Move-out cleaning in Brossard is usually the last job before you hand over the keys, and the first one before you move in. Whether you are a tenant leaving an apartment, a landlord getting a unit ready for the next tenant or a seller handing over a house, here is a room-by-room checklist, what Quebec rules say about the condition of a dwelling, and how to pick a cleaning company if you would rather not do it all yourself.
What the rules say for tenants
According to the Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL) lease guide, a tenant must return the dwelling at the end of the lease in the condition it was received, but is not responsible for normal wear and tear or the effects of time. Tenants must also keep the dwelling clean throughout the lease. Without a move-in inspection, the tenant is presumed to have received the unit in good condition, which is why dated photos at move-in and move-out are worth taking. For your specific situation, check with the Tribunal administratif du logement. Landlords can also read our Brossard landlord guide.
Plan the right timing
The easiest time to clean is once the unit is empty: you can see everything, reach the corners and avoid tracking dirt back in while carrying boxes out. If your move-out and move-in are back to back, leave a few hours between the truck leaving and handing over the keys, or book a cleaning crew for the same day. Get your supplies ready in advance: cloths, mop, vacuum, degreaser, descaler, gloves, garbage bags and a step ladder, and keep them out of the movers’ boxes so they stay within reach.
- Tenants: take dated photos of each room after cleaning.
- Landlords: walk through with the outgoing tenant if possible, then clean before showings.
- Sellers: check what your offer to purchase says about the home’s condition on handover.
Kitchen checklist
- Empty and wipe the inside of every cabinet and drawer.
- Clean the oven, range hood and filter, and the stovetop.
- Defrost and wash the fridge and freezer (leave the door ajar if unplugged).
- Scrub the sink, faucet, backsplash and countertops.
- Clean behind and under appliances if they can be moved safely.
Bathroom checklist
- Descale the shower, tub, fixtures and grout.
- Clean the whole toilet, including the base.
- Empty and wipe the medicine cabinet and vanity.
- Clean the exhaust fan cover and mirrors.
Every-room checklist
- Dust baseboards, door frames, switches and outlets.
- Wash windows, sills and window and patio door tracks.
- Clean light fixtures and vent covers.
- Wipe closets, shelves and wardrobes.
- Vacuum and wash floors; treat carpets.
- Check the balcony, shed, garage or storage locker.
Items left behind will not disappear on their own: take them to an ecocentre or bulky-item collection instead of leaving them at the curb.
Carpets, upholstery and ducts: when to call a pro
A vacuum is not always enough. Stained carpets, pet odours, upholstered furniture and ventilation ducts need specialized equipment. Before the furniture arrives is also the ideal time to have a home’s ducts cleaned. See our dedicated guide to carpet and duct cleaning in Brossard.
What a cleaning quote should include
- An exact list of rooms and surfaces included (inside oven and fridge, inside or outside windows, etc.).
- A flat price or hourly rate and the number of cleaners.
- The products used, especially if you have kids or pets.
- What happens if an area is not up to standard (touch-up, timing).
- The company’s insurance in case of damage.
Red flags
- A price set without knowing the size or condition of the unit.
- No written list of what is included.
- Full payment required before any work.
- Promises of “guaranteed removal” for every kind of stain.
Get move-out cleaning quotes in Brossard
For carpets, upholstery and ducts, use a specialized local cleaning company, and compare a few quotes before you book. You can describe your job once on our quotes page. Still planning the move itself? Read our guide to movers in Brossard.
brossard.city is an independent guide, not affiliated with the City of Brossard. Information is provided for general guidance only; check with official sources before making any decision. Spotted an error? Let us know.