Move-Out Cleaning Checklist for Calgary Renters and Landlords
What inspectors actually check, room by room, and how to document the result before you hand back the keys.
7 min read · Updated November 2, 2026
Quick answer
A move-out clean should leave every surface wiped, every floor vacuumed and washed, appliances emptied and cleaned inside, bathrooms descaled and sanitized, and nothing left behind. Photograph each room when finished and keep the photos with your move-out inspection report.
Deposit disputes usually come down to a handful of missed spots: inside the oven, behind the toilet, the fridge drip tray, the track on the sliding door. This checklist focuses on what gets noticed, so you spend your time where it counts.
Kitchen
- Oven interior, racks and glass door
- Fridge and freezer emptied, shelves and drawers washed
- Range hood and filter
- Cabinet fronts, handles and inside shelves
- Sink, faucet and drain area
- Dishwasher filter and door seal
- Floor edges and under moveable appliances
The Spots Most People Miss
The fridge drip tray, the stove top drip pans and the top of the cabinets collect grease and dust that is easy to overlook and easy for an inspector to find.
Bathrooms
- Toilet base, behind the bowl and under the seat hinges
- Shower walls, glass, track and drain
- Tub and faucet descaled
- Mirror, vanity, drawers and handles
- Exhaust fan cover dust removed
- Floor grout lines
Bedrooms and Living Areas
- Closet shelves and rails wiped
- Baseboards, door frames and light switches
- Window sills and tracks
- Ceiling fans and light fixtures
- Carpet vacuumed and stains treated
- Hard floors swept and washed
Document Everything
Take dated photos of every room, every appliance interior and any pre-existing damage. Store them with your lease and inspection paperwork. Calm, organized records resolve most disputes quickly.
When To Hire a Professional
If you are short on time, a professional crew works from a standard checklist and finishes in one visit. This is especially useful for landlords turning a unit between tenants.