Moving Out? Downloadable End of Lease Cleaning Checklist to Get Your Bond Back!
My team at North Removals has relocated many many people since 2019 and we know, that for many of them, leaving a rental property is exhilarating and nerve-wracking at the same time. People usually need to handle multiple responsibilities when moving out, including finding dependable moving professionals,estimating moving expenses and complying with end of lease cleaning obligations—those obligations that came with the lease.
In Australia, an end of lease clean serves two essential purposes: it protects property quality, and also enables tenants to understand their moving rights when vacate a property.
After being in this industry for more than 14 years I know that end-of-lease cleaning is more than a courtesy; it is a legal requirement. The cleaning is necessary to deliver a property that is neat, hygienic and functional for the incoming resident. If you don´t maintain proper cleaning standards, your end-of-lease inspection may lead to disputes with your landlord and possibly bond money being withheld.
Our end of lease cleaning checklist provide the essential details needed for tenants to get their full bond money back, instead of suffering bond deductions. A complete checklist helps with systematic cleaning by preventing any areas from being missed, while meeting all cleaning standards.
This blog provides details about the particular cleaning obligations which apply during lease termination in Australia. In addition, you´ll find here an extensive cleaning checklist for every room, to buff your property in optimal shape before your departure.
Interactive End Of Lease Cleaning Checklist: Track Your Progress and Save it
End Of Tenancy Cleaning Standards In All Australian States
The regulations for property maintenance at lease termination differ between states and territories of Australia, due to independent tenancy laws within each jurisdiction. All jurisdictions maintain different requirements which we will analyse here, together with their corresponding resources.
Victoria
The tenant needs to maintain the property at its original condition while performing basic cleaning duties according to acceptable standards of wear and tear. The states of the property both at the beginning and ending of the lease require documentation through condition reports. The website of Tenants Victoria and Victoria Legal Aid contains additional information about the subject.
New South Wales
The property must be given back by tenants in a state similar to its original condition except for normal deterioration. The tenancy begins by completing an extensive condition report that helps determine any property changes at its conclusion. For more details, check NSW Fair Trading.
Queensland
The tenant must leave the property in the same condition as the starting state of the tenancy, except for regular wear and tear. An Entry Condition Report is filled out at the start, and an Exit Condition Report is completed by the tenant at the end. For more information, visit Residential Tenancies Authority.
Western Australia
Property condition reports are mandatory at the beginning and end of a tenancy. Reports about the property condition serve as essential documentation for addressing bond disputes. You can find more information at Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety.
South Australia
The property needs to be returned in a similar condition to when the tenancy began, but tenants are exempt from covering ordinary deterioration. A tenant must both give their landlord written notice along with strict observance of lease agreement clauses when they want to move out. The Consumer and Business Serviceswebsite contains detailed information about the matter
Australian Capital Territory (ACT)
At the end of the tenancy period a tenant needs to give the property back in a state that resembles its original condition, while natural deterioration from normal use is given consideration. A comprehensive condition report must be prepared when the tenancy begins, which will later serve as the basis to evaluate property changes when the tenancy ends. The website Access Canberra contains additional information about the subject
Northern Territory
The property needs to be maintained in its original state, except for acknowledged regular usage deterioration. An in-coming condition report is prepared at the beginning of the tenancy, and an outgoing condition report is completed at the end. You can find more details at Northern Territory Government.
Tasmania
A tenant must return the property in good condition, identical to its state at the beginning of their occupancy with condition given to normal deterioration. A condition report is conducted at the beginning of the tenancy, and tenants are advised to participate in a final inspection with the landlord or agent upon vacating. For more information, check Consumer Affairs Tasmania.
The Australian jurisdictions share a common expectation that tenants will return their rental properties in a similar condition to the state they moved into, yet the particular documentation and procedures may differ between states. All tenants should study the unique tenancy regulations of their state or territory, for following the rules and safeguarding their rights.
Room-by-Room End of Lease Cleaning Checklist
The process of getting ready for lease termination may prompt some stressful emotions, so take it easy, do some deep breathing and stay calm!
Our system and specific cleaning checklist for each room will help you complete end-of-lease cleaning efficiently to create a gleaming space for the landlord´s approval and the following tenants.
The following cleaning responsibilities need attention in every section of your rented property:
1. General Preparation
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Organise Cleaning Supplies: Gather all necessary cleaning products (detergents, sponges, microfibre cloths, mops, vacuum cleaner).
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Schedule Time Wisely: The amount of time dedicated to house cleaning should be at least a day in length based on the property dimensions.
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Enlist Help: Hiring professional cleaners, or seeking help from friends or family members can be considered as a solution to you doing it all on your own, when moving demands your time.
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Declutter First: Beginning your cleaning process with decluttering allows better efficiency and ease of operation.
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Prepare Music or Audiobooks: To make cleaning more enjoyable, set up a playlist or audiobook.
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Check Lease Agreement for Specific Cleaning Requirements: Read your lease agreement, it may reveal specific cleaning requirements that the landlord has included.
