Can a landlord charge a cleaning fee in Alberta?
Short answer: it depends on whether you're talking about a deduction from your security deposit or a fee written into your lease — they follow completely different rules. Here's the practical version for Edmonton tenants. (General information, not legal advice — check the Alberta RTA Handbook or a lawyer for your situation.)
Cleaning deducted from your security deposit
Under Alberta's Residential Tenancies Act, a landlord generally cannot take ordinary cleaning out of your security deposit. Deposit deductions are for damage beyond normal wear and tear, or for extraordinary/abnormal use — and only when written move-in and move-out inspection reports were properly completed. Routine 'we cleaned after you' is not a valid deposit deduction.
A non-refundable cleaning fee in your lease
This is the part tenants miss. If you signed a lease with a separate non-refundable cleaning fee, that fee sits outside the security-deposit rules — and you can be charged it regardless of how spotless you leave the unit. No amount of cleaning or photo proof overrides a fee you agreed to in the contract. Read your lease before you assume a great clean gets you out of it.
Normal wear and tear is never chargeable
Faded paint, light carpet traffic, small nail holes — landlords cannot deduct from your deposit to repair normal wear and tear. You're responsible for dirt, soil and residue (the stuff cleaning removes), not for the natural aging of the unit.
How to protect yourself
- ✓Complete the move-in and move-out inspection reports — deposit deductions for damage require them.
- ✓Photograph every room after cleaning; time-stamped photos are useful evidence of condition.
- ✓Keep your cleaning invoice, checklist and photos until the deposit is resolved.
- ✓Know your 10-day window: with no deductions, the landlord must return the deposit plus interest within 10 days of you giving up possession; with deductions, they must send a statement of account in that window.
Can a landlord keep my deposit for cleaning in Alberta?
Generally not for ordinary cleaning — only for damage beyond normal wear and tear or extraordinary use, and only with completed inspection reports. A separate non-refundable cleaning fee in your lease is different and can be charged regardless.
How long does a landlord have to return my deposit?
With no deductions, within 10 days of you giving up possession (plus interest). With deductions, they must provide a statement of account within that 10-day window.