Radiant You

August 25, 2025

Do Alberta Tenants Need to Shampoo Carpets and What’s the Cleanliness Standard?

Moving out in Edmonton has two checklists running at once: the packing list and the cleaning list. The second one affects the security deposit, landlord references, and the stress level on moving day. This article clarifies what Alberta law expects from tenants, what “clean” means in practice for move-outs, when carpet shampooing is required, and how much move in move out cleaning typically costs across Edmonton and surrounding areas. It closes with practical tips and a clear way to get a free quote from a trusted local team.

What Alberta Law Actually Says About Cleanliness at Move-Out

Alberta’s Residential Tenancies Act requires tenants to return a rental in the same condition it was received, minus reasonable wear and tear. That phrase matters more than any single task list. If the unit was professionally cleaned before the tenant moved in, the landlord can reasonably expect a similar result at move-out. If the unit was average-clean, the same standard applies.

Reasonable wear and tear includes small nail holes, light traffic wear on carpets, and aging caulk. It does not include grease buildup on the range hood, heavy soap scum in the shower, or a refrigerator with old spills. Those are cleaning issues, and leaving them can lead to deductions from the security deposit.

Landlords often provide a move-out checklist. It is not law by itself, but it sets expectations. Where disputes happen, a judge or mediator looks at move-in and move-out condition reports, photos, and receipts. Clear, dated photos and a cleaning invoice from a professional cleaning team help demonstrate effort and condition.

Do Tenants in Alberta Need to Shampoo Carpets?

There is no blanket legal requirement in Alberta that says “all tenants must shampoo carpets at move-out.” The obligation is to return carpets clean and free of excessive odor or staining, beyond normal wear. Whether that means vacuuming, spot-treating, or full hot-water extraction depends on:

  • The condition of the carpet at move-in and move-out.
  • The lease agreement, if it contains a carpet cleaning clause that is reasonable and not punitive.
  • Pet policies. Many pet addendums require professional carpet cleaning with an invoice at the end of the tenancy.

Here is practical guidance from years of move-out work across Edmonton and area. If the carpet shows obvious traffic lines, pet odors, or visible spots, plan to shampoo. If there were pets, plan to shampoo. If you only lived in the unit for a few months, wore indoor shoes, and the carpet looks nearly unchanged, a thorough vacuum and spot treatment can meet the standard. If a lease requires professional cleaning, provide a receipt from a recognized service. Many property managers in downtown Edmonton, Strathcona, and Oliver expect invoices to close out files.

What “Broom Clean” Means in Edmonton Rentals

Some listings mention “broom clean.” In practice, Edmonton landlords usually expect more than a single sweep. The common local understanding is a rental returned:

  • Free of garbage and personal items.
  • Surfaces wiped, kitchen grease removed, fridge and oven cleaned.
  • Bathrooms sanitized with fixtures shining and no soap scum or hair.
  • Floors vacuumed and mopped where appropriate.
  • Walls free of obvious marks and scuffs cleaned where safe for the paint.

If a property manager schedules a new tenant move-in for the next day, they expect the unit to feel ready. That often aligns with a professional move out cleaning rather than a quick tidy.

Typical Move-Out Cleaning Costs in Edmonton

Costs vary by size, condition, and add-on services like carpet shampooing or inside-oven cleaning. Edmonton pricing reflects supply, demand, travel time, and the level of detail needed to pass a landlord’s inspection. These are realistic ranges as of this year:

  • Studio or small one-bedroom apartment: $200 to $325 for a thorough move-out clean. Add $60 to $120 for an inside-oven and inside-fridge detail if not included.
  • Larger one-bedroom or small two-bedroom: $275 to $425. Carpet shampooing, if required, typically adds $90 to $180 depending on rooms and stairs.
  • Two-bedroom townhouse or mid-size condo: $350 to $550. Heavier kitchen work or high-limescale bathrooms can push toward the higher end.
  • Three-bedroom house: $450 to $750+ depending on square footage, number of bathrooms, and condition. Finished basements, blinds, and window tracks can add time.
  • Oven and fridge detailing: Often included in move-out packages, but if priced separately, expect $40 to $80 each.
  • Wall spot-cleaning and baseboards: Usually included in move-out services, but heavy scuff removal or repaint needs are separate.
  • Garbage and debris removal: If left behind, removal fees are added based on volume and dump costs.

A home that has been well maintained and cleaned weekly sits at the lower range. A property with heavy grease, thick dust on vents, or shower doors with built-up mineral film trends higher. Move out cleaning in Edmonton is time-based more than room-based once the condition is assessed.

What Affects Your Final Cost Beyond Square Footage

Edmonton homes differ. A downtown high-rise with concrete dust on window tracks takes different work than a Terwillegar family home with white baseboards and a busy kitchen. The main cost drivers are:

  • Grease and oven buildup. A lightly used oven cleans fast. A heavy roast history can require multiple cycles and safe degreasers.
  • Hard-water scale. Areas like Summerside and parts of Mill Woods see more mineral buildup. Glass shower doors may need careful, repeated treatment.
  • Pet hair and dander. Extra vacuuming passes, filter changes, and detail work around baseboards add time.
  • Window tracks and blinds. Tracks with fine grit take tools and patience. Blinds need careful dusting or wiping slat by slat.
  • Access and parking. Downtown loading rules or limited parking can affect time on site.

