Vacating a rental property in Sydney can be a mad dash. Between packing, organizing movers, and changing your address, the last thing you may wish to bother with is cleaning—but it’s among the most significant. A proper end of lease clean can mean the difference between getting your full bond back or forfeiting some of it.
Here in this article, we’ll take you through helpful tips every tenant has to abide by when it comes to end of lease cleaning Sydney agents and landlords require.
Acknowledge the Expectations of Your Lease Agreement
Looking over your lease agreement and entry condition report is a smart idea before beginning any cleaning. These records frequently specify exactly how the property must be returned, including information about upkeep and cleanliness.
Sydney real estate agents and landlords can be extremely selective. Even something small—a bit of dust on the skirting boards or a scuff mark on the wall—can mean some of your bond will be kept. See if things like professional carpet cleaning or window cleaning are specifically requested.
Produce a Cleaning Systematic Checklist by Room
A checklist is one of the best ways to keep track of what needs to be done. Look at each room, starting with the areas where effort will be expended. Don’t just think about what is seen but also what areas may have been neglected.
Here’s a helpful breakdown:
Kitchen:
- Wipe inside and outside of all cupboards and drawers
- Clean benchtops, splashbacks, rangehoods, and stovetops
- Thoroughly clean the oven’s racks and trays.
- Clean and defrost the refrigerator and freezer (if equipped).
Bathroom:
- Scrub shower, bathtub, toilet, and basin
- Remove any mould from tiles or grout
- Polish mirrors and clean vanity units
- Empty and clean bathroom drawers or cabinets
Bedrooms and Living Rooms:
- Dust every surface, including window sills and skirting boards
- Clean wardrobes, drawers, and shelving from inside
- Vacuum the carpets and mop the floor
- Spot-clean any wall stains
Laundry:
- Wipe down laundry tubs and benchtops
- Clean appliances such as washing machines and dryers
- Remove any lint or build-up from filters
Use the Appropriate Cleaning Supplies
Achieving a crystal clear finish relies heavily, on the products you use when cleaning. The wrong cleaner, or a cleaner that is too abrasive may leave behind stains, scratches, or odors that may be noticed during inspection.
Use quality, cleaning product specific to purpose. For example, degreaser for kitchens, bathroom tiles need mould removers, and gentle detergent/water solution for cupboard and countertop. If you are looking for environmentally-friendly options, there are many options available from the larger retailers in Sydney that are both effective and safe.
Prioritize the Areas That Matter Most
In every final inspection, real estate agents will take a close look at areas that they know will attract dirt or take a little longer to clean. These are often the parts that make or break a successful bond refund.
Kitchen:
Make sure the oven is spotless. This is one of the first things inspectors will check, and a greasy or stained oven is a common reason for failed inspections. Don’t forget filters in the rangehood and behind appliances if they’ve been moved.
Bathroom:
Mould around corners, soap scum around shower screens, and mould on the sink can be instant warning signs. Sanitise and disinfect every surface thoroughly.
Floors and Carpets:
Vacuuming isn’t always enough—especially if you’ve had pets or spilled anything. If your lease requires it, arrange for professional steam cleaning of carpets. Mopping hard floors is essential too, and be sure to get into the corners.
Don’t Forget the Easily Missed Spots
It’s the little things that often get tenants into trouble. While you may have scrubbed the main living areas, smaller or less visible places can be just as important.
Commonly missed spots include:
- Light fittings and switches
- Ceiling fans and air vents
- Window tracks and fly screens
- Door frames and handles
- Garage or outdoor areas like balconies
- Air conditioning filters (if applicable)
These areas might seem trivial, but they are almost always part of the agent’s final checklist.
Should You Hire a Professional Cleaning company?
If you are short of time, or you would like some peace of mind, then hiring a professional end of lease cleaning Sydney company is a good option to consider. Professional cleaners know exactly what agents are looking for and have the right tools, techniques, and experience to deliver results that meet those standards.
Many moving companies also have a bond back guarantee, meaning that they will come back to fix any issues that the agent picks up, and do this free of charge. This additional guarantee may give you peace of mind, or at the very least, help increase the chance you get your full deposit back.
Some of the benefits of hiring professionals are:
- Time savings during your busy move.
- Higher cleaning standards that align with real estate expectations
- No need to source or store cleaning supplies
- Added confidence for your final inspection
Conduct a Last Walkthrough Before Handing Over the Keys
After you’ve finished cleaning everything, make a final walkthrough of your house. Open, every cupboard and inspect every room, while you double-check your checklist. This final inspection allows for the chance to identify something you may have missed and correct it all before the agent gets to the house.
It is also recommended to take snapshots or short videos of the cleaned home. This way, you can have a form of evidence regarding the condition of the house itself in the event of any disputes in the future.
Conclusion: Secure Your Bond with a Sparkling Exit
In terms of end of lease cleaning Sydney renters shouldn’t look to cut corners. A thorough clean meets your legal obligations with regard to end of lease cleaning, but also protects your hard earned bond. Whether you choose to do the clean yourself, or hire someone to do it, attention to detail will be required.
If you want peace of mind to ensure you get your bond back, contact the professional end of lease cleaners at Maid2Go Cleaning. Our team of expert cleaners know what agents expect and we deliver spotless cleaning results every time.
Maid2Go Cleaning will help to ensure a hassle free end of lease clean, so you can leave your rental with peace of mind.