Move-Out Cleaning Guide: How to Get Your Deposit Back

What Landlords Inspect

Alberta's Residential Tenancies Act allows landlords to deduct cleaning costs from your security deposit if the unit isn't left in a "reasonably clean" condition. Here's what they check:

Kitchen (Most Common Deduction Area)

• Inside oven and stovetop: Grease and burnt-on food are #1 deduction reasons
• Range hood and filter: Often overlooked but always checked
• Inside refrigerator and freezer: Must be empty, clean, and defrosted
• Inside dishwasher: Filter, door edges, and seal
• Inside microwave: Splatter stains
• Cabinet interiors: Shelf liner, crumbs, stains
• Under sink: Clean and no items left behind
• Countertops and backsplash: Grease-free

Bathrooms (Second Most Common)

• Toilet (inside and out): Including behind and around base
• Shower/tub: Grout, caulking, drain, fixtures
• Exhaust fan: Dust buildup
• Mirror and medicine cabinet: Inside and out
• Under sink: Cabinet interior

Throughout the Unit

• Walls: Scuff marks, nail holes (some landlords allow small holes)
• Baseboards: Dust and scuff marks
• Light fixtures: Dust and dead bugs inside
• Windows: Tracks, sills, and glass
• Blinds/window coverings: Dust and stains
• Closets: Shelves, rods, floors
• Flooring: Carpet stains, hardwood scratches

Room-by-Room Move-Out Checklist

Kitchen Checklist

Bathroom Checklist

Bedrooms & Living Areas

Common Mistakes That Cost Deposits

DIY vs. Professional Move-Out Cleaning

Consider hiring professionals if:

• You're short on time (moving is already stressful!)
• You have a large unit (3+ bedrooms)
• There's significant buildup (oven, grout, etc.)
• Your security deposit is $1,500+ (professional clean is smart insurance)
• Landlord requires professional cleaning receipt

Average Calgary Move-Out Cleaning Prices

• Studio/1 bedroom: $199-$250
• 2 bedroom: $250-$300
• 3 bedroom: $300-$350
• House (3+ bed): $350-$450

Timeline: When to Clean

1. 1 week before move: Start decluttering and packing
2. 2-3 days before: Deep clean rooms you've emptied
3. Moving day: Remove all belongings
4. Day after moving: Final cleaning pass (or professional clean)
5. Before key return: Walk through and photograph everything

Document Everything

Take photos and videos of every room after cleaning. This protects you if there's a dispute about the deposit. Include timestamps and make sure the photos clearly show the condition of:

• Inside appliances (oven, fridge, dishwasher)
• All flooring
• Walls and ceilings
• Bathrooms
• Windows and tracks