An end-of-lease cleaning doesn’t just involve a quick wipe of a benchtop or the mopping of a bathroom floor. Rather, most rental agreements require tenants to return a property in the same condition it was in when they moved in. That means when your lease is up, and you’re ready to leave, you’re expected to give the property a thorough clean before handing back the keys, minus reasonable “wear and tear”.

Realistic wear and tear will be assessed against the property’s initial entry condition report provided to you by your property manager when you first moved in. That report is your benchmark, so it’s important to review it carefully when you give notice to vacate.

Once you give notice that you’re leaving, or need to exit the rental for other reasons, start doing your own inspection of the property. Compare each area of the property, including bedrooms, living areas, the kitchen, and bathroom, to the entry report. As part of this process, assess what falls under fair wear and tear, and what may be considered damage you’ve caused.

If you identify any issues that need repairs, such as broken appliances or fixtures or a hole in the wall, be proactive and notify the property manager early. Fixing problems before the final exit inspection can prevent disputes and unnecessary costs.

Cleaners, gardeners, and tradespeople

Property managers will often provide details of preferred cleaners, gardeners, or tradespeople in their notice email confirming your exit. While using these providers can take some pressure off, agents cannot legally force tenants to use a specific service provider in most states.

That being said, you’re free to choose your own cleaner or gardener, but make sure they:

• Have end-of-lease experience
• Understand a property manager’s expectations
• Are willing to return if any issues are raised after the final inspection.

Be cautious of situations where a “mandatory” cleaner is implied, especially if their pricing seems excessive. To this end, legislation generally prevents property managers from mandating a specific provider for an end-of-lease clean.

What property managers commonly check

Property managers work from detailed checklists and tend to notice the small things. Meeting their expectations, or better still, exceeding them, can make the handover far smoother and help avoid unnecessary back-and-forth.

That said, there are a few areas tenants commonly overlook, including:

• New carpet stains or marks
• Damage to walls and floors
• Ovens, rangehoods, and cooktops
• Shower screens and rain shower heads
• Window tracks and blinds
• Gardens and lawns, where applicable

Once cleaning is complete, always do a final inspection yourself using the entry condition report as your guide. Don’t assume everything is fine simply because a professional cleaner was engaged. Take clear photos as evidence that the property was left clean and tidy and keep all cleaning and gardening invoices on hand. This paperwork can be invaluable if a dispute arises and also demonstrates that you took your end-of-lease cleaning responsibilities seriously.

Taking these steps early can help ensure a smoother final inspection and reduce the risk of bond disputes. For more information about what is involved in an end-of-lease clean, talk to your local Raine & Horne Property Manager.