A transparent quote addresses these factors up front. A trusted local provider will ask a few targeted questions and give ranges, then firm up the number after a quick walk-through or photos.

What Professional Move-Out Cleaning Includes

Professional move in move out cleaning targets the areas landlords check first. In Edmonton rentals, that usually means the kitchen, bathrooms, floors, and high-touch surfaces. A thorough visit commonly covers:

  • Kitchen: Inside and outside of cabinets, drawers, fridge, freezer, oven, stovetop, range hood, backsplash, counters, sink, and faucet. Grease removal is the difference-maker for inspections.
  • Bathrooms: Shower or tub scrubbed, grout brightened where possible, glass doors treated for hard water, toilet sanitized top to bottom, vanity and mirrors polished, vents dusted.
  • Living areas and bedrooms: Baseboards, light switches, door frames, closet shelves, window sills, dusting, and floor care. Vents and return air grilles wiped where accessible.
  • Floors: Vacuumed and mopped; carpet vacuumed thoroughly and shampooed if requested or required.
  • Final touches: Spot clean walls where safe, remove any stickers or residue, check corners and behind doors, and leave the space sparkling and scent-neutral.

Tenants often ask about inside cabinets and drawers. For move-out work, those should be empty and cleaned inside as part of the service. The same applies to inside the fridge and oven, which are hot spots for deposit disputes.

Edmonton Landlord Expectations, By Building Type

Experience across Edmonton and surrounding areas shows patterns. Downtown property managers in buildings near 104 Street and Ice District focus on appliances, balcony glass, and floor cleanliness. South Edmonton landlords in Rutherford or Ellerslie often look closely at https://maidinedmonton.com/move-in-move-out-cleaning-service/ carpet condition and baseboards. In St. Albert and Sherwood Park, single-family rentals draw attention to shower glass clarity and kitchen cabinet fronts.

Older buildings in Queen Mary Park or Garneau sometimes have painted surfaces that do not tolerate harsh scrubbing. Gentle products and the right microfiber technique protect finishes while still producing a spotless result. Newer builds with glossy cabinets need lint-free polishing to avoid streaks under bright LED lighting during inspection.

DIY vs Professional: Where the Time Goes

Doing a full move-out clean yourself seems simple until the oven door comes off and the fridge shelves are sitting on towels. The hidden time is in dwell time for products, tool changes, and careful high-low detailing. A realistic timeline for a DIY effort in a two-bedroom, two-bath condo sits around 8 to 12 hours for one person, assuming focused work and the correct tools. Add more if there is heavy grease or scale.

A professional cleaning team brings process, pro-grade solutions, scrapers, brushes, and the muscle memory that cuts minutes from each step. Two expert cleaners can often complete the same job in 4 to 6 hours, including quality checks. If shampooing is added, a third person or a separate pass keeps the schedule tight.

DIY can work if timing is flexible and energy is high. Professional help is smart if the handover is the same day as moving or if the landlord’s standards are strict. For many tenants, the value is in exchanging one day of hard work and a possible deposit dispute for a documented, guaranteed result.

Deposit Protection: How to Avoid Disputes

Photos matter. Take dated photos after the final clean, including inside the oven, fridge, cabinets, and behind bathroom faucets where mineral staining hides. Keep your receipts. If carpets were shampooed, save the invoice with the method used, such as hot-water extraction.

Communicate early. If something is worn beyond cleaning, disclose it with a move-in report reference. For example, laminate lifting under a dishwasher is wear; sticky residue is not. Where a stain will not lift without risk to the carpet fibers or paint, a professional will document it and explain options to the landlord or property manager.

If a landlord says a second clean is required, ask for specifics. A trusted service will return to address missed items under a satisfaction guarantee, which reduces stress and cost.

Seasonal Factors in Edmonton That Change the Clean

Winter sand and street grit collect in entryways and along baseboards. Salt in the foyer needs proper neutralizers to avoid white film on floors. In spring, window tracks can carry a fine layer of dirt from melting snow. Summer brings more dust on blinds and sills, while fall can push leaves and debris into exterior door frames. Edmonton’s climate shows up in the details, which is why a locally owned and operated company fine-tunes its approach by season.

Eco-Friendly Options and Safety

Many clients ask for eco-friendly products during move-out. In most cases, green cleaners handle general surfaces, floors, and light soil. For heavy oven grease or thick limescale, a professional might combine safer options with targeted problem-solvers that remain safe for kids and pets once rinsed and ventilated. The right balance protects surfaces and health without sacrificing a spotless finish.

A credible team uses labelled bottles, SDS-compliant products, and clear ventilation practices. Background-checked, insured, and bonded staff are standard for Edmonton’s trusted providers. It signals training and care inside someone’s home, even when that home is days from handover.

