End Of Lease Cleaning Checklist

Moving out of a rental can be stressful. Between packing boxes, organising removalists, and final inspections, cleaning often becomes a last-minute scramble. But if you want your full bond back, a thorough end of lease clean is essential.

To help make things easier, we’ve created this comprehensive end of lease cleaning checklist. Whether you’re doing it yourself or hiring a bond cleaner, this guide will ensure you don’t miss a thing.

Why End Of Lease Cleaning Matters

When you move out, your real estate agent or landlord will inspect the property to confirm it’s in the same condition as when you moved in—allowing for fair wear and tear. A spotless home shows respect for the property and helps you avoid disputes or deductions from your bond.

Professional end of lease cleaning not only saves time but also ensures every surface meets inspection standards. If you’re unsure about what’s required, following a checklist like this will keep you on track.

General Bond Cleaning Checklist (All Rooms)

Start with the basics—cleaning each room thoroughly before moving on to specific areas.

• Walls and ceilings: Remove cobwebs, dust, and marks. Gently wipe down walls and light switches.
• Windows: Clean inside and out, including sills, tracks, and flyscreens.
• Doors and handles: Wipe down doors, handles, and frames.
• Skirting boards: Dust and wipe throughout the property.
• Floors: Vacuum and mop all floors. Steam-clean carpets if required by your lease.
• Light fittings: Dust and wipe all fixtures. Replace any blown bulbs.
• Power points and switches: Wipe gently to remove dirt and fingerprints.
• Blinds and curtains: Dust blinds and wash or vacuum curtains.
• Cupboards and wardrobes: Clean inside and out, including shelves and handles.
• Fans and air-conditioners: Dust fan blades and clean air-con filters.

These are the small details property managers look for during inspection—missing them could cost you part of your bond.

Kitchen End Of Lease Cleaning Checklist

The kitchen is one of the most critical areas during a bond clean. It’s also the room most likely to show built-up grime.

• Oven: Clean racks, trays, and inside surfaces. Remove grease and baked-on food.
• Stovetop and rangehood: Degrease thoroughly, including filters and splashbacks.
• Benchtops: Wipe down and disinfect all surfaces.
• Sink and taps: Polish stainless steel and remove any calcium build-up.
• Cupboards and drawers: Empty and clean inside and out. Don’t forget handles and corners.
• Dishwasher: Run a cleaning cycle and wipe seals and filters.
• Fridge space: Clean behind and underneath if you’ve moved your fridge.
• Tiles and splashbacks: Wipe and remove grease residue.
• Floor: Sweep and mop thoroughly.

A clean kitchen not only looks great but also prevents the smell of old food from lingering before inspection day.

Bathroom & Laundry Bond Clean Checklist

Bathrooms and laundries are often inspected closely because they’re prone to mould, soap scum, and hard-water stains. A professional bond cleaner knows these areas can make or break your final inspection.

• Toilet: Clean inside, outside, and behind the toilet. Don’t forget the base.
• Shower and bath: Remove soap scum, mould, and hair from drains. Polish tiles and glass screens.
• Basin and vanity: Clean taps, polish mirrors, and wipe cupboards.
• Exhaust fan: Remove dust build-up.
• Tiles and grout: Scrub any discolouration or mildew.
• Laundry sink and taps: Clean and polish.
• Washing machine space: Wipe walls and remove lint or detergent residue.
• Floor: Mop thoroughly, paying attention to corners.

If your bathroom smells fresh and every surface gleams, your property manager will notice immediately.

Bedrooms & Living Area End Of Lease Cleaning Checklist

Bedrooms and living spaces are usually straightforward but need a careful once-over to ensure they meet end of lease cleaning standards.

• Wardrobes: Empty, vacuum, and wipe shelves.
• Windows and mirrors: Clean glass and remove streaks.
• Carpets: Vacuum thoroughly or have them professionally steam-cleaned if required.
• Walls: Remove scuff marks, fingerprints, and dust.
• Ceiling fans and lights: Clean blades and fittings.
• Blinds or curtains: Dust or vacuum to remove dirt and cobwebs.
• Doors and handles: Wipe and disinfect.
• Flooring: Vacuum and mop to finish.

Make sure you walk through the room from corner to corner—sometimes furniture hides dust patches that are easy to miss.

Outdoor Areas & Garage End Of Lease Cleaning Checklist

If your rental includes outdoor areas, don’t forget these during your bond cleaning. Many tenants lose part of their bond because they overlook exterior spaces.

• Balcony, patio, or deck: Sweep, mop, and remove cobwebs.
• Windows and sliding doors: Clean glass and tracks.
• Garage: Sweep floors and remove any oil stains.
• Driveway and paths: Sweep and pressure wash if needed.
• Garden: Mow lawns, trim hedges, and remove weeds.
• Bins: Empty and clean inside and out.

Even a quick tidy-up outdoors shows the property is cared for and ready for the next tenants.

Tips For a Successful Bond Clean

• Start early: Don’t leave your end of lease cleaning until the last day. Give yourself enough time to check every area.
• Follow your condition report: Compare your move-in report to make sure everything matches.
• Use the right products: Avoid harsh chemicals that could damage surfaces.
• Take photos: Document your clean for evidence if a bond dispute arises.
• Consider a professional end of lease cleaner: Hiring experts ensures nothing is missed and can often guarantee bond return.

Should You Hire a Professional End Of Lease Cleaner?

While DIY cleaning is possible, hiring a bond cleaner can save you significant stress and time. A professional end of lease cleaner has the tools, products, and experience to meet real estate standards.

Most cleaning companies also offer a bond-back guarantee, meaning they’ll return to fix anything your landlord flags—at no extra cost. If you’re juggling work, moving, and packing, this peace of mind is worth it.

Professional bond cleaning typically includes detailed attention to areas you might forget, like air vents, skirting boards, or oven trays. Plus, they can often handle carpet steam cleaning and pest control as part of a package deal.

Final Inspection Checklist

Before you hand back the keys, run through this quick summary:

1. All rooms vacuumed, mopped, and dust-free
2. Kitchen oven, stovetop, and rangehood cleaned
3. Bathroom tiles, shower, and toilet spotless
4. Windows, mirrors, and glass streak-free
5. Outdoor areas swept and tidy
6. Carpets steam-cleaned (if required)
7. Rubbish and personal items removed
8. Property smells clean and fresh

Once you’ve checked off everything, you’ll feel confident knowing your rental is ready for inspection.

Conclusion

Getting your full bond back doesn’t have to be stressful—just organised. Following this end of lease cleaning checklist ensures every corner of your home is spotless and inspection-ready.

However, if you don’t have the time or energy to tackle a full bond clean, it’s best to call in the professionals. Scrub and Sort .Co can handle your end of lease cleaning from start to finish, helping you save time and secure your bond back hassle-free.