We all know moving can be as tense as a kangaroo in a wool shed. And one of the most nerve-wracking tasks we face as renters is the dreaded end-of-lease cleaning checklist.
But fear not! This comprehensive end-of-lease cleaning checklist will help you ensure that your rental property is spick and span, improving your chances of getting your bond back in full. Plus, it’s going to make passing the baton to the next tenant as slick as a greased-up frisbee.
In addition to this end of leasing cleaning checklist, you might also want to do some end of lease pest control as well, depending on your tenancy agreement.
Remember that the end of lease cleaning requirements in QLD might be different from those in NSW or VIC, so do double check government sites and your tenancy agreement.
So, arm yourself with your condition report for the rental, and let’s get to cleaning!
End-of-lease cleaning checklist
1. Kitchen
Start here in the heart of the home. Give extra attention to appliances and surfaces to ensure a sparkling and hygienic culinary space.
Appliances
It’s time to give that stovetop and oven a good scrub down. Don’t stress about those tough, baked-on grime stains though; just grab some baking soda and get to work. Don’t forget the fridge and dishwasher. They need some serious TLC too. Make sure you hit up both the interior and exterior with a good scrub down.
Surfaces
Clean the entire wall, countertops, cabinets, and drawers. Pay special attention to the sink and taps – they can harbour grime and oil marks.
2. Living area and bedrooms
Strewth, these are the rooms we live in the most, and so they usually cop a fair bit of wear and tear. But no worries, mates! A comprehensive cleaning can make them look as good as new.
Walls and windows
Start with the walls. Check for any extensive scuff marks or damage that might need more than just a wipe over. If painting’s required, make sure you’re matching the original colour unless you’ve got permission to change it up. You can do some research on how to paint skirting boards if they’re been scratched up during the lease.
Now, for the windows – interior cleaning tips are straightforward here. Cleaning vents and tracks are often overlooked in the cleaning process. Vacuum the dust out of these areas before wiping them down.
Floors and carpets
The flooring will also need a thorough cleaning. Hoover the floors thoroughly, don’t forget the skirting boards. Carpets will benefit from a professional steam clean, while wooden or tiled floors will come up great with a good mop.
And remember, it’s not just the open areas – get right under any furniture and into the corners. With these steps, you’ll have your living areas and bedrooms looking schmick in no time!
3. Bathroom
Keep it dinky-di with a thorough and deep cleaning session in this important space for a sparkling and fresh environment.
Shower and bath
Scrub the shower, bath area, and wall tiles thoroughly, and don’t forget to tackle the grout lines with a toothbrush for a proper and meticulous clean. This will ensure a pristine and refreshing bathing experience.
Toilet and sink
Clean the toilet and sink, including the bases and behind them. Don’t forget the towel rails!
Laundry area
Use our expert laundry cleaning tips here. Check the condition report in a rental for any specifics. Give your washing machine a clean, too – it’s probably been working harder than a sheila at a shrimp barbecue.
4. Exterior Spaces
Don’t forget about the great outdoors. Take care of your exterior spaces, including the yard, patio, and garden, to create an inviting and enjoyable environment.
Balcony or patio
Give these areas a sweep and spot clean, including any outdoor furniture.
Yard
If you’re lucky enough to have a standalone property, make sure you give the lawn a bit of a haircut and toss out any rubbish the right way. Blimey, that’s a pretty comprehensive guide to an end-of-lease cleaning checklist.
By getting stuck into the cleaning of your rental property from the roof to the floor, you’re setting yourself up for a smoother move and boosting your chances of pocketing your full bond back.
Frequently asked questions
What is the end-of-lease cleaning cost?
No beating around the bush; the end-of-lease cleaning cost can swing a fair bit, depending on the size of your rental pad and how deep the cleaning needs to be. You could be forking out anywhere from a few hundred to a cool grand if you call in the pros.
But let’s not forget, a thorough clean can put you in good stead to get your full bond back, so it might be worth shelling out for!
Should you consider hiring a professional cleaning service?
Hiring an end-of-lease cleaner can take the pressure off you, especially if you’re running off your feet with the move. They’ll know how to tackle extensive scuff marks, vacuum all the nooks and crannies, and give those vents a proper clean. Searching for end of lease cleaning in Melbourne or whatever town or city you live in will ensure you connect with an appropriate local service.
What are some exterior cleaning tips?
Crikey, don’t forget about the outside of your rental property. Sweep and wash down any patio or balcony areas, clean out gutters, and don’t forget about any windows that are accessible from the outside. A high-pressure cleaner can work wonders on outdoor surfaces.
How do you clean windows effectively?
Window cleaning can be a bit of a drongo task. Start by vacuuming the tracks of sliding doors or windows. Then, clean the glass with a mix of warm water and vinegar, wiping it down with a clean, lint-free cloth. Remember, streaks often show up more when the sun is shining directly on the glass, so pick your timing well!
How should you clean vents and other often overlooked areas?
You can give your vents a good vacuum and follow up with a wipe using a damp cloth. Don’t forget about other often-overlooked areas, like light switches and door handles – a swift wipe with a disinfectant can do the trick.
To sum up, while an end-of-lease clean can be a fair big job, the right checklist and a bit of hard labor can get your place looking as flashy as gold in no time!
