How to Create a Tenant Friendly End of Lease Cleaning Checklist

Introduction

Moving out of a rental property can be a stressful experience, especially when it comes to ensuring that the property meets the cleanliness standards required for a smooth handover. A tenant friendly end of lease cleaning checklist simplifies this process by providing a clear and structured guide. Not only does it help tenants cover all critical areas, but it also ensures compliance with lease terms, increasing the chances of getting the full bond refund.

Here’s how to create an effective and easy to follow tenant friendly cleaning checklist.

1. Include All Key Areas

The foundation of any cleaning checklist is to ensure that every part of the property is addressed, leaving no stone unturned.

Why It Matters

• Overlooked areas can lead to disputes with landlords or property managers.
• A comprehensive approach ensures the property meets inspection standards.

What to Include

1. Kitchen:
   • Clean inside and outside of cupboards and drawers.
   • Degrease ovens, stovetops, and range hoods.
   • Wipe down countertops and backsplashes.
   • Sanitize sinks and taps, ensuring no water stains remain.
2. Bathrooms:
   • Scrub tiles and grout to remove mold and soap scum.
   • Disinfect toilets, sinks, and bathtubs.
   • Clean mirrors, shower screens, and fixtures.
3. Living Areas:
   • Dust all surfaces, including skirting boards and light fixtures.
   • Vacuum carpets and mop hard floors.
   • Remove cobwebs and clean ceiling fans.
4. Bedrooms:
   • Clean wardrobes, mirrors, and shelves.
   • Dust window sills and wipe down doors.
5. Windows and Walls:
   • Wash windows inside and out.
   • Remove scuff marks and stains from walls.
6. Outdoor Areas:
   • Sweep patios, balconies, and pathways.
   • Remove weeds and tidy gardens.
   • Clean garages and storage spaces.

What Tasks Are Included in an End of Lease Cleaning Service for the Entry or Hallway?

When it’s time to wrap up your lease, making the entry or hallway spotless is essential. Here’s what you can expect from a professional cleaning service:

• Skirting Board Care: All skirting boards will be thoroughly wiped down to eliminate dirt and grime.
• Light Fixtures and Switches: Cleaners will meticulously dust and clean all lighting fixtures and switches, ensuring no cobwebs or dust remain.
• Floor Maintenance: Any hard surface floors will be vacuumed and mopped, leaving them gleaming and free of debris.
• Cobweb Removal: Corners and crevices will be checked and cleared of any cobwebs for a tidy appearance.
• Door Cleaning: Both the interior and exterior surfaces of doors will be wiped clean, contributing to a fresh and welcoming environment.

This comprehensive approach is designed to keep your entry or hallway looking as good as new for inspection.

What Does a Bond Cleaning Service Entail for the Lounge or Dining Room Areas?

A bond cleaning service for lounge and dining areas ensures these spaces are pristine and ready for inspection. Here’s what you can typically expect:

• Window Care: This includes washing the windows from the inside, plus meticulously cleaning the sills and tracks for a sparkling finish.
• Air Conditioning Maintenance: If the filters can be removed, they will be cleaned to ensure optimal airflow and cleanliness.
• Skirting Boards: These often-overlooked areas are wiped down to remove dust and any grime that accumulates over time.
• Lighting and Fixtures: The lights, switches, and any other fixtures will be cleaned and dusted to keep them shining brightly.
• Cobweb and Dust Removal: Dusting is done throughout the room, and any cobwebs are swiftly eradicated.
• Floor Treatment: The floors are vacuumed and mopped so they are spotless and gleaming.
• Fan Care: Ceiling or standing fans are dusted and cleaned thoroughly to ensure they are free of dust and debris.
• Wall Spot Cleaning: Any noticeable marks or spots on the walls are cleaned off to maintain a crisp and fresh look.
• Sliding Door Cleaning: Both the interior and exterior of sliding doors are cleaned to permit unimpaired views and easy gliding movement.

