Preparing an End-of-lease Cleaning Checklist

The time has come for your tenancy to come to an end, and with it comes the daunting task many try to hold off on…Cleaning!

With the dust continuing to build and the stains setting in, the process of cleaning seems like a huge, overwhelming task that you would rather not do…but now is not the time for dread and regret.

So, without further ado, get ready to grab your bleach and cleaning products, slip on the heavy-duty gloves and get started on your end-of-lease cleaning.

Starting early

In most instances, it’s better to get the jump on it earlier rather than later, and that proves no different when it comes to end-of-lease cleaning.

Many renters believe that since you have an end date already set for when you leave the rental property, you can also delay the cleaning until the nights before where you can finish the cleaning in one go.

However, developing a plan with the intention to tackle cleaning tasks one day at a time is a much better alternative than the cram plan.

Consider setting out some time in the day (as little as 10 minutes) over the course of a couple weeks, and you’ll find that a lot can be taken care of for minimal effort over a longer period of time.

What you need to clean

Whether you’ve started early or the end of lease is looming over your head, you’ll need an idea on what exactly needs to be in tip-top shape to get your bond money back.

Evidently, the level of cleaning will vary from person to person, but there are many tasks that are considered common place to give a thorough wipe over before leaving.

These cleaning tasks include:

• Removing dust from skirting boards, window sills and even hard to reach surface areas (i.e., ceiling fans, tops of doors, atop cupboards etc.)
• Sweeping and mopping all wooden and tiled floors, removing as many stains and marks as possible.
• Wiping off any and all marks and stains on the walls, ceilings, doors and light switches, especially fingerprints hidden in certain light.
• Cleaning all curtains and blinds, restoring them to how you initially found them.
• Clearing out all light fittings, as many insects can find themselves up there, as well as dust and grease from the light itself.
• Speaking of insects, remove cobwebs and any marks left by insects.
• Ensure vacuuming is done on all window tracks and spaces in tiles and flooring in general
• Vacuum and stain remove all marks on carpet (consider professional cleaning services if severe).
• Any glass or reflective surface is cleaned and free of marks
• Ensure all cabinets, such as wardrobes, drawers, shelves etc. are cleared and cleaned.
• Remove dust and lint from machines, such as air conditioners, washing machines, dryers and filters with exhaust fans in general.

Be sure to determine what would classify as fair wear and tear and what falls under damage you are responsible for. To further understand the difference, check out our blog on home deterioration and the difference between the two here.

Tackle cleaning from room to room

While there is an aforementioned broad example of things that need to be cleaned, it’s not always clear what needs to be done.

Cleaning each room presents its own challenges, and with each room being different than the last, it can be overwhelming to think of the many different items you’ll need to tick off your list, so it’s great to go through one room at a time before moving onto the next.

For example, cleaning out the kitchen stove tops, ovens, fridges and all other appliances is far more different than cleaning the curtains and floor-panelling in your living room, or the need to mow and shear the bushes in the yard.

A common way of ensuring you’ve cleaned everything is to pick an end of the house and move towards the other. Starting from the back of the house and cleaning until you’re at the front door will prove to be efficient and rewarding, realising how much you’re getting done.

For a more exact checklist to tick off, check out this great end-of-lease checklist from hipages here.

End-of-lease up and need some help moving house? Check out our selection of moving house tips on our blog here. If you need help getting your utilities connected sorted, please call MyConnect on 1300 854 478 or use the Get Connected form here!