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How Much Is a Move-Out Clean in Edmonton? Alberta Carpet-Cleaning Rules for Tenants and the Standard for a Clean Exit

Moving out in Edmonton comes with two parallel priorities: leave the place spotless to protect the security deposit, and do it without losing momentum on the move itself. The local rental market moves fast. Landlords and property managers expect a certain standard, and many include cleaning language in leases. The practical question follows: what does a move-out clean actually cost in Edmonton, what does it include, and how do Alberta’s expectations around carpets and “ordinary cleanliness” shape the final walkthrough?

This article breaks down typical pricing in Edmonton and area, what landlords look for on inspection, how carpet cleaning fits under Alberta law, and where professional cleaners make a difference. It uses real, local context — from downtown condos and Garneau walk-ups to family homes in Terwillegar, Windermere, St. Albert, and Sherwood Park — so renters and sellers can plan with confidence.

What Edmonton Landlords Expect at Move-Out

Edmonton landlords generally expect more than a quick tidy. The place should be cleaned to a move-in standard so the next occupant can arrive without facing built-up grime or odours. That standard covers four zones: kitchen (including appliances), bathrooms, living areas and bedrooms, and floors. Window tracks, baseboards, cupboards, and vent covers matter. A light dusting will not pass a detailed inspection.

Leases often include a cleaning clause. Some reference “professional carpet cleaning” or “steam cleaning.” Others state that the tenant must return the unit “to the same condition as at move-in, reasonable wear and tear excepted.” The phrase matters. Under Alberta’s Residential Tenancies Act, tenants are responsible for https://maidinedmonton.com/move-in-move-out-cleaning-service/ cleanliness and damage they caused, but not for normal wear. A scratch-free, like-new finish is not required; a sanitary, odor-free, visually clean home is.

In practice, property managers in Edmonton use checklists. Expect them to open oven doors, freezer drawers, and dishwasher traps. They will check fan covers in bathrooms, wipe the top of door frames with a tissue, run a finger along baseboards, and smell carpets and fridges. A clean exit is less about perfection and more about proof that dirt, grease, hair, and dust are gone.

How Much a Move-Out Clean Costs in Edmonton

Pricing varies by size, condition, and whether appliances, windows, and carpets are included. Edmonton homes span many layouts, so the following are realistic ranges based on actual bookings seen across Edmonton and surrounding areas:

• Studio or 1-bed condo (500–700 sq. ft.): $200–$350 for a standard move-out clean without carpet shampoo or interior windows.
• 2-bed condo or townhome (800–1,100 sq. ft.): $300–$450, depending on appliance condition and balcony glass.
• 3-bed house (1,200–1,800 sq. ft.): $400–$650, with add-ons for blinds, finished basements, and garage sweeping.
• Larger homes (2,000–3,000+ sq. ft.): $600–$1,000+, especially if there are multiple ovens, heavy-scale showers, and many windows.

Appliance detailing adds time. A heavily used oven can add 30–60 minutes alone. Freezers that need defrosting add more. Interior window cleaning, including tracks, usually adds $60–$150 depending on count and access.

If carpet shampoo is required, expect $40–$60 per room as a starting point, with hallways and stairs priced separately. Many Edmonton homes have a mix of carpet and luxury vinyl plank; cleaners price each surface by time, not only square footage.

Maid in Edmonton uses a clear checklist and quotes upfront. An instant free quote online estimates price by home size, bathrooms, and add-ons, and a call can confirm details if there are unusual items such as post-construction dust or pet odours. The goal is a cost-effective plan that meets a landlord’s standard without surprises.

What Counts as a Proper Move-Out Clean

A thorough move-out service goes well beyond weekly tidying. Expect these core tasks:

Kitchen: The team removes grease, crumbs, and film from the range hood, stove top, oven interior, oven racks, drip pans, and behind the stove if it is safe to move. Fridge shelves and bins are washed and dried. Cupboards are cleaned inside and out. The backsplash is degreased. The sink, faucet base, and counters are sanitized, and the dishwasher filter and gasket get attention. Microwave interior and turntable are washed. Light switches and outlets are wiped.

