Move-Out Cleaning Checklist for Calgary Renters

The Complete Move-Out Cleaning Checklist for Calgary Renters

Moving is stressful enough without the added anxiety of whether you will get your security deposit back. In Alberta, landlords have the right to withhold all or part of a tenant's damage deposit for cleaning costs if the unit is not returned in the condition it was received, ordinary wear and tear excepted. Knowing exactly what landlords and property managers in Calgary inspect for can save you hundreds of dollars and a great deal of headache.

This checklist covers every area of your rental from entry to balcony. Use it yourself, or share it with a professional cleaning company to ensure your move-out clean meets the standard required for a full deposit return.

Before You Start: Important Calgary Tenancy Notes

Under Alberta's Residential Tenancies Act, landlords must provide a move-out inspection report within one business day of you vacating the unit. They have ten days after you vacate to return your security deposit or provide written notice of any deductions with receipts. If your unit passes inspection cleanly, there is no basis for withholding your deposit. A thorough move-out clean is the single most effective step you can take to protect that money.

Kitchen Checklist

Oven interior: Remove and soak racks, clean all interior surfaces including the oven door glass, remove all grease and baked-on residue.
Stovetop: Clean burner grates (gas) or glass surface (electric), remove all grease from around and behind burners.
Range hood and filter: Wipe exterior, remove and degrease or replace the filter.
Microwave: Clean interior turntable and all walls, wipe exterior and handle.
Refrigerator: Remove all contents, clean all shelves and drawers (remove and wash separately), wipe all interior walls, clean the rubber door seals, wipe the exterior including the top.
Dishwasher: Clean the filter, wipe the interior door, run a cleaning cycle if needed.
Sink: Scrub basin and faucet, clear drain of debris, clean under-sink cabinet interior.
All cabinets and drawers: Wipe interiors and exteriors, clean handles and hinges.
Countertops and backsplash: Remove all stains and residue, clean grout lines.
Floor: Sweep and mop thoroughly, including under appliances if accessible.

Bathroom Checklist

Toilet: Scrub bowl, under rim, and exterior including base and behind. Wipe lid, tank, and handle.
Shower and tub: Scrub all tile surfaces and the tub or shower floor, clean grout lines, remove soap scum from glass doors or curtain rod.
Sink and vanity: Scrub basin, clean faucet and handles, wipe vanity surface and inside the cabinet.
Mirror: Clean streak-free.
Exhaust fan: Vacuum and wipe the vent cover.
Floor: Sweep and mop, including behind the toilet.
Towel bars, toilet paper holder: Wipe clean.

All Rooms Checklist

Walls: Remove all nails and screws (fill small holes with white toothpaste or spackle if allowed), spot-clean marks, scuffs, and fingerprints.
Windows: Clean all glass surfaces inside and out (interior side is your responsibility), clean sills and window tracks of debris and dust.
Blinds: Dust and wipe each slat, or replace if damaged beyond normal wear.
Doors and door frames: Wipe down all interior and exterior surfaces, clean handles and hinges.
Baseboards: Wipe along the full length of every room.
Light fixtures: Dust and wipe all fixtures, replace any burnt-out bulbs.
Ceiling fans: Wipe all blades and the motor housing.
Closets: Vacuum floors, wipe shelves, remove all personal items.
Floors: Vacuum carpets thoroughly (consider professional steam cleaning if stained), sweep and mop all hard floors.
Vents: Vacuum and wipe all HVAC vent covers.

Other Areas

Balcony or patio: Sweep floor, wipe railing, remove all items and debris.
Laundry area: Clean inside washer drum and exterior, clean dryer drum and lint trap, wipe exterior surfaces.
Entryway and hallway: Sweep, mop, wipe light switches and outlet covers.
Storage locker (if applicable): Remove all belongings and sweep.

Should You DIY or Hire a Professional for Your Calgary Move-Out Clean?

Doing a thorough move-out clean yourself is absolutely possible, but it takes considerably longer than most renters anticipate. A two-bedroom apartment done properly typically takes eight to twelve hours of focused effort. Many Calgary renters find that the time, energy, and cost of equipment (oven cleaner, grout scrubbers, etc.) makes professional cleaning a practical and cost-effective choice, especially when the deposit amount is significant.

Tidy Tribe provides move-out cleaning services across all four Calgary quadrants: NE, NW, SE and SW. We work to the landlord inspection standard and provide a detailed service receipt documenting everything cleaned, which you can submit alongside your move-out inspection report. Book your Calgary move-out clean today.