The Ultimate End of Lease Cleaning Checklist

Moving out of a rented property can be a stressful experience, especially when it comes to end-of-lease cleaning. Landlords and property managers typically require tenants to return the property in the same condition as it was when they moved in, which includes a thorough clean cleaning of the premises.

End-of-lease cleaning is not only essential for getting your bond back, but also for leaving a good impression and maintaining a positive relationship with your landlord or property manager.

To make the process easier, we have compiled an end-of-lease cleaning checklist that covers all the essential tasks you need to complete before handing over the keys.

General interior

You’d be surprised at just how much cleaning there is to do in your household. Keep this list near you, so that when the time comes, you’ll be ready for your moving out cleaning. 

• All (emptied) cupboards, draws, wardrobes and shelves.
• All window ledges, picture rails, doors and skirting boards.
• Light fittings, lampshades and switches.
• Doorknobs and handles.
• Wiping down and cleaning of furniture.
• Marks and smudges on walls.
• Dust and cobwebs from ceilings and other hard-to-reach areas.
• Screens, windows, sliding doors, mirrors and other reflective surfaces.
• Air conditioners and all other air-circulation devices, fans and vents.
• All blinds and curtains around the property.

Kitchen

End of lease cleaning needs a lot of attention to detail. Your kitchen has likely seen a lot of cooking action the years and has probably built up grease, dust and other debris from daily use. Here’s what to look out for:

• Stains on all work surfaces, heating pads and stoves.
• Wiping down of cooker hood, filters and lightbulbs
• Everything inside the oven, including grills, the inside of the door, trays, fans and interior walls.
• All interior and exterior aspects of the dishwasher, including racks, shelves, circulator and filter.
• Removal of food and cooking debris from sink holes, taps, plugs, and other accumulative areas.
• All shelving units and cupboards.
• Cleaning and polishing of the sink, as well as drying racks.
• Garbage disposals, bins and recycling containers.
• Interior of both fridge and freezer, including shelves and containers, and behind both units.
• Underneath and behind appliances.

Bathroom

Just like your kitchen, your toilet and bathroom have many nooks and crannies to clean up. Here’s what you need to do to get everything sparkling clean and ready for your landlord’s end of lease cleaning inspection:

• Spraying and disinfecting of showers, baths, screens, basins and toilet seats.
• Polishing of taps and showerheads.
• Mould and mildew in ceiling corners and around pipe entrances.
• All tiled areas and other surfaces.
• Wiping and cleaning of mirrors and other reflective areas.
• Wiping of toilet roll holders, towel racks and other containers.
• Removal of buildup in. sinks, drainage areas and plugs

Bedroom and living room

While these don’t accumulate the same kind of mess as kitchens and bathrooms, you’ll be surprised at the amount of dust your rest areas can collect.

• Hoovering of all carpets.
• Wiping of windows, shelving, cupboards and TV units.
• Wiping and cleaning of tables and chairs.
• Hoovering behind appliances and television.
• Checking all draws and wiping inside.
• Wiping inside wardrobe and larger storage units.
• Hoovering underneath the bed and couches where possible.
• Wiping and cleaning of light fixtures, bulbs and shades.
• Curtains and blinds.

Exterior

• The outside of your home is just as important as the interior! It’ll be the first thing your landlord sees when they come to inspect, so you’ll want to make a great first impression.
• Cleaning of the patio and stone areas with pressured water and a brush.
• All BBQ and gardening equipment (that belong to the landlord).
• Dust and cobwebs from all exterior windowsills and walls.
• A tidy, recently moved lawn with neat flowerbeds and potted plants.
• Any messes left by pets or wild animals.
• Collection of fallen leaves from walkways and swimming pools.
• Organise all items inside the shed as best you can.
• Removal of all trash and rubbish bags to the tip, or in designated community rubbish tips.
• Hosing down of all pathways and walkways.

More moving tips

We hope the above end of lease cleaning checklist is useful to you. If you’re moving soon or helping a friend, why not take a look at our house packing tips and other moving advice on our blog. Good luck!