2. Kitchen
- Appliances:
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Clean oven, stovetop, range hood, microwave, dishwasher and refrigerator (inside and out).
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Run dishwasher through a cleaning cycle.
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Defrost and clean the freezer.
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Remove and clean stove grills, if you have a gas stovetop.
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Clean coffee machines, toasters, and kettles.
- Surfaces:
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Wipe down countertops, cabinets (inside and out), drawers and backsplash.
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Clean the sink and taps correctly, removing limescale.
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Clean under the dish drying rack.
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Check and clean well behind appliances, such as the refrigerator and oven.
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Properly polish stainless steel appliances.
- Floors & Final Touches:
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Sweep/vacuum and mop floors.
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Empty and disinfect bins.
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Replace sponges and tea towels.
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Clean light fixtures and switches well.
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Dust and clean ventilation filters if applicable.
3. Bathroom(s)
- Fixtures:
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Clean showers, bathtubs, sinks and toilets thoroughly.
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You should scrub the tiles and grout to remove mould and mildew.
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Shine faucets and showerheads.
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Deodorise and unclog drains.
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Clean shower curtains or glass doors.
- Surfaces:
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Wipe down mirrors, countertops and vanity units.
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Empty and clean drawers and cabinets.
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Get rid of expired products and medications.
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Clean toothbrush holders and soap dishes.
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Polish any chrome fixtures.
- Floors & Ventilation:
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Sweep/vacuum and mop floors.
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Empty and disinfect bins.
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Ensure good ventilation during and after cleaning.
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Clean walls and light fixtures.
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Replace old caulking if mould is present.
4. Bedroom(s) and Living Areas
- Dusting & Surfaces:
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Dust furniture, shelves, picture frames and light fixtures.
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Clean windows, sills and tracks (inside and out).
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Properly remove cobwebs from ceilings and corners.
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Clean walls and baseboards.
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Clean mirrors and glass surfaces.
- Floors:
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Vacuum carpets and rugs.
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Mop hard floors.
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Steam clean carpets if required.
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Move furniture to clean behind.
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Polish wooden floors if applicable.
- Additional Tasks:
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Wash and replace curtains.
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Disinfect light switches, doorknobs and remote controls.
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Check and clean air vents and ceiling fans.
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Replace lightbulbs in fixtures if needed.
5. Laundry Room
- Appliances:
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Clean washing machine (run a cleaning cycle) and dryer (wipe drum and lint trap).
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Clean behind appliances.
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Empty and clean lint traps thoroughly.
- Surfaces & Floors:
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Clean laundry tub and taps.
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Sweep/vacuum and mop floors.
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Clean cabinets and shelves.
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Properly clean lighting fixtures and switches.
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Organise laundry supplies and dispose of empty containers.
6. Hallways and Entryways
- Dusting & Cleaning:
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Dust baseboards, light fixtures and ceiling fans.
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Clean door frames, handles and switches.
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Clean walls and skirting boards.
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Clean mirrors and any decorative items.
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Clean any wall-mounted fixtures like coat hooks.
- Floors:
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Sweep, vacuum and mop floors properly focusing on corners and edges.
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Clean entry mats and rugs.
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Check and clean thresholds and door sills.
7. Outdoor Areas
- Balconies & Patios:
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Clean windows, screens and sliding door tracks.
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Sweep/vacuum and mop floors.
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Properly remove cobwebs from corners and ceilings.
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Clean outdoor furniture.
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Wash balcony railings and walls.
- Garage:
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Sweep floors and remove cobwebs.
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Clean shelves, drawers and cupboards.
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Clean garage door inside and out.
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Organise and declutter stored items.
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Ensure garage door opener is functioning properly.
- Gardens/Yards:
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Weed garden, mow lawn and tidy up outdoor spaces.
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Must clean and organise outdoor tools or equipment.
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Ensure side gates are functioning properly.
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Clean outdoor lighting fixtures.
Moving Out? North Removals Ensures a Thorough End-of-Lease Clean!
As the owner of North Removals, I hope this checklist helps with your cleaning tasks and ensures that nothing important gets missed. You can use this tool to simplify cleaning operations while you fulfil your cleaning duties to their best standard, with increased confidence and without worry.
I still remember one of my first end-of-lease cleaning jobs after a move in Port Melbourne. I was working with one of my first employees, Leo (who still works with me today), and after spending the whole morning moving furniture out, we had to do the end of lease cleaning for the customer. We would have killed for a checklist like this! Without a checklist (and with less experience), we were lost and had to work until midnight!
Please post your personal end-of-lease cleaning methods and stories in the comments section. Our community exists to provide continuous support for any moving and cleaning issues, or to share supplementary tips that you want to exchange with other members.
If you're looking for a cleaning checklist, you're probably moving houses soon and at North Removals we're here to help. Whether you're moving from Melbourne to Sydney or moving locally within Melbourne we've got you covered. Call us today, and we'll give you an idea of pricing and availability for your next move while delivering our famous 100% five-star personalised service!
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