Move-out checklist
Move-out cleaning checklist for BC renters
BC law asks tenants to leave a rental reasonably clean. This room-by-room list covers what landlords usually check, whether you clean it yourself or book us.
What the law says. Section 37 of the BC Residential Tenancy Act: when you leave, you must leave the rental unit "reasonably clean, and undamaged except for reasonable wear and tear". Landlord and tenant inspect the unit's condition at the end of the tenancy. This page is general information, not legal advice; the Residential Tenancy Branch can answer questions about your tenancy.
The checklist, room by room
Kitchen
- Inside the fridge and freezer, shelves and seals
- Inside the oven, racks and door glass; stovetop and range hood
- Inside every cabinet and drawer
- Counters, backsplash, sink and taps
- Fronts of the dishwasher and appliances
- Floor, including under the edges
Bathrooms
- Toilet, inside and out, including the base
- Tub, shower, tiles and glass
- Sink, taps, mirror and counter
- Inside the vanity and medicine cabinet
- Floor and baseboards
Every room
- Baseboards
- Light switches, door handles and door frames
- Window sills and tracks
- Closets: shelves, rails and floor
- Floors vacuumed and washed
Often missed
- Interior windows and blinds (extras with us)
- Scuffs and marks on walls (spot-washing is an extra)
- Balcony or patio sweep
- The fridge and stove pulled out, if they move safely: ask your landlord first
Our move-out clean covers the kitchen, bathroom and every-room items above, inside the appliances and cabinets included; the "often missed" items can be added as extras.
Move-out questions
Do I have to clean when I move out in BC?
Yes. Under section 37 of BC's Residential Tenancy Act, a tenant who leaves must leave the rental unit reasonably clean, and undamaged except for reasonable wear and tear.
What does reasonably clean mean?
The Act doesn't list tasks. In practice, landlords check kitchens, bathrooms, appliances, floors and closets at the move-out inspection, so this checklist covers those. Ask your landlord for their own list.
When should the move-out clean happen?
After the last boxes leave and before the move-out condition inspection. Unless you agree otherwise with your landlord, the Act says you must be out by 1 p.m. on the day the tenancy ends.
Will a move-out clean get my deposit back?
No. The deposit decision is your landlord's. We clean to a thorough move-out standard and include your landlord's checklist in your quote if you send it.
How much does a move-out clean cost?
With us, from $310.00 before GST for a 1-bedroom, 1-bathroom home, with inside the fridge, oven and cabinets included. The cost guide compares local prices.
Facts last reviewed October 27, 2026.
Moving soon?
See your move-out price now, or send your dates and we'll reply with a written quote.