This comprehensive checklist is designed to leave your lounge and dining areas looking immaculate, ready for approval with ease.

Comprehensive Cleaning Activities for the Laundry in a Bond Clean

When focusing on the laundry area during a bond clean, several specific tasks are undertaken to ensure it meets the highest standards:

• Floors: Begin by vacuuming the floor to remove any dust and debris. Follow this up with a thorough mopping to ensure it’s spotless.
• Windows and Sills: Clean the inside of windows, taking care to remove smudges and dirt. Don’t forget to attention to window sills and tracks, ensuring they are free from grime buildup.
• Skirting Boards: Wipe down skirting boards meticulously to remove any dust or stains.
• Lighting and Fixtures: Dust all light fixtures and ensure switches and other electrical fixtures are free of dust and smudges. Ensure all cobwebs are removed from corners and ceilings.
• Surfaces and Fixtures: Clean the sink and any cupboards, making sure they are free from stains, soap residues, and any other marks.
• Countertops: Wipe down all countertops, ensuring they’re immaculate and ready to pass inspection.

By maintaining this comprehensive checklist, the laundry area will be pristine, ready to meet the expectations of landlords and property managers during a bond cleaning inspection.

Pro Tip

Break down each room into smaller tasks to make the checklist easier to follow and ensure no area is missed.

[lead-form form-id=1 title=Fill to Get Free Cleaning Checklist]

2. Make It Easy to Follow

A tenant friendly checklist should be clear, structured, and easy to understand, even for those with little cleaning experience.

Why It Matters

• A well structured checklist ensures all tasks are completed systematically.
• Simplified instructions reduce the risk of overlooking important areas.

How to Create It

• Use Sections: Divide the checklist by rooms or areas (e.g., Kitchen, Bathroom, Living Room).
• Prioritize Tasks: Highlight high priority tasks like carpet cleaning or oven scrubbing.
• Add Details: Provide specific instructions for challenging tasks, such as “Use a vinegar solution to remove limescale from shower screens.”

Benefit

A clear structure makes it easier for tenants to stay organized and track progress during the cleaning process.

3. Align with Lease Terms

Tailoring the cleaning checklist to the terms outlined in the lease agreement ensures that all landlord requirements are met.

Why It Matters

• Lease agreements often specify cleaning standards or tasks required before moving out.
• Ignoring these terms can lead to disputes or bond deductions.

What to Do

• Review the Lease: Identify any specific cleaning tasks mentioned, such as steam cleaning carpets or pest control.
• Use the Condition Report: Refer to the property’s initial condition report to ensure the property is returned to the same standard.
• Address Extras: Include additional tasks required by the landlord, like window cleaning or garden maintenance.
• What Optional Extras Are Available for Bond Cleaning Services?
• When opting for a bond cleaning service, there are several optional extras you can choose to enhance or customize your experience. These additional services are separate from the typical bond cleaning package and provide a comprehensive solution for your cleaning needs. Here’s what you can consider:
• Blind Cleaning: Keep your blinds spotless and dust-free with professional cleaning services specifically for blind maintenance.
• Full Wall Washing: Ensure every inch of your walls is pristine with thorough washing services that remove any dirt, scuffs, or marks.
• Yard & Garden Maintenance: Partnered services are available to handle your yard and garden, ensuring it looks immaculate. Availability may depend on your location.
• Carpet Steam Cleaning: Refresh and sanitize your carpets with a professional steam cleaning service, which may be subject to location availability
• By choosing these extras, you can ensure your property is left in impeccable condition, maximizing the chances of recovering your bond.

Impact

Customizing the checklist to meet lease terms helps avoid misunderstandings and ensures compliance with landlord expectations.

You may also like to read about-“Is there anything an end of lease cleaner won’t do”

4. Account for Commonly Missed Areas

Certain areas are often overlooked during end of lease cleaning, leading to potential issues during the final inspection.

Why It Matters

• Focusing on these areas demonstrates thoroughness and attention to detail.
• Neglecting them can result in re cleaning requests or bond deductions.

