Rental Property Cleaning Checklist for a Stress-Free Move-Out – Leaving your rental property might be fun, but there is a lot of responsibility involved with this activity. From packaging your belongings to transporting them to the new house and changing your address, the last thing you need is the stress of failing a move-out inspection. With a comprehensive rental property cleaning checklist, you will be able to ensure that the property is left spotlessly clean, giving you the best chance of securing your security or bond deposit.
If you are a tenant about to undergo an end-of-lease cleaning, a landlord cleaning the property before putting it up for rent to new tenants, or a property manager who needs to conduct an inspection, adhering to a comprehensive cleaning checklist will ensure that you do not forget anything. As is often the case, tenants have to clean the property, leaving it as good as when they took possession, accounting for wear and tear. Cleaning a room at a time is always advised.
Importance of a Move-Out Cleaning Checklist
A move-out cleaning checklist can help you:
- Relieve yourself from the stress of rushed cleaning.
- Increase the possibility of getting your total bond or security deposit.
- Live up to the landlord/property manager’s expectations.
- Spend less time on cleaning through proper systematic cleaning.
- Prevent costly re-cleaning costs.
Rather than cleaning rooms haphazardly, clean systematically, starting from the top to the bottom and finishing one section before moving to another.
General Cleaning
Begin with the chores applicable in all the rooms of your rental property:
- Remove all your possessions from the rooms.
- Dust ceiling, walls and corners.
- Eliminate any cobwebs found.
- Clean ceiling fans and light fittings.
- Dust doors, door frames and door handles.
- Dust skirting boards and window sills.
- Clean windows, glass panes and window frames.
- Dust switches and power outlets.
- Vacuum all carpets properly.
- Mop all hard floors.
- Empty all waste receptacles
These small chores will immediately change the look of the rental property.
Kitchen Cleaning Checklist
The kitchen is one of the most examined rooms during the move-out check.
Take care to:
- Clean your oven inside and out.
- Degrease the stovetop and range hood.
- Clean splashbacks and tiled walls.
- Clean the cabinets on both sides.
- Clean the drawers.
- Sanitize the countertops.
- Clean the sink and taps.
- Clean out your refrigerator.
- Clean the microwave.
- Mop the kitchen floor.
Cleaning problems due to grease, food stains, and crumbs are common, so be careful about those areas.
Bathroom Cleaning Checklist
The bathrooms need thorough cleaning to get rid of soap scum, mold, and water stains.
Your checklist should include:
- Scrub showers and baths.
- Clean soap scum from glass shower screens.
- Clean and disinfect toilets.
- Clean mirrors till spotless.
- Clean bathroom cabinets.
- Polish taps and other fixtures.
- Clean sinks and vanity surfaces.
- Eliminate mold where possible.
- Mop and disinfect floors.
Don’t forget exhaust fans and venting systems, which can accumulate lots of dust.
Bedrooms and Common Rooms
While these appear obvious, pay attention to tiny little things.
Make sure that you:
- Dust wardrobes inside and out.
- Clean shelves.
- Vacuum carpets.
- Remove stains on walls, when possible.
- Clean blinds and curtains, if necessary.
- Polish mirrors.
- Wipe air conditioners.
- Clean sliding door rails.
Make sure that even places such as wardrobe shelves and skirting boards are spotlessly clean before handing over the keys.
Laundry Room
The laundry is often forgotten about in move-out cleaning.
Make sure that you:
- Clean the laundry sink.
- Wipe the cupboards.
- Remove lint from dryers.
- Clean behind washing machines.
- Mop the floor.
- Polish taps.
Outdoor Spaces
If your property has any outdoor spaces, make sure that you clean them. You need to:
- Vacuum the patio/balcony.
- Clear away any leaves/debris.
- Clean the outdoor furniture if available.
- Mow the grass.
- Weed.
- Empty outdoor garbage cans.
- Scrub the garage floor if necessary.
Keeping the exterior surroundings clean makes a positive impression at the time of final inspection.
Move-out Cleaning Mistakes Made By Many Tenants
Many tenants often lose part of their deposit because of certain mistakes.
These often-overlooked places are:
- The window tracks
- Ceiling fans
- Light fixtures
- The insides of ovens
- Range hood filters
- Air-conditioning vents
- Behind cupboards
- Behind the appliances
- Under the skirting board
- Inside exhaust fans
These places are usually inspected and must never be overlooked.
Tips for an Easy Move Out Clean-up Process
To make the process simpler:
- Begin the cleaning process several days before your move.
- Use a room-by-room checklist.
- Have the entry condition report within reach for comparison.
- Take pictures once the cleaning is done.
- Make repairs to minor damages where necessary.
- Have cleaning materials close at hand.
- Do the final inspection before giving back the keys.
If there is an extensive amount of cleaning to be done or if time is of the essence, it would be wise to employ the help of bond cleaners, vacate cleaners, or end of lease cleaners.
Conclusion
Moving out does not have to be stressful if you are armed with a good strategy for cleaning. This can only be achieved through an efficient list of all rental properties that need to be cleaned.
For quality and professional end-of-lease cleaning, The Bond Cleaning Brisbane provides experienced cleaners using industry-approved checklists that will make sure you get a smooth move-out experience.
FAQs
What is a rental property cleaning checklist?
This is a comprehensive list of items in each room that will enable you to clean the entire property thoroughly before moving out in order to minimize bond deductions and additional costs for professional cleaning.
Do I have to get professional cleaning services at the end of the lease?
No, you can do the cleaning on your own provided that it meets the required level of cleanliness based on your tenancy agreement.
What areas are usually inspected at the end of the lease?
These aspects usually receive significant consideration from property managers due to the fact that they tend to gather a lot of dirt that cannot be easily seen.
How soon should I start move-out cleaning?
It would be wise for you to begin cleaning no less than two to three days before the move-out day to ensure that you have enough time to clean the entire property.
How can I maximize my chances to get back my entire bond?
Use a cleaning checklist, compare the current condition of the property to your entry condition report, fix any damage caused by the tenant, remove everything, and complete a final walk-through of the property.
