COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE

End of Lease Cleaning Checklist: Securing Your Bond in Melbourne

Moving out of a rented property in Melbourne involves more than just packing your belongings. A crucial aspect of this transition is end-of-lease cleaning, a process that ensures you leave the property in pristine condition for the next tenant. Here's why it's so important.
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5 reasons

Why End of Lease Cleaning is Essential

Securing Your Bond
The primary reason for thorough end-of-lease cleaning is to secure the return of your bond. This security deposit, paid at the beginning of your tenancy, is typically equivalent to a month's rent and is held to cover any damages or cleaning costs at the end of your lease. By returning the property in a condition as close as possible to its original state, you increase your chances of receiving your full bond back.
Legal Obligations
Most rental agreements in Melbourne include a clause requiring tenants to perform end-of-lease cleaning. Failing to do so can result in a portion of your bond being withheld to cover the cleaning costs. In some cases, if the cleaning is not up to the landlord's standards, you might be asked to cover additional cleaning services.
Rental History
As the rental market in Melbourne is competitive, maintaining a good rental history is crucial. By ensuring a thorough clean at the end of your lease, you leave a positive impression with your landlord or property manager. This can be beneficial for future rental applications, as a good reference from a previous landlord adds to your credibility as a responsible tenant.
Ready for Inspection
End of lease cleaning checklist is essential for passing the final inspection conducted by landlords or real estate agents. These inspections are thorough, checking for cleanliness in every nook and cranny of the property. A comprehensive clean helps ensure that the property passes the inspection without issues, avoiding potential disputes over the bond.
Health and Hygiene
Besides the financial and legal aspects, end-of-lease cleaning also addresses health and hygiene. Deep cleaning eliminates dust, allergens, and bacteria, making the property safer and more inviting for the next occupants. This is especially important in shared spaces like apartment buildings, where maintaining cleanliness can impact the health and well-being of other residents.
Good to remember
End-of-lease cleaning is not just a routine task; it's a critical step in fulfilling your responsibilities as a tenant in Melbourne. By dedicating time and effort to this process, you protect your financial interests, maintain a solid rental history, and contribute to a healthier living environment for the next occupants. Hiring a reputable cleaning company solves a lot of headaches. Try Inner Melbourne Maids or any other with good public standings.
useful addition

Room-by-Room End-of-Lease Cleaning Checklist

This comprehensive checklist ensures every corner of your Melbourne rental property is attended to, meeting the high standards expected for end-of-lease cleaning.
DOWNLOAD END OF LEASE CHECKLIST

General/Living Areas/Bedrooms

  • Vacuum and mop floors
  • Wipe skirting boards
  • Clean built-in cabinets/wardrobes
  • Windows and windowsills
  • Doors, door frames, and light switches
  • Cobweb removal
  • Dust blinds and light fittings
  • Clean and dust air vents and fans.
  • Wall marks: wipe off marks from walls.
  • Furniture surfaces: dust and clean surfaces of any furniture.
  • Carpet stains: treat and clean any stains on carpets.

Kitchen

  • Cupboards and benches
  • Oven deep cleaning
  • Stovetop and range hood
  • Vacuum and mop floor
  • Refrigerator cleaning: clean inside and outside, including behind.
  • Dishwasher and microwave: clean inside and out.
  • Sinks and faucets: descale and polish.
  • Exhaust fan filter: clean and degrease.
  • Countertops and surfaces: wipe and disinfect.
  • Light Fixtures and switches: clean and dust.

Bathroom/Toilets

  • Cupboards and mirrors
  • Toilets, sink, and bathtub
  • Shower area de-liming
  • Exhaust fans and vents
  • Tile and grout cleaning: scrub and clean tiles and grout
  • Shower curtains/rails: clean or replace if necessary.
  • Towel racks: wipe and polish.
  • Bathroom floors: mop and sanitize.
  • Ceiling and walls: remove any mold or mildew.
  • Plumbing fixtures: check and clean.

Outdoor Areas (if applicable)

  • Garden and patio
  • Trim hedges and remove weeds
  • Clean driveway and bins
  • Garage dusting and cleaning
  • Balcony cleaning: sweep and wash balcony areas.
  • Outdoor furniture: clean and wipe down furniture.
  • Exterior windows and doors: clean from the outside.
  • Gutters and drains: remove debris and clean.
  • Walkways and steps: sweep and wash.
  • Pool Area (if applicable): Clean pool surroundings.
  • Clean patios, balconies, trim plants.
  • Remove trash, repair damages

Laundry Room and Furniture

  • Clean and dust all surfaces.
  • Vacuum under furniture, clean upholstery.
  • Wash windows, mirrors, curtains, blinds.
  • Disinfect appliances, remove stains

Garage Cleaning

  • Remove oil stains from driveway or garage
PEOPLE

DIY Cleaning vs Professional

We asked Melburnians to share their opinion on DIY and professional cleaning

JENNIFER TAYLOR

Homemaker & Accountant
Advocates for DIY cleaning
Any day of the day, DIY cleaning is my go-to choice. Especially if you're on a tight budget. Professional cleaning services can be costly. Last time some company quoted us $400 for 2 bedroom end of lease cleaning in Melbourne​.

On top of that, when I clean myself, I can focus on every small detail, ensuring that each area receives the attention it requires.
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It allows me to schedule the cleaning at my own convenience and choose the cleaning products and methods, which can be particularly beneficial for my family as my kids are allergic to some cleaning solutions. Additionally, I'm always buying the best available; with agencies, I'm unsure if they opt-out for top-quality chemicals.

GEORGE ANDERSON

Handyman
Opts out for professional cleaning
Me? I prefer professional cleaners and hired them several times already. They bring specialized knowledge and experience, using specific cleaning techniques and products to achieve exceptional results. I know from my own experience that professionals take pride in what they do. Tackle stubborn stains, odors, and ensure that no corner is overlooked​ - let them do all of it. Why bother?

I have 3 kids, so I always rent a house. As far as my experience goes, professional cleaning services can be beneficial for larger properties as they save me time to do my work. They complete the task quickly and efficiently, freeing up my time for other moving-related tasks.​

Besides, hiring professionals can significantly reduce the stress of moving. There is something calming in knowing that experienced cleaners are handling the task and this is their headache to meet cleaning needs set by the landlord’s expectations.
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