What Landlords Expect

When you’re moving out of a Toronto rental, leaving your unit in “ordinary cleanliness” isn’t just courtesy—it’s a legal and financial safeguard. Here’s what Ontario law requires, what landlords typically expect, and why professional move-out cleaning can help you get your deposit back without disputes.

The Legal Baseline: Ontario’s Residential Tenancies Act

According to Ontario’s Residential Tenancies Act (RTA), tenants must maintain a standard of ordinary cleanliness during their tenancy and return the unit in the same condition as move-in, minus normal wear and tear. This doesn’t mean perfection or “professional-level” cleaning is mandated by law, unless explicitly written into your lease. The Landlord and Tenant Board’s Maintenance & Repairs guide and the City of Toronto’s tenant responsibilities page confirm this.

Importantly, Ontario landlords cannot charge a separate cleaning or damage deposit. The only permitted deposit is the last month’s rent (LMR), which is applied to rent—not cleaning. If a landlord wants to recover cleaning costs beyond ordinary wear, they must provide documentation (photos, invoices) and apply to the Landlord and Tenant Board for reimbursement.

By the Numbers: Toronto Rental Market

• 46.7% of dwellings in Toronto are in high-rise apartments or condos—meaning fast tenant turnover and strong demand for move-out cleaning (Statistics Canada 2021).
• 41% of Toronto condos are rented, the highest among Canadian CMAs, according to CMHC’s 2024 Rental Market Report.
• TRREB Q4 2024 report showed one-bedroom condo rents around $2,400, with thousands of leases signed—underscoring how critical quick turnarounds are (TRREB Rental Report).

What Landlords Typically Expect

Although the law only requires “ordinary cleanliness,” many Toronto landlords expect units to be nearly move-in ready so they can re-rent quickly. Here’s the standard checklist:

• Kitchen: Inside/out cleaning of fridge, oven, and microwave; wipe down cabinets, counters, and sink; degrease backsplash and stove.
• Bathrooms: Scrub toilets, tubs, showers, grout, tiles, sinks, mirrors, and fixtures.
• Floors: Vacuum and mop throughout; address stains and high-traffic areas.
• Walls & Baseboards: Dust and spot-clean visible scuffs.
• Windows & Doors: Streak-free glass, tracks cleaned, door handles wiped.
• Closets & Storage: Emptied, dusted, and trash removed.
• Balconies/Patios: Swept and free of debris (common in Toronto condos).

Click here to see what is included in TaskOpus Condo Cleaning Checklist.

High-Rise & Condo Considerations in Toronto

• Elevator booking: Many condo boards require you to book service elevators for movers and cleaners. Always confirm rules with your management office.
• Access cards & fobs: Cleaning teams may need temporary access arranged via concierge.
• Insurance: Some condo boards require cleaners to provide a Certificate of Insurance (COI). See the Condominium Authority of Ontario’s guide on condo rules.
• Urban dust & balconies: Toronto condos often face extra grime from traffic and construction, so balconies and window sills need extra care.

Why Professional Move-Out Cleaning Helps

• Secures deposit: A spotless unit minimizes disputes and protects your last month’s rent from deductions (Bad Tenant Cleanouts).
• Reduces stress: Moving is exhausting; outsourcing cleaning gives you time to focus on packing and logistics.
• Faster re-renting: Landlords appreciate a unit that’s immediately ready for showings.
• Meets condo rules: Professional cleaners know how to handle insurance, elevators, and access protocols.

Taskopus: Toronto Move-Out Cleaning Made Easy

If you’re moving out in Downtown, Liberty Village, Harbourfront, North York, or Scarborough, Taskopus specializes in move-out cleaning tailored for Toronto condos and rentals. We bring eco-friendly products, detailed checklists, and handle condo logistics like elevator bookings—so you can move with peace of mind.

Book your move-out cleaning today and secure your full deposit with ease.