Commonly Missed Areas

• Behind Appliances: Pull out refrigerators and washing machines to clean behind them.
• Window Tracks: Remove dirt and debris from window tracks.
• Light Fixtures: Dust and clean ceiling lights and fans.
• Air Vents and Filters: Vacuum or replace air conditioning filters.
• Skirting Boards: Wipe down all baseboards to remove dust and scuff marks.

Pro Tip

Inspect these areas after completing the main cleaning tasks to ensure nothing has been missed.

5. Include Eco Friendly Cleaning Tips

Incorporating eco friendly cleaning practices not only benefits the environment but also ensures the property remains safe for future tenants.

Why It Matters

• Harsh chemicals can leave harmful residues, especially in kitchens and bathrooms.
• Eco friendly cleaning is becoming a preferred choice for many landlords and property managers.

What to Use

• Vinegar and Baking Soda: Ideal for cleaning tiles, removing stains, and tackling odors.
• Lemon Juice: Works as a natural degreaser and polish.
• Microfiber Cloths: Reduce the need for chemical cleaners while effectively trapping dust.

Benefit

Sustainable cleaning practices leave the property clean and safe without compromising on quality.

6. Provide a Final Inspection Guide

A final inspection guide helps tenants ensure that the property is ready for handover.

Why It Matters

• A thorough walkthrough can catch any missed areas, saving time and effort later.
• It helps tenants feel confident during the landlord’s inspection.

What to Include

• Checklist Review: Go through each item to confirm completion.
• Touch Up Tasks: Address any spots that need additional cleaning.
• Documentation: Take photos of the cleaned property as evidence of its condition.
• Yes, a downloadable PDF version of the bond cleaning checklist is available. Just scroll down the page, and you’ll find the option to download. This handy PDF ensures you have a comprehensive guide to help with your cleaning needs.

Sample Tenant Friendly Cleaning Checklist

Kitchen

• Clean oven, stovetop, and range hood.
• Wipe down cabinets and countertops.
• Sanitize sink and taps.

Bathroom

• Scrub tiles and grout.
• Disinfect toilet, sink, and tub.
• Polish mirrors and fixtures.

Living Areas

• Dust skirting boards, shelves, and surfaces.
• Vacuum carpets and mop floors.
• Clean light fixtures and remove cobwebs.

Bedrooms

• Dust wardrobes and window sills.
• Clean mirrors and wipe down doors.
• Vacuum floors or steam clean carpets.

Outdoor Areas

• Sweep patios and pathways.
• Remove weeds and tidy gardens.
• Wash windows and clean garages.
• In addition to these general tasks, specific areas receive tailored attention to ensure a pristine finish:
• Garage: Begin with a thorough vacuum or sweeping to remove dust and debris. Follow up by cleaning and dusting light fixtures and power points to leave the garage both clean and safe.
• Front Door Area: A welcoming entry starts with a clean sweep of this area. All surfaces are meticulously cleared of debris, ensuring a tidy entrance.
• Balcony or Verandah: These spaces are free from spider webs and dust. The floors are swept and then mopped with a damp mop, ensuring a clean and inviting outdoor space.
• By detailing these tasks, each area is addressed comprehensively, providing peace of mind that every nook and cranny receives the attention it deserves.

Conclusion

A tenant friendly end of lease cleaning checklist is an invaluable tool for ensuring a smooth and stress free move out process. By including all key areas, aligning with lease terms, and focusing on often overlooked spots, tenants can meet landlord expectations and secure their bond refund.

Incorporating eco friendly cleaning practices and providing a final inspection guide further enhances the checklist’s effectiveness, making it easier for tenants to leave the property in impeccable condition.For tenants seeking additional assistance, professional cleaning services like Dirt2Tidy can provide tailored solutions to ensure every detail is covered. Their expertise, efficiency, and commitment to excellence help tenants move out with confidence and peace of mind.