landlords can’t charge a cleaning fee unless the tenant leaves the unit in an unacceptable state. If the tenant fails to meet their responsibility, cleaning fees can be deducted from the deposit. However, if you leave the property in a reasonably clean state, the landlord has no right to charge additional fees.

What’s Considered “Normal Wear and Tear”?

Normal wear and tear includes:

• Faded paint or chipped surfaces.
• Light scuff marks from furniture.
• Small holes from hanging pictures.

Landlords cannot charge tenants for normal wear and tear. However, things like carpet stains, grease buildup in the kitchen, or mold in the bathroom fall outside this category and are the tenant’s responsibility to clean.

When Can You Skip the Deep Clean?

While deep cleaning is generally recommended, there are cases where a lighter clean might be enough:

• Pre-move-out inspection: If offered, ask your landlord for a pre-move-out inspection. They can point out specific areas to clean, saving you time and effort.
• Agreements in writing: If your lease includes professional cleaning services post-move-out, a basic cleaning may be sufficient.
• Time constraints: If you’re short on time or your landlord seems lenient, you might be able to negotiate a lower standard of cleaning. Just ensure you clarify this to avoid potential charges.

The Potential Cost of Skipping a Deep Clean

If you skip a deep clean and your landlord finds it unsatisfactory, they will likely hire a professional cleaner and deduct the cost from your deposit. Professional cleaning fees can range from $100 to $500 or more, depending on the size and condition of the property. By taking care of it yourself, you can avoid these extra costs.

What’s Involved in a Deep Clean?

Here’s what a typical move-out deep clean includes:

• Detailed dusting of surfaces and hard-to-reach areas like baseboards, vents, and behind appliances.
• Scrubbing floors and grout to remove stains and dirt.
• Sanitizing high-touch areas like door handles, light switches, and faucets.
• Cleaning inside appliances like ovens, refrigerators, and microwaves.
• Washing windows and mirrors for a streak-free finish.

Can You DIY, or Should You Hire a Professional?

DIY cleaning is a great way to save money, but it requires time and effort. Deep cleaning a home can take hours, and if you’ve neglected regular upkeep, it might be a larger job than expected. If you’re short on time or don’t feel confident in your cleaning skills, hiring a professional service might be your best option to ensure you don’t lose your deposit.

 Is Deep Cleaning Worth It?

In most cases, yes—a deep clean is worth the effort. Even though Ontario law doesn’t always require it, deep cleaning is the best way to guarantee you recover your full deposit and avoid disputes. Whether you choose to do it yourself or hire a professional, a deep clean ensures you leave the property in great shape and make a smooth exit.

Consider Hiring a Professional Cleaning Services Ottawa

For peace of mind, hiring Good Cleaner Co. for your move-in cleaning or move-out cleaning is the best choice. We work closely with both landlords and tenants, so we understand the expectations on both sides. Our team is experienced in ensuring every detail is covered, from baseboards to appliances, leaving the property in perfect condition to help you secure your deposit or welcome the next tenant. Let us handle the cleaning so you can focus on the move itself.