Move-Out Cleaning Checklist for Montreal Students
A complete, room-by-room guide to getting your full security deposit back when ending your lease in Quebec. Written by professional cleaners who do this every week.
Why this matters
Quebec has some of the strongest tenant protections in Canada, but landlords still expect your apartment to be returned in clean, move-in-ready condition at the end of your lease (bail). A poorly cleaned apartment is one of the most common reasons landlords withhold deposits or refuse to give a positive reference for your next rental.
This free, no-signup-required guide walks you through everything Montreal student tenants need to know — what the law requires, what landlords actually expect, and a room-by-room checklist you can download as a PDF.
Quebec rental law: what you legally must do
Under Quebec's Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL, formerly Régie du logement), tenants are required to return the apartment in the same condition they received it, except for normal wear and tear.
What counts as normal wear and tear (you don't have to fix)
- Minor scuff marks on walls from furniture
- Faded paint from sunlight
- Worn carpet in high-traffic areas
- Small nail holes from picture frames (within reason)
What you ARE responsible for
- All dirt, dust, grease, and grime accumulated during your stay
- Stains on carpets, floors, walls, or counters
- Damage caused by negligence (burn marks, large holes, broken fixtures)
- Mold or mildew from poor ventilation
- Garbage and personal items left behind
Quebec landlords cannot legally charge you a "cleaning fee" automatically — but they CAN deduct cleaning costs from your deposit (if you paid one) or take you to TAL to recover them. A clean apartment removes this risk entirely.
Timeline: when to start cleaning
Plan and prepare
- Schedule professional services if needed (carpet, oven cleaning)
- Notify Hydro-Québec, internet, and other utilities
- Start using up food in the fridge and pantry
- Buy cleaning supplies
Deep clean unused areas
- Clean rooms you no longer use (guest room, storage)
- Defrost the freezer (takes 24+ hours)
- Wash and pack curtains, bedding, rugs
Tackle the kitchen and bathrooms
- Clean oven, stove, microwave
- Deep clean both bathrooms
- Wipe down all surfaces, baseboards, light switches
Final pass and handover
- Final sweep and mop of all floors
- Take out all garbage
- Document the apartment with photos and video
- Return keys to landlord
Supplies you'll need
Budget around $30–50 if you're starting from scratch.
- All-purpose cleaner (or vinegar + water)
- Bathroom cleaner (or baking soda + vinegar)
- Oven cleaner
- Glass cleaner
- Floor cleaner suited to your floor type
- Microfiber cloths (5–6)
- Sponges, scrub brushes, mop, bucket, vacuum
- Large garbage bags and rubber gloves
Full room-by-room checklist
Every item, every room. Print this page or download the PDF below.
Kitchen
Appliances
- Clean inside and outside of oven (including racks and door glass)
- Clean stovetop, burners, and drip pans
- Clean inside microwave (top, sides, bottom, door)
- Empty, defrost, and clean fridge and freezer (inside and out)
- Clean dishwasher interior (run empty cycle with vinegar)
- Wipe down small appliances if they belong to the landlord
Cabinets and surfaces
- Empty all cabinets and drawers
- Wipe inside and outside of every cabinet and drawer
- Clean countertops thoroughly
- Clean backsplash (especially behind stove)
- Clean and disinfect sink and faucet
- Clean inside and around garbage disposal area
Floors and details
- Sweep, mop, and dry kitchen floor
- Clean baseboards
- Wipe light switches, outlets, door handles
- Clean window and windowsill
- Take out all garbage and recycling
Bathroom
Fixtures
- Scrub toilet (bowl, seat, lid, base, behind)
- Clean and disinfect bathtub and/or shower
- Remove soap scum from tiles and grout
- Clean shower curtain or glass doors
- Scrub sink and faucet
- Polish mirror
Storage
- Empty and wipe medicine cabinet
- Clean inside vanity drawers
- Clean under-sink area
Details
- Clean exhaust fan cover (remove dust)
- Wipe baseboards and door
- Clean light fixtures
- Mop floor
- Remove hair from drains
- Replace toilet paper holder if needed
- Take out garbage
Bedrooms
- Remove all personal items
- Wipe inside closets and drawers (built-ins)
- Clean closet floors
- Dust ceiling fan, light fixtures, baseboards
- Wipe windowsills and clean windows
- Wipe doors, door frames, and handles
- Vacuum carpets thoroughly (or sweep/mop hard floors)
- Spot-clean any stains on carpet
- Wipe light switches and outlets
- Remove all picture hooks and patch holes if required
