End-of-lease cleaning checklist for Australian renters
A room-by-room bond cleaning checklist based on your entry condition report, plus when to book carpet, oven or window specialists.
Key takeaways
- The entry condition report is the standard the property is checked against.
- Fair wear and tear is not the renter's responsibility.
- Book specialists for carpets, ovens and high windows if they are in your lease.
Start with the condition report
Your entry condition report and photos show the standard the property was in when you moved in. Cleaning should return it to that standard, allowing for fair wear and tear. Check your lease for any specific cleaning clauses, such as professional carpet cleaning.
Kitchen
The kitchen is where most bond deductions start.
- Oven, racks, grill and cooktop degreased
- Rangehood filters cleaned
- Cupboards and drawers wiped inside and out
- Sink, taps and splashback descaled
- Dishwasher filter cleaned
Bathrooms and laundry
Remove soap scum, clean grout and treat surface mould, descale shower screens and taps, clean exhaust fans and wipe behind the washing machine space.
Every room
Dust ceiling fans, light fittings and skirting boards, clean switches and doors, wipe window sills and tracks, clean inside windows and vacuum or mop floors. Remove all hooks, rubbish and belongings.
Outside
Clear balconies, sweep paths and garages, mow and weed if garden care is part of your lease, and remove all rubbish. Leftover rubbish is a common deduction.
Separate cleaning from damage
A clean will not fix damage. Report broken items separately and keep your own photos from the final day.
General information only, reviewed for Australian conditions. Rules differ between states and territories and change over time, so confirm details with the relevant regulator. Call 000 in an emergency. Editorial policy
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