End Of Lease Cleaning Checklist

When it’s time to move out, a proper end of lease clean can make all the difference. Here’s why it’s so important:

• Get your bond back: A thorough clean helps secure your full refund. Landlords and agents expect the property to be left spotless, and a professional service ensures nothing is missed.
• Leave a Good Impression: Handing over a properly cleaned home shows you’ve been a responsible tenant. This can make getting excellent rental references for your next property easier.
• Avoid Extra Costs: If the property isn’t thoroughly cleaned to standard, landlords can deduct cleaning fees from your bond. Hiring experts like Michael’s Cleaning means you get your full bond back and stress-free.

End of Lease Cleaning Timeline – From Start to Finish

Moving out is already a tremendous job, and squeezing in all the cleaning at the last minute makes it more challenging. Following a clear cleaning plan is the best way to stay on top. This way, you stay organised, save time, and make sure every corner of the property gets the attention it needs.

8-10 Weeks Before Moving Out:

• Review your lease agreement carefully to understand the cleaning requirements (e.g., carpet steam cleaning, pest control, or garden maintenance).
• Report any damages to the real estate agency or owner before the lease ends.
• Begin sorting and decluttering—donate, sell, or throw out items you no longer need.
• Research professional cleaning companies and compare their services, pricing, and guarantees. Book early if possible to secure your preferred date.

6-8 Weeks Before Moving Out:

• Start packing items in suitcases that you don’t use often.
• Clean and organise outdoor areas, garages, and sheds.
• Take care of minor repairs, like fixing small holes or broken fixtures.

4-6 Weeks Before Moving Out:

• Focus on rooms that aren’t used daily, such as spare bedrooms and storage spaces.
• Clean outside windows and blinds to get ahead of the workload.
• Double-check with your agent about any specific cleaning standards they expect. For better proof, make sure you have a written email thread.
• Book a council bin if required to arrange your rubbish. Start putting them outside in the nature strips.

2 Weeks Before Moving Out:

• Deep clean less-used areas so they’re ready well in advance.
• Confirm your booking with Michael’s Cleaning.

1 week Before Moving Out:

• Clean the kitchen, Bedrooms and bathrooms thoroughly.
• Empty and clean cupboards, shelves, and wardrobes. Throw or donate all irrelevant and unnecessary items outside of the property.

2–3 Days Before Moving

• Make sure all walls, doors, oven, cooktop, rangehood, exhaust fans, showerscreen, laundry, dishwasher, kitchen cupboards, and light switches are cleaned properly.
• Make sure all other appliances are spotless, including oven, fridge, dishwasher, washing machine and aircons.

Moving Day:

• Do a final vacuum, clean the garage, and walk through with the agent to ensure any issues are cleaned before them to avoid bond delays.
• Walk through each room with the agent and tick off the checklist.
• If you’ve hired us, then we will go through with the agent on cleaning day and provide you with a proper cleaning receipt with a bond back cleaning guarantee.

At Michael’s Cleaning, we make this process easier by following a strict real estate–approved checklist, helping you secure your bond without stress. We work with different real estate agents and clean according to their standards to avoid recleaning or bond disputes.

REA Approved End Of Lease Cleaning Checklist

100% Bond Back Cleaning Guarantee

Living Areas & Bedrooms:

• Dust all surfaces, including furniture and fixtures
• Vacuum carpets, rugs, and upholstered furniture
• Mop hard floors (tiles, wood, etc.)
• Clean interior windows, window sills, and tracks
• Wipe down skirting boards and door frames
• Remove cobwebs from ceilings and corners
• Clean and polish mirrors and glass surfaces

Kitchen:

• Clean inside and outside of all cupboards and drawers
• Scrub and degrease the oven, stove, and range hood
• Clean and sanitise countertops and splashbacks
• Wipe down and polish all appliances (microwave, dishwasher, fridge)
• Sweep and mop floors
• Clean windows and wipe down window sills
• Clean inside and outside of cupboards, shelves, and drawers
• Wipe down benchtops, splashbacks, and tiled areas
• Clean sink, taps, and drain (polish for shine)

Bathrooms:

• Scrub and descale showers, bathtubs, and tiles
• Clean and sanitise toilets, inside and out
• Wipe and sanitise vanity units, sinks, and benchtops
• Polish mirrors, glass, and fixtures
• Descale and polish taps, showerheads, and plugholes
• Clean inside and outside of cupboards and drawers
• Sweep and mop floors
• Remove soap scum and limescale from tiles and grout

Laundry:

• Clean inside and outside of cupboards and shelves
• Wipe down and sanitise sinks, taps, and countertops
• Sweep and mop floors

Additional Areas:

• Any Appliances other than the oven and dishwasher cleaning
• External windows and cobwebs removal
• Balcony and balcony sliding door outside windows
• Mould cleaning on the ceiling and walls
• Flea treatment or pet fumigation on the carpet
• Venetian blinds or shutters cleaning
• BBQ, Alfresco, and outdoor kitchen will be an additional cost
• Sofa, mattress or rug steam cleaning

Outdoor Areas (if applicable)

• Sweep and clean the garage floor
• Pressure cleaning on the patio, driveway, outdoor or balcony area
• Sweep garage, balcony, or patio areas
• Remove cobwebs and dust from outdoor surfaces
• Wipe down external doors and handles
• Empty and clean bins