Bathrooms: Showers and tubs are descaled to remove soap scum and hard-water marks. Tile grout gets scrubbed where needed. Toilets are cleaned inside and out, including the base bolts and behind the seat hinges. Sinks, taps, and counters are disinfected. Mirrors are polished. Fans and covers are dusted or washed. Vanities and medicine cabinets are cleaned inside.

Living areas and bedrooms: All reachable surfaces are dusted and wiped, including window sills, baseboards, door frames, closet shelves, and light fixtures that are within safe reach. Walls are spot-cleaned for scuffs where paint allows. Vents and registers are vacuumed. Sliding door tracks are cleaned.

Floors: Hard floors are vacuumed and mopped. Carpeted areas are vacuumed slowly in straight passes to lift hair and grit. If the landlord requires professional shampoo, that is an add-on service.

Leave the place smelling neutral. Strong scents can read as masking. Professional teams use eco-friendly, low-residue products that are safe for kids and pets and do not leave heavy fragrance behind.

Alberta’s Carpet Cleaning Reality for Tenants

Many renters have the same question: is professional carpet cleaning mandatory at move-out in Alberta? The law does not state “mandatory professional shampooing” for every tenant. What the law requires is that tenants keep the rental reasonably clean and return it, with normal wear allowed. Stains, heavy soiling, pet urine odours, and smoke odours are not normal wear.

Here is how this plays out in Edmonton:

• If the lease specifically requires professional carpet cleaning with a receipt at move-out, the tenant is generally expected to comply. Alberta cases have supported lease terms that are clear and reasonable. Some landlords include this because carpets hold odours and allergens.
• If the lease is silent, the landlord can still charge for cleaning from the deposit if the carpets are left dirty or stained beyond ordinary use. A light traffic pattern that will not wash out counts as wear; a coffee stain, pet accident, or heavy soil around a couch edge does not.
• If carpets were professionally cleaned at move-in and documented, many landlords expect the same level at move-out for even treatment across tenancies.

For tenants with pets in areas like Oliver, Mill Woods, or Westmount, pet odours in carpet padding are the biggest risk for a deposit deduction. A true hot-water extraction using a professional machine is more effective than a rental unit for deep odours. Maid in Edmonton offers carpet cleaning as part of move in move out cleaning, which helps keep billing in one place and documentation consistent.

A practical way to decide: walk each room barefoot after vacuuming. If feet feel gritty, or if there is a smell after closing the door for ten minutes, the carpet likely needs shampooing.

How Move-Out Cleaning Differs from Routine Maid Service

Regular cleaning keeps surfaces presentable, but it does not address the hidden buildup that triggers deposit disputes. Move-out cleaning focuses on:

• Interiors of appliances and cabinets, including areas under and behind.
• Hard-water scale on shower glass and taps that requires dwell time.
• Window tracks, sliding rails, and closet door channels.
• Baseboards, door edges, and switch plates with hand oils and dust.
• Spot cleaning on walls, especially around light switches, headboards, and dining chairs.

Time is the other difference. A 1,000 sq. ft. condo that may take two hours for a regular visit can take four to six hours for a move-out clean with appliances and cupboards. A 2,200 sq. ft. house can run eight hours or more with two professional cleaners, depending on bathrooms and the level of buildup.

Realistic Timelines Before Key Handover

Smart movers in Edmonton plan the clean after all boxes are out, not during packing. This lets cleaners access corners and prevents re-dirtied floors. A common schedule that works well:

Two days before move-out: Movers clear non-essentials. Freezer is defrosted if needed. Tenants remove nails and fill small holes if that is their responsibility under the lease.

Day before final walk-through: Professional cleaners perform the move-out clean, including appliances. Carpets are shampooed last to speed drying overnight. Windows are done while carpets dry.

Walk-through day: Touch-ups if needed. Tenants bring proof of carpet cleaning if required. Keys are returned with confidence that surfaces are clean and dry.

For winter moves in Edmonton, drying time matters. When it is minus 20, turning up the heat and running fans speeds carpet drying. Expect four to eight hours for carpets to dry, longer in basements with low airflow.

