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End of Lease Cleaning Checklist
End of Lease Cleaning Checklist: Ensure You Get Your Bond Back
Table of Contents:
Packing up and moving out of your rental property is stressful.
On top of the normal moving responsibilities, you're worried about getting your full bond refund.
However when you're at the end of your tenancy, having the right information on hand makes all the difference in giving you peace of mind.
It's all about making sure your home is in pristine condition, and ready for the final inspection.
Your real estate agent or property manager will be checking everything from the kitchen cleaning to the state of your outdoor areas.
So, to make things a little easier, we’ve put together the ultimate end of lease cleaning checklist!
Whether you’re tackling it yourself or hiring professional end of lease cleaners, this comprehensive guide will have your home absolutely spotless for when the time comes to get your bond money back.
Why End of Lease Cleaning Matters
When you move out, your lease agreement requires you to leave the property in its original condition as stipulated by the
Residential Tenancies Act.
A thorough
end of lease cleaning
can help you to:
- Secure your full bond refund, without dramas
- Avoid any disputes with your real estate agent
- Leave a good impression on your property manager
- Make the moving process much smoother
Without a proper clean, you risk losing part (or all) of your rental bond.
This happens so the real estate agent or property manager can cover the lease cleaning services required after you move out.
That's why following this detailed checklist is going to save you money.
Ultimate End of Lease Cleaning Checklist
Understanding
end of lease cleaning inclusions is essential to ensure you cover all required areas.
This checklist includes every space your landlord or property manager will inspect, including commonly overlooked areas.
Check out the following tasks:
Kitchen Cleaning: Sparkling Surfaces & Appliances
- Make sure to leave a clean oven and stovetop. Use an oven cleaner or baking soda to cut through any grease and grime.
- Clean up your bench tops and cupboards, wiping them down with cleaning products to remove dust and grime.
- Remove stains from your sinks and taps, and polish them to shine.
- Degrease your exhaust fans and rangehood.
- Mop floors so that they're spotless and streak-free.
- Make sure you leave clean walls, also leaving them spotless and streak-free.
Tip: For tough stains, use a magic eraser on surfaces like the benchtop and splashback.
Bathroom Cleaning: Remove Mould & Soap Scum
- Scrub the toilet bowl, cistern, and seat to leave an overall clean toilet.
- Remove hard water stains from the shower screen and shower head.
- Use a streak-free glass cleaner and a microfiber cloth to ensure clean mirrors.
- Remove mould, focusing on corners, grout, and ceiling.
- Check the sink and remove soap scum.
Tip: Pay special attention to hidden grime behind the washing machine in the laundry room.
Living Areas & Bedroom Cleaning: No Dust Left Behind
- Vacuum carpets and mop floors in high-traffic areas.
- Make sure you leave clean skirting boards and door frames.
- Dust your ceiling fans and air conditioning vents.
- Leave clean windows and window sills, including window tracks and fly screens.
- Replace your light bulbs and wipe down any door handles.
- Make sure to leave clean carpets that are free from stains and odours.
If deep cleaning is required, consider hiring one of the best bond carpet cleaning companies in Canberra to ensure a spotless result.
Tip: Don’t forget under furniture, landlords love checking those spots. A vacuum cleaner can power through these tasks.
Outdoor Areas & Garage: Often Overlooked, But Important
- Check your outdoor furniture and remove cobwebs and dust.
- Check for oil stains on your garage doors and floors and clean thoroughly.
- Sweep and pressure clean your patio and driveways if needed.
Some rental agreements require pest control treatments, so check your contract.
Commonly Missed Areas (Don’t Get Caught Out)
Many tenants focus on the big jobs but forget special attention areas during their
end of tenancy clean, which can lead to professional cleaners being called in at your expense.
Here are some items you might be missing in your end of tenancy cleaning:
- Sliding doors and window tracks – Use a vacuum and damp cloth.
- Door frames and handles – Wipe down fingerprints and marks.
- Exhaust fans and air conditioners – Clean vents and filters.
- Laundry room appliances – Check inside the washing machine drum.
- Garage and outdoor areas – Remove all rubbish before handing over the keys.
Should You Hire Professional End of Lease Cleaners?
Doing your own end-of-lease cleaning is a big job. Before deciding whether to hire professional cleaners, it’s important to understand
the average cost of an end of lease clean in Canberra
and what services are included.
If you're short on time or simply lack the skills and tools, understanding the
importance of professional end-of-lease cleaning can help you make the right choice. Getting professional help and hiring professional bond cleaners is a great investment.
End-of-lease cleaning services generally include:
- Lease cleaning services to guarantee a full bond refund
- Deep cleaning with professional cleaning products
- Stain removal from hard floors, vacuum carpets, and mop floors
- Specialised pest control where required
Tip: Check if your real estate agent has a preferred cleaner to avoid any disputes.
Conclusion: Get Your Full Bond Back
By following this ultimate guide, you can leave your rental in pristine condition and avoid losing your bond money.
Whether you handle the cleaning yourself or hire professional end of lease cleaners, the key is attention to detail.
- Use this clean checklist as a guide
- Don’t forget key areas often missed
- Consider professional cleaning services if needed
With the right approach, you’ll pass your final inspection with ease and walk away with your full bond refund.
frequently asked question
How clean does my rental need to be for a full bond refund?
Your rental needs to be in its original condition, apart from fair wear and tear. Following a detailed checklist makes sure you don’t miss anything.
What happens if I don’t clean properly before moving out?
If your property manager isn’t satisfied, they might deduct cleaning costs from your rental bond. Or, they could hire professional end-of-lease cleaning services at your expense.
Do I need to clean outdoor areas and garages?
Yes. This element of end-of-tenancy cleaning is too often overlooked! Your final inspection includes outdoor furniture, the garage door, and patio areas. Any oil stains or mess could impact your security deposit.
What’s the best way to clean windows and tracks?
Use a glass cleaner and a microfibre towel for streak-free shine and a vacuum with a nozzle attachment for window tracks. Don’t forget the fly screens either.
Are professional end of lease cleaners worth it?
If you’re busy or unsure how to get the job done yourself, hiring professional bond cleaners can save time and help guarantee a full bond refund. Look for professional cleaning services with a bond-back guarantee.
How do I remove stubborn stains from walls and benchtops?
Try a magic eraser for marks on walls and a mix of baking soda and water for tough bench top stains.
What is the difference between end of lease cleaning and regular house cleaning?
End-of-lease cleaning is a deep clean, checking every surface is spotless for the final inspection. House cleaning, on the other hand, includes more general upkeep.
By following this comprehensive guide, you’ll be well on your way to a full bond refund—without any last-minute stress. Need a hand? Contact Synergy Four Services for professional end of lease cleaning services in Canberra.
Director of Synergy Four Services
Jason Dean, the founder of Synergy Four Services, has led the company to significant achievements, including winning the Canberra Local Business Award for Most Outstanding New Business in 2021 and Most Outstanding Service and Trade in 2022.
Under his leadership, the company became a finalist in 2023. With a range of certifications, including mould remediation, water damage remediation and fire and smoke damage restoration, and compliance with ISO 9001:2015 quality management standards. Jason ensures Synergy Four Services meets the highest safety and quality standards.
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Acknowledgement of Country
Synergy Four Services respectfully acknowledges the Ngunnawal people as the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we operate, as well as the Wiradjuri people, from whose country our Aboriginal owner originates. We pay our respects to our Elders past, present and emerging.