How Maid in Edmonton Prices Move-Outs

Maid in Edmonton offers move in move out cleaning across Edmonton and surrounding areas, from downtown apartments to St. Albert and Sherwood Park homes. The company provides instant quotes online for standard layouts and a fast phone estimate for unique properties. Pricing reflects square footage, number of bathrooms, condition notes, and add-ons like carpet shampooing, inside-oven detailing, and blinds. The team’s quotes are clear, and the work is delivered by professional cleaners with a satisfaction guaranteed promise on service quality.

As an example, a 700-square-foot one-bedroom in Oliver with light use and no pets often lands in the $250 to $325 range including inside-fridge and inside-oven. A three-bedroom house in Terwillegar with two and a half baths and moderate kitchen buildup might sit around $550 to $700, with carpet shampooing adding $120 to $180 depending on rooms and stairs. These are reference points; a quick call and a couple of photos will set an accurate number.

What to Clean Yourself Before the Team Arrives

A small amount of prep can reduce time and cost without doing full DIY. Bag and remove all trash and personal items. Empty the fridge and freezer. Pull the stove drawer to expose crumbs if it is safe to do so. Wipe obvious food spills you can address quickly. These steps help professional cleaners focus on detailed work that moves the needle with landlords.

Common Edge Cases We See in Edmonton Rentals

  • Painted walls with flat paint. Aggressive scrubbing can burnish or remove paint. A light touch and the right cleaner are key. Stains that have set may require repainting rather than scrubbing.
  • Tenant-installed adhesive hooks. Removing them cleanly without tearing paint needs slow, low-angle pulls and adhesive remover that will not etch the wall.
  • Nicotine residue in older units. Yellowing on cabinets and ceilings calls for degreasers and time. It is hard to handle in a quick pass.
  • Pet odor in subfloor. If liquid penetrated beyond the carpet, cleaning alone may not remove the odor. Documentation helps explain limits and avoid unfair charges.
  • Glass shower doors with etched mineral spots. Some marks are etching rather than scale. Cleaners can improve clarity, but perfection may not be possible without replacing the glass.

A professional team will recognize these issues on arrival and set expectations. Clear notes to the landlord prevent surprises.

Landlord Satisfaction Checks: What They Look For First

Experienced property managers start with the kitchen. They lift stove elements or check the oven bottom, run a finger along the top of cabinet doors, and open the fridge seals. Next, they inspect shower corners, the base of the toilet, and the back ledge. Floors come last, especially edges near baseboards. If those high-visibility spots look spotless, the rest usually passes.

That is why professional move-out work in Edmonton front-loads ovens, fridges, showers, and baseboards, then runs a final lap to catch smudges on stainless steel and glass.

Booking a Move-Out Clean: Timing and Access

The best day for a move-out clean is after furniture is removed and before the walk-through inspection. For apartments with elevator bookings, the cleaning window often sits between move-out and move-in slot times. Provide key fobs or door codes, and confirm parking. If the property manager needs a business invoice, share the name and email in advance.

Weekends near month-end fill fast in Edmonton. Tenants moving out of September typically book by mid-month to secure a preferred date. Short-notice jobs are possible with flexibility.

Why Edmonton Renters Choose Maid in Edmonton for Move-Outs

Local renters choose Maid in Edmonton because the company brings a trustworthy approach and a proven system. It is locally owned and operated, so the team understands entryways full of winter sand, hard-water trouble spots, and landlord preferences from Clareview to Glenora. The cleaners are background-checked, insured, and bonded. They arrive with eco-friendly options and the right problem-solvers for tough jobs. Scheduling is simple, and the quotes are clear. If something is not right, the satisfaction guaranteed policy means they return to make it right.

The result is a smooth handover and fewer deposit headaches. Landlords appreciate a professional invoice and clear before-and-after photos. Tenants appreciate a home that feels ready for the final walk-through.

Quick Answers to Common Questions

  • Is carpet shampooing mandatory for every Edmonton rental move-out? No. It is required when a lease says so, pets lived in the unit, or carpets show visible soil or odor beyond normal wear.
  • Can a landlord charge for cleaning if a tenant leaves it “good enough”? Yes, if surfaces show grease, soap scum, or interior appliances are still dirty. “Good enough” is subjective; photos, receipts, and a professional clean protect deposits.
  • What if the unit was not cleaned before move-in? The move-in report and photos matter here. The standard is “same condition minus wear and tear.” Document everything and share it at move-out.
  • Are eco-friendly products sufficient for move-outs? Often yes, but heavy grease and limescale may need targeted products. A balanced approach is safest and most effective.

Ready to Book a Move-Out Clean in Edmonton?

If the move-out date is on the calendar, it is time to lock in cleaning. Maid in Edmonton offers one-time move in move out cleaning across Edmonton and surrounding areas, including St. Albert, Sherwood Park, Spruce Grove, and Stony Plain. Get a free quote online or call to describe the layout and timing. Ask about carpet shampooing if you have pets or visible stains. The professional cleaning team will build a customized plan for your home and timeline, and they will leave the place spotless for the final inspection.

A smooth handover is worth it. With trusted local cleaners on your side, the deposit stands a better chance, the stress drops, and the new place gets your full attention. Book your move-out cleaning today and let a proven Edmonton team handle the rest.

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: