End of Lease Cleaning Checklist

5th November 2024

Just how thoroughly do you need to clean your house at the end of a lease? Use this handy checklist to find out.

If you’re getting ready to move out of your rental property, making sure you get your bond back is key, right? Cleaning the house thoroughly from top to bottom is a big part of ensuring that happens.

In most states, landlords have the right to keep some of your bond if the property isn’t left reasonably clean, similar to how it was when you first moved in (apart from fair wear and tear). While the specifics can vary slightly from state to state, it’s pretty safe to say that you’ll need to set aside a day or so for some serious cleaning.

So grab your mop and bucket - in this article, we’ll guide you through an end of lease cleaning checklist to make sure you cover everything.

What’s ‘fair wear and tear’?

As homes age, certain deterioration is natural and expected. As a tenant, you are not expected to pay for fixing this deterioration – that’s usually the owner’s job. So, working out the difference between fair wear and tear and damage caused by your living habits is important when deciding what needs cleaning or fixing at the end of a lease.

Here are some examples of fair wear and tear:

• Faded, chipped or cracked paint
• Cracks in the plaster caused by movement in the foundations
• Worn kitchen benchtops
• Faded curtains or blinds due to sunlight exposure
• Gradual wear on carpets or flooring

Here are some examples of damage you may be held responsible for:

• Paint discolouration from candle smoke
• Holes in the plaster from hammering nails into the walls
• Burns or cuts in the bench tops
• Large holes or stains in carpets beyond normal wear
• Broken windows or damaged window coverings

If you’re unsure, check your tenancy agreement or have a chat with your landlord.

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A handy end of lease cleaning checklist

As a minimum, follow the checklist below when moving out to ensure you satisfy your agent’s and landlord’s requirement that the property is left ‘reasonably clean’. Aim to complete this final clean after all the boxes and furniture have been packed into the moving van – just remember to leave out your cleaning supplies!

Bedrooms and living areas:

• Wipe the inside and outside of cupboards and drawers.
• Dust curtain rails, light fittings, window sills, and skirting boards.
• Vacuum carpets, and mop if you have floor boards.
• Remove dust and grime from ceiling fans with a damp cloth and disinfection spray (consider wearing a pollution mask for comfort).
• Clean and polish any furniture left behind.

Kitchen:

• Wipe the inside and outside of cupboards and drawers.
• Wipe down sinks and benchtops.
• Clean the inside and outside of appliances including the fridge, microwave, dishwasher, and any other appliances if they’re staying.
• Give the oven, stovetop and rangehood a thorough clean.
• Vacuum and mop the floor.

Laundry:

• Wipe the inside and outside of cupboards and drawers.
• Scrub soap scum and scale from the laundry sink and tapware.
• Clean in and around where the washing machine/dryer sat (if appliances are staying behind, wipe them out thoroughly and clean the filters).

Bathroom:

• Empty out and clean the cupboards.
• Scrub all surfaces with disinfectant to remove grime, mould or soap scum.
• Clean the mirrors.
• Clean and disinfect the toilet, shower and bath.
• Vacuum and mop the floor.
• Clean and descale shower heads and faucets.

Garage:

• Sweep thoroughly and remove any cobwebs.
• Use an oven cleaner to tackle any big oil stains that have been left behind by your vehicle.

Windows:

• Clean all the windows, inside and out.
• Wipe down window frames and sills.

Outside:

• Sweep hard surfaces.
• Brush away cobwebs from eaves.
• Mow the lawn and trim edges.
• Remove weeds from gardens and pathways.
• Clean the barbecue if it’s staying.
• Wash out the household bins.

If time is tight or you prefer professional help, consider hiring a reputable cleaning service that specialises in end of lease cleaning. They can ensure the property meets the required standards, potentially saving you a load of time and stress.

By following this end of lease checklist diligently, you can leave the property in excellent condition and increase the likelihood of receiving your bond back.

What about end of lease carpet cleaning?

Some lease agreements include a clause that says you have to pay for carpet cleaning or steam cleaning at the end of your lease – often, this only appears if the carpets were professionally cleaned just before you moved in. It’s essential to check your lease agreement early on to understand this requirement and factor it into your moving costs.

The final word

By following the end of lease cleaning tips and the checklist above, you’ll ensure your rental property is clean and tidy when you move out. This not only keeps your agent and landlord satisfied but also increases the likelihood of receiving your bond refund promptly.

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