How Much DIY Saves vs Hiring Professional Cleaners

A tenant with time, tools, and a good checklist can save money. The trade-off is energy and quality control. DIY usually costs the price of supplies: $40–$80 for cleaners, pads, and bags, plus $40–$60 to rent a carpet shampooer if needed. The time cost can run eight to twelve hours for a one- to two-bedroom place if working alone. For larger houses, that expands to a full day or two for a couple.

Professional cleaning in Edmonton costs more but often protects a larger deposit. For example, if a landlord would deduct $350 for insufficient cleaning but a professional move-out service costs $300–$450, the math favours booking. It also limits stress on moving week. For homeowners selling in areas like Glenora, Summerside, or Laurel, a spotless presentation can tighten conditions on possession and minimize buyer complaints after the final viewing.

Maid in Edmonton provides a satisfaction guaranteed approach: if something on the agreed checklist is missed, the team returns to make it right. That promise reduces the risk during landlord inspections and helps document compliance if a dispute arises.

Common Issues that Trigger Deposit Deductions

Based on repeated local inspections, five areas cause the most pushback:

• Ovens with baked-on carbon or a greasy hood filter.
• Fridges with sticky bins and a lingering odour.
• Shower glass and tiles with scale lines and pink residue on silicone.
• Window tracks with black grime, dead bugs, and plant debris on condo balconies.
• Carpets with drink stains near couches or pet hair concentrated on stairs.

Each of these can be corrected with proper dwell time, heat, or extraction. The trick is not rushing. Letting products sit on oven racks or shower glass for the right period does the heavy work without harsh scraping that can scratch finishes.

What Maid in Edmonton Includes in Move In Move Out Cleaning

Maid in Edmonton focuses on a detailed move-out checklist that aligns with Edmonton landlords’ expectations across downtown apartments, West End townhomes, and single-family homes in St. Albert and Sherwood Park. The professional cleaning team is background-checked, insured, and bonded. The company is locally owned and operated, so the crew understands local building quirks, from concrete dust in new Windermere builds to hard-water spots common in south Edmonton.

Standard move-out service includes:

• Full kitchen cleaning: stove, oven interior, range hood, fridge interior, microwave, dishwasher gasket and filter, cupboards inside and out, counters, sink, backsplash.
• Full bathroom cleaning: shower, tub, tile, grout touch-ups, taps, sinks, toilets, mirrors, fans, cabinets.
• Whole-home detail: baseboards, window sills, door frames, closet shelves, reachable light fixtures, outlets and switch plates, spot cleaning on walls where paint allows.
• Floors: vacuum and mop hard floors; vacuum carpets slowly for deep pickup.
• Final touch: neutral, fresh finish with eco-friendly products safe for kids and pets.

Optional add-ons include carpet steam cleaning, interior window and track cleaning, blinds dusting, inside-oven heavy degrease for long-neglected units, and move-in sanitizing for new occupants. Services are customized to the property’s needs, so clients can choose one-time or recurring options if they want ongoing maintenance at the new address.

How Pricing Works with Transparency

Maid in Edmonton provides an instant quote online and a free quote by phone for complex jobs. Quotes are based on bed/bath count, square footage bands, and the selected add-ons. Heavily soiled appliances or strong odours can add time; the team flags this upfront to avoid surprises. Standard supplies and equipment are included. Eco-friendly solutions are standard; stronger options are available upon request for stove carbon or grout stains where safe.

For customers who prefer predictable costs, a package price can include move-out cleaning plus carpet shampoo. This simplifies receipts for landlords who ask for documentation. Most clients in central Edmonton and south-side neighborhoods find that a combined service finishes in one day with two professional cleaners, so keys can be returned on time.

Local Insight: Edmonton Homes by Type

Downtown condos in areas like Ice District and Oliver often need less floor time but more detail on balconies, sliding door tracks, and steel appliance faces. High-rise units may have strict move-out windows for elevator bookings; scheduling cleaners just after the movers keeps the day moving. Parking clearance for equipment is important; the team confirms loading zone access ahead of time.

