If you rent in Ontario, it’s likely that you’ve seen a requirement stating that you must leave your unit in a “broom swept condition” before moving out. The phrase describes how the landlord expects to see the state of your unit upon vacating, but the meaning can feel unclear. Knowing what broom swept conditions entail could help you meet a landlord’s expectations and avoid future disputes.

Broom swept condition basically means leaving your unit clean and ready for the next occupant. The Residential Tenancies Act (the RTA), the legislation which governs tenancies in Ontario, doesn’t explicitly define the term, but generally, it means the unit should be free of trash, significant dust or dirt, personal belongings and with no damage beyond normal wear and tear.

Ideally, meeting this standard could mean:

• Removing personal items, including furniture and decorations from the unit and any designated storage areas.
• Sweeping and mopping to remove dust and debris, wiping down surfaces like countertops and appliances

While the RTA has protections for normal wear and tear, wall marks or carpet fading, tenants are required to address any damage caused by their own misuse such as broken fixtures or stains.

If a landlord’s expectations or your lease seems unclear, asking for clarification could be a simple way to be able to meet your requirements.

Filed in: Housing