In BC, the Residential Tenancy Act says a tenant must leave a rental unit reasonably clean and undamaged, except for reasonable wear and tear. What “reasonably clean” means in practice is what your landlord checks at the move-out inspection. This checklist covers what most landlords and property managers look at.
Kitchen
- Inside and outside of the oven, including racks and the stovetop.
- Inside the fridge and freezer, shelves and drawers out and wiped.
- Dishwasher door, edges and filter area.
- Inside every cabinet and drawer.
- Counters, backsplash, sink and taps.
- Under and behind appliances that can be moved.
Bathrooms
- Toilet, including the base and behind it.
- Tub, shower, tile and grout.
- Sink, taps, mirror and inside the vanity.
- Exhaust fan cover.
Every room
- Baseboards, door frames and doors.
- Light switches, outlet covers and light fixtures.
- Vents and heater covers.
- Inside closets, including shelves.
- Interior windows, sills and tracks.
- Marks on walls spot-cleaned.
- Floors vacuumed and mopped.
Easy to forget
- The top of the fridge and cabinets.
- Window tracks and sliding door tracks.
- Balcony or patio.
- Storage lockers and parking stalls if your unit has them.
Tips for move-out day
- Clean last. Move everything out first, then clean. Moving furniture leaves dust and scuffs behind.
- Use your move-in report. Check the condition inspection report from when you moved in and make sure the unit is at least as clean.
- Take photos. Photograph every room when you finish, for your own records.
- Book carpets separately. If your tenancy agreement requires carpet shampooing, book a carpet specialist.
Move-out checklist questions
Do I have to hire a professional cleaner when I move out?
BC law asks for a reasonably clean unit, not a professional clean, so you can do it yourself. Check your tenancy agreement, and ask the Residential Tenancy Branch if you are unsure what applies to you. Many tenants and landlords hire a cleaner to save time and make sure nothing is missed.
Can a professional clean guarantee my damage deposit back?
No cleaner can promise that. The deposit depends on your landlord and on the condition of the unit beyond cleaning, such as damage. A thorough clean covers the cleaning part.
How long does a move-out clean take?
It depends on the size and condition of the unit. We give you a time estimate when we quote.
Do you clean move-outs in Nanaimo?
Yes. Monarch Cleaning does move-out cleans for tenants, landlords and property managers in Nanaimo and the surrounding area. Call (250) 268-7111 or email [email protected] for a free estimate.
See our Move-Out Cleaning services
Looking for service across Vancouver Island? See our Commercial Cleaning Services page or call (250) 268-7111 for a free estimate.