Townhomes in Terwillegar, Rutherford, and Lewis Estates tend to need more attention to stairs and rail spindles. Pet hair on carpeted stairs is a standout issue. A powered stair tool can make the difference in the final look.

Single-family homes in Ellerslie, Summerside, and St. Albert usually combine multiple bathrooms and large kitchens with double ovens or oversized fridges. These add time, but the results are visible and reduce listing feedback if the home is being sold. Basement bathrooms and laundry rooms often get overlooked; check those before inspection.

Alberta-Specific Notes on Wear and Tear

Normal wear includes minor carpet flattening on travel paths, light scuffs on walls, and hairline marks on floors from normal furniture placement. It does not include deep scratches, chipped enamel from dropped items, or smoke residue on ceilings. If a unit was freshly painted at move-in, landlords expect a clean surface at move-out, but they cannot charge for repainting just because it is no longer “perfect.” They can charge for patching and painting if holes exceed small nail size or if touch-up paint does not match because of an excessive number of holes.

Tenants can make their case stronger by using a move-in condition report and photos. Doing the same at move-out, even after professional cleaning, provides a useful record if the deposit is contested.

A Simple Move-Out Cleaning Checklist for Edmonton Renters

Use this short list as a last pass after the cleaners finish to match common landlord walk-through habits:

• Run the oven light and check racks with a paper towel; no grease should transfer.
• Open fridge bins and sniff. If there is any odour, wipe seals and drain.
• Close bathroom doors for five minutes, then re-enter. No humidity or cleaner smell should linger; mirrors should show no streaks in natural light.
• Slide a finger along a baseboard by the entry and in a bedroom corner. It should feel smooth, not gritty.
• Check window tracks and the patio door rail with a tissue; it should come away clean.

If something needs a quick touch-up, call the team before the walkthrough. Maid in Edmonton’s satisfaction guarantee includes a return visit for items on the checklist, subject to the service terms.

Why Clients Choose Maid in Edmonton

Trust is central. The company is Edmonton’s trusted cleaning service for a reason: background-checked staff, consistent training, and clear communication. The team brings its own professional equipment. Eco-friendly products are standard and safe for families and pets. Services are customized to the home’s needs and to the landlord’s or realtor’s expectations. The company is insured and bonded, so homeowners and tenants have real protection.

The most common feedback from property managers is simple: “It was ready.” That means no build-up on silicone, no crumbs in drawers, no sticky fan covers. The next tenant can move in without delay, and deposits move back on time.

Booking Tips to Secure the Right Day

Move-in move out cleaning slots fill quickly at month-end in Edmonton, especially near the 1st and 15th. Book as soon as the move date is confirmed. Provide details about pets, heavy appliance use, and any special landlord requirements such as “furnace filter change” or “steam clean carpets with receipt.” That way, the quote reflects the real job, and the crew arrives prepared.

If possession dates change — common during winter storms — Maid in Edmonton can reschedule within available windows. Communication helps avoid rush fees or overlapping with movers.

Ready for a Clean Exit?

A smooth handover is worth real dollars in deposit protection and saved time. Whether it is a downtown condo with glass and stainless, a family home in Sherwood Park with a busy kitchen, or a quiet bungalow in St. Albert with older carpets, a professional move-out clean sets the right tone with the landlord or buyer. Get an instant free quote from Maid in Edmonton, choose one-time or recurring service for the next place, and hand back the keys with confidence. Your home will be left spotless, and your schedule will stay on track.

Maid in Edmonton provides residential and commercial cleaning services in Edmonton, AB. Our team handles house cleaning, maid services, office cleaning, deep cleaning, AirBnB cleaning, and post-construction projects. We also provide janitorial services for local businesses. Since 2022, we have focused on reliable cleaning with eco-friendly practices. Whether you need regular home service or a full commercial clean, Maid in Edmonton is ready to help.

Maid in Edmonton

14605 118 Ave NW #101
Edmonton, AB T5L 2M7, Canada

Phone: (780) 885-6243

Website: https://maidinedmonton.com/move-in-move-out-cleaning-service/

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