OHI | Can My Landlord? · Ontario rental question #37
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Last verified: September 15, 2026
Quick answer: Not automatically. Ontario tenants are responsible for ordinary cleanliness, but the RTA does not impose a universal requirement to hire a professional carpet cleaner at move-out. A landlord may have a claim where unusual staining, contamination or tenant-caused damage requires extra work.
Section 33 of the RTA sets the tenant’s ordinary-cleanliness obligation. Section 34 covers undue damage. A lease term cannot override the Act simply by requiring a professional service in every case.
The carpet’s age, pre-tenancy condition, normal wear and actual cause of staining matter. A landlord claiming costs should be able to prove responsibility and reasonable expense.
What does ordinary cleanliness mean?
The unit should be left reasonably clean, without excessive dirt, garbage or tenant-caused contamination. It need not necessarily be restored to brand-new condition.
Can the landlord demand a receipt?
A receipt requirement does not decide whether professional cleaning was legally necessary. Evidence of the unit’s actual condition is more important.
What if a pet stains the carpet?
Extraordinary cleaning or replacement caused by the tenant or pet may support a damage claim. Depreciation, age and whether cleaning can fix the problem affect the amount.
What should a tenant do?
- Clean the carpet reasonably and photograph its condition.
- Keep move-in records showing pre-existing wear or stains.
- Ask for evidence and an itemized invoice if costs are claimed.
- Do not assume a pre-set professional-cleaning fee is automatically enforceable.
What should a landlord do?
- Record carpet age and condition at move-in.
- Distinguish ordinary turnover cleaning from tenant-caused remediation.
- Use actual reasonable costs and account for age and condition.
- Pursue unresolved claims through the proper LTB route.
Example
A five-year-old carpet shows ordinary traffic wear after a tenancy. That differs from extensive pet contamination requiring specialized remediation.
Related OHI guides and tools
Official sources
- Residential Tenancies Act, 2006
- Landlord and Tenant Board: Renting in Ontario
- Current LTB forms and instructions
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General information only: This article discusses Ontario residential tenancies and is not legal advice. Some rentals are exempt from all or part of the RTA. Outcomes depend on the facts and evidence. Rules and forms can change; verify current information with Tribunals Ontario or obtain advice from a licensed Ontario legal professional.