Moving out of a rental property can be a stressful experience. Between organizing belongings, arranging transportation, and handling paperwork, cleaning often becomes one of the most overwhelming tasks. Yet, in Calgary’s competitive rental market, proper move-out cleaning is crucial both for tenants who want their deposit back and for landlords who aim to prepare the property for the next occupants.
Below is a comprehensive checklist designed to guide tenants and landlords through the process. Following it ensures that apartments remain spotless, appealing, and ready for immediate use.
Why Move-Out Cleaning Matters
For tenants, leaving an apartment in excellent condition is often tied directly to recovering the security deposit. Most landlords in Calgary expect units to be returned in the same condition as when they were leased, minus normal wear and tear. A detailed move out cleaning Calgary checklist helps avoid disputes and unnecessary deductions.
For landlords, a properly cleaned property not only attracts new tenants faster but also sets a professional standard. It communicates that the property is well maintained and encourages new renters to care for it in the same way.
General Cleaning Checklist
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Floors and Carpets
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Vacuum all carpets and rugs, paying attention to corners and edges.
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Mop hardwood, tile, or laminate floors to remove dust and stains.
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Consider professional carpet cleaning for heavily used areas, a common requirement in end of lease cleaning agreements.
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Walls and Ceilings
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Remove dust, cobwebs, and visible marks.
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Patch small nail holes with filler and touch up paint if necessary.
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Windows and Blinds
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Wash windows inside and out where possible.
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Wipe down blinds, curtain rods, and windowsills.
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Doors and Fixtures
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Clean handles, light switches, and electrical outlets.
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Wipe down baseboards and trim throughout the apartment.
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Kitchen Cleaning Checklist
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Empty and clean all cabinets and drawers, removing crumbs and grease.
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Wipe down countertops, backsplash, and sink, including the faucet.
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Clean major appliances:
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Refrigerator – remove shelves, wash thoroughly, and defrost if needed.
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Oven and Stove – scrub racks, burners, and trays.
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Dishwasher – run a cleaning cycle with a descaling solution.
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Mop the kitchen floor and ensure garbage bins are sanitized.
Bathroom Cleaning Checklist
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Scrub the bathtub, shower walls, and tiles to remove soap scum and mildew.
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Clean the toilet inside and out, including the base.
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Wipe mirrors, countertops, and sink fixtures until streak-free.
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Empty and disinfect cabinets, shelves, and drawers.
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Mop and sanitize bathroom floors.
Bedrooms and Living Areas
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Dust closets, shelving units, and ceiling fans.
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Clean inside wardrobes and ensure all personal belongings are removed.
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Vacuum and mop floors, ensuring no stains remain.
Final Touches
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Replace any burned-out light bulbs.
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Ensure all smoke detectors have working batteries.
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Remove all trash and unwanted items from the property.
Professional Cleaning Services in Calgary
While some tenants prefer to handle the cleaning themselves, hiring a professional apartment cleaning Calgary service often saves time and ensures results that meet landlord expectations. Professionals are equipped with specialized tools and eco-friendly products that make the property spotless in less time. For landlords, outsourcing cleaning to professionals means the unit can be ready for new tenants almost immediately.
Move-out cleaning is more than just a courtesy—it’s a financial and practical necessity. For tenants, it secures the return of the deposit and leaves a positive impression. For landlords, it ensures the property is attractive and move-in ready. Following a detailed checklist—or relying on professional end of lease cleaning Calgary specialists—guarantees that the process is smooth, fair, and beneficial to both sides.