Living room and common areas
- Remove all personal items and furniture (if yours)
- Dust all surfaces, shelves, and built-ins
- Clean baseboards and door frames
- Wipe windowsills and windows (inside)
- Vacuum or mop floors
- Clean light fixtures and ceiling fan
- Wipe walls if marked or scuffed
- Clean inside any built-in storage
Entryway / hallway
- Sweep and mop floor
- Wipe baseboards
- Clean coat closet (inside)
- Wipe door, frame, and handle
- Clean intercom (if applicable)
Laundry area (if in unit)
- Wipe inside and outside of washer and dryer
- Clean lint trap
- Wipe behind machines if accessible
- Mop floor
Balcony / outdoor space
- Sweep balcony floor
- Wipe railings
- Remove all personal items and plants
- Take out garbage
Frequently overlooked spots
These are the areas landlords check first and tenants most often forget:
- Behind and under the fridge and stove — pull them out if you can
- Inside the oven, especially the broiler drawer
- The top of cabinets and the fridge — dust and grease accumulate
- Light switches and door handles — used daily but rarely deep cleaned
- Window tracks — full of dirt and dead bugs
- Bathroom exhaust fan cover — remove and wash if possible
- Inside the dishwasher filter
- Baseboards in every room
- Drains in tub, sink, and shower — remove hair
- Inside the laundry machines
Document everything before you leave
Protect yourself from disputes after move-out:
- Take dated photos of every room, every appliance, and any pre-existing damage
- Take a video walkthrough showing the cleaned apartment
- Email the photos to yourself so there's a timestamp
- Keep a copy of your original move-in inspection report (if you did one)
If the landlord later claims damage that existed before you moved in or wasn't your fault, your documentation is your proof at the Tribunal administratif du logement.
Download the printable PDF
14 rooms · 80+ checklist items · No email or signup required
Download PDF →When to consider a professional cleaning service
DIY cleaning works for most students with time and a willingness to do the work. Hire professionals if:
- You have less than 24 hours before your lease ends
- Your apartment has heavy buildup (years of grease, mold, deep stains)
- You're moving out of a 4+ bedroom apartment
- You physically can't access certain areas (disability, recent surgery, etc.)
- Your roommates left without cleaning and you can't do it all alone
- The cost of cleaning is less than the deposit you stand to lose
A typical move-out clean for a Montreal student apartment runs $150–350 depending on size and condition — usually less than what landlords deduct for "cleaning fees."
Tenant rights reminders
- Your landlord cannot keep your deposit (if you paid one) without justification
- Your landlord cannot charge for repairs caused by normal wear and tear
- If you disagree with deductions, you can file a claim at TAL (Tribunal administratif du logement) — claims under $15,000 don't require a lawyer
- TAL phone: 1-800-683-2245
Free legal advice for students
- McGill Legal Information Clinic
- Concordia HOJO (Off-Campus Housing & Job Resource Centre)
- Clinique juridique de Montréal (UQAM)
Frequently asked questions
Do I legally have to clean my apartment in Quebec before moving out?
Yes. Under Quebec's Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL) rules, tenants must return the apartment in the same condition as received, minus normal wear and tear. Failing to clean can result in deposit deductions or a claim filed against you at TAL.
Can my landlord keep my deposit if the apartment is dirty?
If you paid a deposit, your landlord can deduct reasonable cleaning costs — but they must provide an itemized list and proof. You can dispute deductions at TAL. Most disputes under $15,000 don't require a lawyer.
How long does a move-out clean take for a student apartment?
A studio or one-bedroom takes 4–6 hours of solo work if done thoroughly. A two-bedroom takes 6–10 hours. Hiring professionals takes 2–4 hours with a team.
Should I clean before or after moving my furniture out?
After. You can only properly clean floors, baseboards, and behind appliances once the apartment is empty. Plan your moving day with cleaning scheduled after the truck leaves.
How much does a professional move-out clean cost in Montreal?
For student apartments, expect $150–350 depending on size and condition. SNAM Cleaning offers student-friendly packages starting at $179 for studios and one-bedrooms.
Need help with the cleaning?
SNAM Cleaning Services has helped hundreds of Montreal students get their full deposit back. We handle the cleaning so you can focus on the move.
