Garage, Shed & Outdoor Area Cleaning: Do Landlords Check These? – While most tenants are concerned about the cleaning of the kitchen, bathroom, bedrooms, carpets, and living areas when preparing for the end of their lease, many overlook the garage, shed, and outdoor areas. Can you be certain that the landlord does not inspect such areas during a rental inspection?
Well, the quick answer is that they can. Provided that such areas are part of the rental property, they may become a part of the exit property inspection. According to the RTA exit conditions report in Queensland, the property inspection involves such areas as the garage or carport, garden shed, grounds, garden, paths, driveway and any other external area.
Therefore, forgetting about such areas can cost you more cleaning to do – and possibly cause a dispute regarding your rental bond.
Why Does the Landlord Inspect These Areas?
An end of lease inspection will often involve comparing the state of the property at the time of lease expiry with how it was in the beginning. The RTA Queensland suggests that tenants leave the property in the same condition as how it was at the start of the tenancy, taking into account normal wear and tear. Dust, grime, grease and damage done by the tenant are not considered normal wear and tear.
Thus, garage, shed, and outdoor area cleaning should form a part of your end of lease cleaning checklist.
The landlord or property manager may expect:
- Dust, dirt and cobwebs in the garage
- Oil or grease stains on garage floors
- Rubbish or abandoned items in the property
- Dirty shelves, cupboards or storage areas
- Cobwebs and dirt in garden sheds
- Weeds, overgrown lawn, or unkempt garden beds
- Leaves and dirt on patios, decks and balconies
- Dirty driveways, pathways, and paved areas
- Dirty outdoor faucets, fences, or gates
- Items that were damaged during the tenancy
RTA advises cleaning outside areas, clearing up, weeding gardens, mowing, and edging lawns, as well as rubbish removal before moving out of a rental property.
What Should You Clean in the Garage?
Even though your garage is unlikely to get as much attention as your kitchen when cleaning out for your bond, do not neglect the task.
Firstly, make sure to remove all your belongings. Make sure to sweep the whole area, giving particular attention to corners and areas underneath the shelves. Remove cobwebs from the ceiling and walls and clean the garage door as needed.
Also, take care of oil, grease, and other removable stains you might have left behind during your stay at the property. Check cupboards, shelving, lighting fixtures, and any other included inclusions.
Remember to review the garage as a property manager would. Sometimes, a cursory look will help you to notice some dust or rubbish you may have missed while cleaning.
Do Not Forget the Garden Shed
A garden shed may turn into a place where tools, boxes, gardening equipment, and random items can be stored. Clean the place before you leave by taking away all the belongings and sweeping the floor.
While cleaning the shed, pay attention to wiping shelves, cobweb removal, cleaning all accessible places, and properly disposing of rubbish. Try to leave the place as clean as it was when you moved in.
Outdoor Area Cleaning Should Be Done Too
Due to exposure to rain, wind, dust, and moisture, outdoors become dirty pretty fast. So, it is important to clean the outdoor areas as well when moving out.
Sweep patios, decks, balconies, and pathways. Get rid of the leaves and weeds, cut the lawn (if it is your responsibility), clean up the garden beds, and make sure that there is no rubbish in the bins and outdoors.
The RTA entry condition report includes information about the state of outdoor areas, gardens, flower beds, and bins, and that is why the mentioned areas should not be ignored.
Make Sure You Review Your Entry Condition Report
The best way to prepare for a rental inspection is by referring back to your entry condition report from when you initially signed the tenancy agreement.
According to the RTA, entry and exit condition reports serve as proof of property condition at the start and the end of the tenancy. These may be provided in the case of a dispute regarding the bond.
Compare the photos and descriptions of your garage, shed, and outdoor areas from your original entry condition report. This will give you a clear guide of what you should do in your end of lease cleaning.
Photograph your cleaning efforts too. This will allow you to have your own record should there be a question on the property condition.
Is Bond Cleaning Worth Paying For?
Tenants who are under pressure with a limited timeframe to move may benefit from professional bond cleaning services. A professional cleaner can ensure that all forgotten places, including your garage, shed, and outdoor areas, are not missed.
Nevertheless, always look into your tenancy agreement and make sure you know which tasks you are responsible for. RTA mentions that the tenants can opt to clean on their own or through professional cleaning service providers.
Conclusion
Thus, do the landlords inspect garages, sheds, and outdoors? Indeed, they can and should be included in your list of areas to clean at the end of the lease. Proper attention paid to them will ensure that you will show the rental property in its best form.
For those tenants seeking professional aid, The Bond Cleaning Brisbane offers cleaning services to assist Brisbane residents in getting ready for inspection. Their professional attitude might prove handy when you need a helping hand in performing an exhaustive bond clean prior to leaving the place.
FAQs
Is the garage checked by the landlord when conducting the final inspection?
Yes, if the garage is located inside the rental property, then it can be inspected. The Exit Condition Report of Queensland explicitly mentions the garage, carpet, and storeroom.
Should I clean the garden shed before moving out?
Yes, if the garden shed is part of the rented property. You will have to remove all of your items, sweep the floor, clear the webs, and keep the shed in the original condition.
Are the external areas covered in the end of lease clean?
Yes, it can be. Patio, balcony, deck, garden, path, driveway, and any other external areas can be included in the process of the final inspection.
Can dirty outdoor areas impact my bond?
Yes, it is possible. Tenants usually have to return the property to its original condition, less any reasonable wear and tear. Dirt and grime cannot be regarded as reasonable wear and tear.
Do I need to take photos after cleaning?
Yes. Taking photos after carrying out your cleaning before moving out will provide you with evidence of the condition of the property. The RTA also suggests using photos and entry/exit condition reports as evidence of the condition of the property.
