The Ultimate End-of-Lease Cleaning Checklist

Here’s what landlords and property managers typically inspect. Be thorough — missed spots are often the reason for deductions.

1. General Cleaning (All Rooms)

• Dust and wipe all surfaces, ledges, doors, door frames, skirting boards, cornices.
• Remove cobwebs from ceilings, light fittings, corners.
• Clean and polish light switches, power points, and window handles.
• Vacuum or sweep all floors, then mop hard surfaces.
• Clean interior glass, mirrors, window sills, tracks, and window fanlite panels.
• Clean curtains, blinds, or flyscreens if present.
• Clean inside wardrobes, cupboards, drawers (empty them first).

2. Kitchen

• Degrease stove, oven (inside & out), rangehood, exhaust filters.
• Clean refrigerator / freezer (defrost if required), including shelves, walls, seals.
• Sanitize sink, taps, drains, splashbacks, benchtops.
• Clean dishwasher, microwave, kettle, toaster (if included).
• Wipe down cupboard doors (inside and out).
• Clear and clean waste bins and trays.
• Clean floors, backsplashes, skirting, walls behind appliances.

3. Bathrooms / Laundry

• Scrub and disinfect shower, bath, tiles, grout, glass screens, showerheads.
• Clean toilet (bowl rim, cistern, seat), taps, basins, mirrors, vanity units.
• Descale taps, shower rails, remove soap scum and limescale.
• Clean exhaust fans / vents.
• Wipe or mop floors, skirting, corners, drainage.
• Clean laundry area: tub, plumbing connections, washing machine/dryer (if included).

4. Carpets & Floors

1. Vacuum carpets thoroughly, including edges.
2. In many cases, carpets must be cleaned by a registered carpet cleaner to Australian standard; supply invoice.
3. For timber, vinyl or tiles: sweep, mop, polish or buff if needed.

5. Outdoor Areas & Extras

• Mow lawns, trim hedges, rake leaves.
• Sweep and hose any outdoor patios, decks, paths.
• Clean windows (external if safely accessible), doors, gates.
• Remove rubbish, personal items, garden waste.
• Check fences, gates, letterboxes, external fixtures.

Pro Tips to Maximise Your Bond Return

1. Start early: Begin the clean a day or two before your final inspection.
2. Check your condition report: Match cleaned areas to what was ordered at move-in.
3. Use the right tools: Microfibre cloths, squeegees, eco-friendly degreasers, grout brushes.
4. Work top to bottom: Start with ceilings, fans, walls, then surfaces, then floors, then outdoor sweep.
5. Address stains / damage: Fix small scuffs or wear (touch up paint, polish) rather than leaving them.
6. Take before/after photos: As proof if disputes arise.
7. Review your lease / agent requirements: If professional cleaning is required per lease, ensure you obey it.
8. Attend the final inspection: Walk through with the agent so issues can be addressed then.