Moving house is one of the most stressful things you can do. While you are busy packing and planning, one big task stands in the way of getting your money back: the End of Lease Cleaning. In Australia, you must leave your rental property very clean, as clean as a professional job, to get your full deposit back.Because of this strict rule, hiring Move Out Cleaning Services is usually a smart choice, not just an option. Doing the cleaning yourself is hard work and comes with risks. This simple guide covers the six most important things you need to note to make sure your move-out clean is perfect and you get your full bond back.
Check the Lease and Initial Condition Report
The first and most important step is to read your contract. Every lease agreement is slightly different, and it will tell you exactly what the agent expects.
Look for sections about “Cleaning” or “Bond Refund.” This is where the agent explains the standard required for End of Lease Cleaning.
Does your lease specifically mention that carpet cleaning must be done by a professional? Does it require pest control? If these are listed, they must be done by a certified company.
Find the report you filled out when you moved in. This document shows the condition of every item, like oven, walls, carpets, when you started renting. Your goal is to return everything to that standard, minus normal wear and tear.Knowing these rules before you start saves you time and prevents arguments later. If you are hiring Move Out Cleaning Services, make sure the company is aware of these specific rules from your lease.y in your home.
Meet the Agent’s Inspection Standard
The standard your agent uses is often called “to the satisfaction of the lessor”. This simply means the property must be extremely clean. It’s not just about removing surface dirt; it’s about making sure no dust, marks, or grease are visible anywhere, even in the spots you rarely look at. A good Move Out Cleaning Service knows to check these hidden areas because they often cause failed inspections.
Mould and Mildew is a major issue in Australian humidity. Agents will check all wet areas: showers, laundry, and windows very carefully. If any mould isn’t completely removed, it can easily lead to a bond deduction. Because meeting this tough standard is so hard, hiring expert professional home cleaning companies is the safest way. Their cleaning standard is specifically designed to pass these strict agent inspections.
Focus on High-Risk Areas
Kitchen and Bathroom collect the most build-up and are the main reasons why bonds are withheld. You must clean them deeply, not just on the surface.
Kitchen Cleaning Checklist:
- Oven and Rangehood: The oven must be deep-cleaned, including the glass and racks. The rangehood filters must be fully degreased.
- Grease Removal: All grease must be removed from benchtops, splashbacks, and kitchen cupboards, inside and out.
- Appliances: Any supplied appliances, like a dishwasher, must be spotless inside.
Bathroom Cleaning Checklist:
- Grout and Tiles: Scrub all tile grout to remove discolouration, soap scum, and mould.
- Showers: Shower screens, doors, and tracks must be spotless.
- Exhaust Fans: These must be dusted and cleaned thoroughly.
Carpets and Pest Control
Some cleaning tasks are too big for standard home equipment, making professional service a mandatory requirement written into your lease agreement. This is especially true for carpet treatment and pest management.
Mandatory Professional Carpet Cleaning
In most cases, your lease requires that you get carpet cleaning done by a certified, professional company. Standard equipment cannot reach the high standard demanded. Professional cleaners use high-powered hot water extraction to remove deep, set-in soil and abrasive dirt.
Crucially, the agent will demand an official, dated receipt from the cleaner as absolute proof of service. Without this document, they can easily hold your bond. Making sure your chosen professional cleaning service provides this certificate is non-negotiable.
Required Pest Control Services
Pest control is another essential service, particularly if your lease specifies it or if you have kept pets. This usually applies to treatment for fleas, ticks, or cockroaches. This is not something you can skip or do yourself. You must arrange certified pest control from an approved vendor and provide a valid receipt as proof of service and compliance with your lease terms.
Detail Clean Small and Hidden Spots
Property managers often check the small and hidden spots you miss while cleaning the main areas. These small misses add up to a bond deduction.
- Windows and Tracks: All windows must be cleaned inside and outside (if safely accessible). The tracks on sliding windows and doors are notorious for collecting dirt and dust and must be detailed with a small brush or vacuum.
- Wall Marks: Spot-clean all fingerprints, scuffs, and minor marks on walls and doors. You should not wash the whole wall unless instructed, as this can cause paint damage.
- Skirting Boards: These must be wiped down, not just dusted.
- External Areas: Don’t forget the balcony, patio, or garage. Sweep the garage floor, remove cobwebs, and ensure the area is tidy and free of oil stains.
- Air Conditioner Filters: These must be cleaned or replaced if heavily soiled.
If you hire professional Move Out Cleaning Services, they will handle these tricky details, which is a major time-saver.
Collect Proof and Use the Guarantee
After the clean is done, your job isn’t quite over. You need to secure proof that the job was done correctly.
- Collect Receipts: Ensure you have official, dated receipts for the End of Lease Cleaning, carpet cleaning, and pest control (if required).
- Use the Guarantee: If you hired a reputable Move Out Cleaning Service with a bond-back guarantee, use it! Ask the agent to send any cleaning complaints directly to the cleaning company within the guarantee period (usually 48-72 hours). The company must then return to fix the issue for free. This is your best protection against losing your bond money.
- Take Photos: Take clear, timestamped photos of the whole property after the clean. This protects you in case of a dispute.
By following this logical plan, you cover all the areas agents focus on, use the right professional cleaning service when needed, and gather the necessary proof for a quick and successful bond return. Ready to secure your bond without the stress? Book your hassle-free Move out cleaning services with Cheap and Best Cleaning today!
