Move-Out Cleaning Checklist: Get Your Alberta Deposit Back

My post contentMoving out of a rental in Edmonton? Before you hand back the keys, one thing stands between you and your full security deposit: the move-out clean. Landlords and property managers expect the unit returned in the same condition you got it — and a quick once-over rarely cuts it. This is the room-by-room checklist our team uses on move-out jobs across Edmonton.
Why it mattersUnder Alberta's Residential Tenancies Act, a landlord can deduct cleaning costs from your deposit if the unit isn't returned reasonably clean. A thorough clean removes the excuse — and dated photos when you're done are your proof if a dispute ever comes up.

Kitchen
The kitchen is where most deposits get dinged. Degrease and wipe all cabinet doors inside and out, clean the oven, racks, and stovetop, pull out the fridge to clean behind and inside, descale the sink and faucet, wipe the microwave, clean the dishwasher filter, and wash the floor including corners and under appliances.

Bathrooms

Scrub the toilet, tub, and shower including grout and soap scum, remove hard-water stains from glass and faucets, wipe mirrors streak-free, clean inside and outside of all cabinets and drawers, and wash and disinfect the floor.

Living areas and bedrooms

Dust everything — shelves, light fixtures, ceiling fans, and the tops of door frames. Wipe baseboards, window sills, and door handles, spot-clean walls for scuffs, clean windows, tracks, and blinds, and vacuum carpets thoroughly (steam clean any stains).

The spots renters always forget

Inside closets and shelving, light switch and outlet covers, air vents and return-air grilles, inside the washer and dryer, the patio or balcony and any storage locker, and the garage floor and walls. These are the easy points to lose because inspectors look straight at them.

DIY or hire a pro?

A small one-bedroom is doable in a focused day. But if you're juggling the move itself or dealing with a larger home, a professional move-out clean often costs less than the portion of the deposit you'd risk losing. At FabriShine our move-out packages cover this entire checklist using an eco-friendly process — steam and plant-safe solutions instead of harsh chemicals — and we back our work.

Get your move-out clean booked in 60 seconds

Don't gamble your deposit. Get an instant, no-obligation quote for your move-out clean — it takes about a minute. Call 587-545-1334 or book online at fabrishine.com/contact-us. Spotless unit, full deposit, one less thing to worry about on moving day.