What Do I Need to Clean Before Moving Out of a Rental Property?

Read Time: 4 Minutes

It's important to ensure everything is in order before you move out of your rental property. This will ensure you are refunded your bond in full and without delay.

Firstly, read through the Property Condition & Chattels reports that you received at the beginning of the tenancy to make sure that the condition of the property is the same. Legally, tenants are required to leave the premises in a “reasonably clean and tidy condition”.

Although the legal requirement is “reasonably clean,” Crockers recommends a detailed approach to end of tenancy cleaning. This will ensure your bond is returned quickly and in full.

The following move out cleaning checklist is a useful guide. Some of these items can be attended to prior to your moving day to save time, but make sure you don’t end up having to clean things twice if they get dirty during the move.

Cleaning Inside the Property

Be sure to clean walls, ceilings and ceiling mould. Light fittings should be dusted, with dead insects removed and blown bulbs replaced. Wipe the fan blades of ceiling fans, use a damp cloth to clean skirting boards and wipe finger marks and removable marks from doors. Screen doors need to be cleaned front and back including frames. Cupboards and drawers should be thoroughly cleaned.

Windows

Ensure you clean windows inside and out. Don't forget sills and runners - wipe out dust build up and dead insects. A great tip is to use a vacuum cleaner and paintbrush.

Stoves

It's important to get stoves clean. Clean:

• stove top
• control display
• knobs
• panels around knobs
• any pull out or in-built drip trays, griller racks, trays and any inserts
• oven racks, trays and oven bottom, walls and oven roof.

A good oven cleaner will clean most ovens - however it is of importance that you read carefully the instructions on the product. Some cleaners can damage oven surfaces (like stainless steel), and products may cause dangerous caustic fumes. Clean the kitchen rangehood by washing out filters and cleaning the framework.

Bathroom

In the bathroom, clean:

• sink
• mirror
• cabinet
• vanity unit and drawers
• shower (including shower waste)
• glass screen and screen doors
• bath and wall tiles.

Ensure both the sink and bath have a plug available. When cleaning the toilet pay attention to the cistern, seat, bowl inside and out and around the base. Don’t forget the skirting tiles around the toilet.

General Cleaning

The laundry tub should be cleaned inside and out and ensure that a plug is present. All tiling and grouting throughout the house should be clean. Clean exhaust vents and fan covers of any dust and dirt. Wipe the front vents and filters of air conditioners and clean down air-conditioning ceiling vents.

Window Fittings

Wash any washable curtains and netting. If other curtains are visibly dusty or dirty, consider dry cleaning. If you have venetian blinds, clean off the blind slats. Any other type of blinds should be able to be wiped down.

Floors

Floors need to be mopped/washed if needed - ensure corners and hard to get areas are also cleaned.

Rental Carpet Cleaning

It's a good idea to have carpets professionally cleaned. It is expected that carpets will be left “reasonably clean” and although professional cleaning is not a requirement there are situations where it is advisable.

1. Long-Term Tenancy: Living in a property for several years naturally leads to wear and tear, making carpets dirtier over time. In these circumstances, it may be advisable to consider professional carpet cleaning services, like JAE, to restore the carpets closer to their original condition.
2. Visible Stains or Dirt: If there are noticeable stains or significant dirt that is not easily removed professional stain treatment might be necessary to meet the "reasonably clean" standard.
3. Disputes: In situations where disputes with the landlord regarding cleanliness arise, having carpets professionally cleaned can help prevent or resolve issues by establishing a clear standard of cleanliness.

Read about managing common landlord and tenant issues.

Be aware that using cheap ‘do it yourself’ carpet cleaning hire machines may initially save on cost, but in the long run may cost you a lot more as they generally do not have the power to get carpets properly cleaned. This can result in professional carpet cleaning still required after you have already paid to hire a machine.

Further Advice

For a comprehensive, single source of information for any queries that you may have during the course of your tenancy, download Crockers Home Occupiers' Handbook.

Find out more about how a Crockers Property Manager can help you or request a Property Management information pack here.