Lease ending? Here is the ultimate guide to end of lease cleaning.

If your lease is ending soon it is time to start cleaning. Tenants must leave the property in the same state it was when they moved in, as reasonably as possible. So, this means you will need to get out your vacuum cleaner, mops, countless products and get cleaning.

Generally, it is best not to leave all of your cleaning to the last minute. So, to help out we have created a checklist to get you organised. This will help make your end of lease cleaning a success.

One month before your lease ends

As the one month date rolls over it is time to get serious about cleaning. Start by booking a professional steam clean for the carpets. This should take place one or two days before you hand over the keys. It is a good idea to book this at this time to ensure you can get the date you want. It is also important that you keep a copy of the invoice to show your property manager.

If pest control is required as well, such as if you had pets, you should also arrange this to be conducted. Getting in early here allows you to arrange for the time most convenient for you.

If your property has lawns you will need to think about mowing them. Ensure that they have been mowed by one week out from the end of lease. In the case where you don’t have a mower, now may be the time to look at hiring a gardener. Thinking about this now will avoid the last minute rush to search for a gardener.

Think about canceling or moving your utilities. Many property managers have connections with utility moving services, so will be able to help you move your utilities from one property to another. Do this as soon as practical, or you may find yourself without internet for a few weeks.

Seven days before your lease ends

Now is the time to start digging in and giving the property a good clean. You will need to give both the inside and the outside a good clean before you leave.

Outside the property

The major parts of the property which will need to be cleaned are your gardens and driveways. Start by giving your garage and driveway a good clean. Remove cobwebs and sweep out debris. If there are any oil stains or tire marks ensure that these are cleaned up.  

In your garden, clear out any weeds, cut back bushes, mow the lawns and spray out some weed killer. Search the area for any rubbish. Clear out bottle tops or cigarette butts left in the garden before you leave.

Inside the property

Time to get into some of those nitty-gritty spots that don’t receive much attention on a general clean. Start with your lights. Wash your fittings, and dry them out before putting them back. If there are any blown bulbs you should replace these.

What kind of condition are the curtains or blinds in? Give these a clean, wiping away any dirt, dust, or marks. You can vacuum your curtains to remove dust and debris, or if this is not enough, you can give them a wash. For blinds, it is best to go slat by slat, wiping away dirt and dust.

Air conditioners, fans, and internal filters should all be wiped clean. Give your smoke alarms a wipe down to remove dust. Any exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathrooms should also be wiped for dust.

IF there are any spots on your ceiling from insects, give these a clean with a mild detergent and sponge. Be sure to test it on a small patch of the walls to ensure it does not strip the paint.    

Three days before your lease ends

Three days before your lease ends it is time to clean the windows. Start with removing cobwebs and debris from your windows. Look into the tracks on the windows and clear them of dirt by carefully running a screwdriver along the track to loosen the dirt, then use a vacuum cleaner to remove it.

Remove and hose down any flyscreens you may have. This can be done by placing a screwdriver beneath the fly screen, lifting, and sliding left and right. Be careful not to force the flyscreens as they bend easily. If you have security screens or sliding windows you can use a cloth to wipe them down from the outside and the inside.

Once these have been finished you should squeegee your windows. Soap up your windows with a sourer sponge to eliminate dirt. Wipe the top edge with a towel, then slide the squeegee down the window with firm, steady pressure. Next, wipe the blade dry, and continue. Make sure to overlap strokes slightly to avoid lines.

Two days before your lease ends

Now is the time for the deep house clean. You will need to get into all the little nooks and crannies behind your toilets, in living areas, and in the kitchen.

Bathroom

Start in the bathroom, vacuuming it out, removing hair and loose objects. Disinfect and clean all parts of your toilet, including the fittings, cistern, and pipes. Your shower will need a deep clean, removing any soap scum, mould, and rust. Use a shower cleaner and scourer sponge, ensure that you also clean the door frame, and on top of the shower. Once done, squeegee your shower glass so that it is clean.

All your drains should be cleaned of hair or other debris. This is also now the time to clean the tiles in your bathroom. Use a spray disinfectant and cloth to wipe them down.

Kitchens

While you should give your clean a full clean, it is important to pay special attention to your oven. Give it a full clean and scrub with a scourer. Clean the glass with an oven cleaner as per its instructions. If you don’t want to clean your oven yourself, consider hiring a cleaner to do it for you.

Laundry

Check your laundry cupboards and sinks for any signs of calcium build up or rust. This should be removed with a cleanser and scourer sponge. Clean all tap fittings and wall tiles with a cloth. To finish up scrub the floor tiles, removing any marks.

Living areas

Give your living areas a big vacuum, getting into all the cupboards and wardrobes. This will prepare your carpets for the carpet cleaner. As well, remove any final personal items, like hooks and posters. If there are marks on your walls you can use a Magic Eraser to rub most of these out easily.

Floors

Beyond, vacuuming your carpets for the carpet cleaner, you should also sweep and mop your tiles or wood floorings. Sweep up any patio or balcony areas as well.

One day before end of lease

This is your last chance to tick any remaining items off this list. Once the carpet cleaners have finished, inspect the property and ensure it is clean and in a good handover state. By doing this you will be able to avoid any disputes with the bond.

Conclusion

Moving homes can be a big, and stressful event. There is a lot to get organised, and a lot to do, both packing, unpacking and then cleaning. So, to make at least one aspect less stressful, follow this guide to keep the property you are leaving in the right state for handover. In doing so, you will be far more likely to receive your bond back. If you do not feel that your cleaning skills are up to scratch, consider hiring a cleaner. While they do cost money, the time savings and the quality of job completion will be worth it.

For further advice on inspections, moving house, and more check out our other articles here.

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