Moving out of a rental property in Victoria? A thorough end of lease cleaning checklist can help you work through the property room by room before returning the keys.
Victorian renters must generally leave a rental property reasonably clean and in the same condition as when they moved in, taking fair wear and tear into account. Your original condition report is important because it records the property's condition at the beginning of the tenancy and can be used when assessing cleaning, damage and bond claims.
If you're moving out of Melbourne, you can use this checklist to prepare your property for the final inspection or arrange professional end of lease cleaning Melbourne services if you need help with the cleaning.
Quick answer: Before moving out, clean the kitchen, bathrooms, bedrooms, living areas, laundry and relevant outdoor spaces; remove rubbish and personal belongings; check for renter-caused damage; compare the property with your original condition report; and take photos after cleaning.
Victoria End of Lease Cleaning Checklist
Use the following checklist before handing back your rental property.
Whole Property Checklist
Remove all personal belongings
Remove rubbish
Dust accessible surfaces
Vacuum carpets and floors
Mop hard floors
Clean accessible windows and windowsills
Clean doors and handles
Clean light switches
Clean accessible skirting boards
Clean cupboards and storage areas
Remove cobwebs
Check walls for renter-caused marks
Check ceilings for obvious issues
Check fixtures and fittings
Check for damage
Check that supplied items are still present
The aim is not to make the property newer than it was when you moved in. The property should generally be left reasonably clean and in its starting condition, allowing for fair wear and tear.
Kitchen End of Lease Cleaning Checklist
The kitchen is one of the most important areas to clean before a rental inspection.
Kitchen checklist
Clean oven interior
Clean oven racks
Clean oven door
Clean cooktop
Clean rangehood
Clean rangehood filters where appropriate
Clean splashback
Clean benchtops
Clean kitchen sink
Clean taps
Clean cupboards
Clean drawers
Remove crumbs and food residue
Clean inside appliances supplied with the property
Clean accessible walls and surfaces
Vacuum or sweep the floor
Mop the floor
Remove rubbish
Remove food from cupboards and refrigerator if supplied
Check for grease build-up
Don't forget the oven
The oven is easy to overlook during a move.
Check:
- Oven racks
- Oven door
- Glass panel
- Interior walls
- Base of oven
- Cooktop
- Control panel
- Rangehood
If the oven has significant grease or baked-on residue, professional oven cleaning Melbourne services can help with this particularly time-consuming part of the move-out clean.
Bathroom End of Lease Cleaning Checklist
Bathrooms should be thoroughly cleaned before the final inspection.
Bathroom checklist
Clean toilet bowl
Clean toilet seat
Clean toilet exterior
Clean basin
Clean taps
Clean shower
Clean shower screen
Clean bath
Clean tiles
Remove excessive soap residue
Clean mirrors
Clean vanity
Clean cupboards
Clean shelves
Clean exhaust fan where safely accessible
Remove rubbish
Vacuum or sweep floor
Mop floor
Check for visible mould or damp
Remove personal toiletries
Avoid creating damage while cleaning. For example, don't use harsh products on surfaces unless they are suitable for the material.
Bedroom Cleaning Checklist
Bedrooms should be left clean, empty and ready for the next occupant.
Bedroom checklist
Remove all furniture that belongs to you
Remove personal belongings
Empty wardrobes
Clean wardrobe shelves
Clean drawers
Dust surfaces
Vacuum carpet
Mop hard flooring
Clean accessible windows
Clean windowsills
Remove cobwebs
Check doors and handles
Check walls for renter-caused marks
Check built-in fixtures
Remove rubbish
If you have lived in the property for several years, remember that normal deterioration may be considered fair wear and tear. A renter generally does not have to make an older property look brand new.
Living Room Cleaning Checklist
Before moving out, inspect the living and dining areas carefully.
Living areas
Remove furniture
Remove personal belongings
Remove rubbish
Dust accessible surfaces
Vacuum carpets
Mop hard floors
Clean accessible windows
Clean windowsills
Clean doors and handles
Dust skirting boards
Remove cobwebs
Clean built-in cupboards
Check walls for renter-caused marks
Check fixtures and fittings
Pay particular attention to areas hidden behind furniture.
Laundry Cleaning Checklist
The laundry is another area that can be overlooked.
Laundry checklist
Clean laundry sink
Clean taps
Clean benchtops
Clean cupboards
Clean shelves
Clean accessible appliances supplied with the property
Remove lint and debris
Clean floor
Remove rubbish
Check walls and fittings
Carpet Cleaning Checklist
Before deciding whether you need professional carpet cleaning, compare the carpet with its original condition.
Check for:
Dirt
Stains
Pet hair
Strong odours
Food stains
Renter-caused damage
Burns
Excessive marks
Normal carpet deterioration from reasonable use can be different from renter-caused damage.
If the carpet was professionally cleaned before you moved in, professional cleaning may be required in some circumstances to restore it to the starting condition. For rental agreements from 29 March 2021, Victorian rules place specific limits on when a rental provider can require professional cleaning.
Window Cleaning Checklist
Windows can make a significant difference to the overall appearance of a property.
Where cleaning is reasonably part of your responsibilities:
Clean accessible window glass
Clean windowsills
Clean accessible window tracks
Remove dust and dirt
Remove obvious marks
Clean accessible flyscreens
Check window frames
Do not put yourself at risk by attempting to clean areas that require dangerous heights or unsafe access.
Walls and Doors Checklist
Inspect walls and doors after furniture has been removed.
Remove removable marks where appropriate
Clean doors
Clean door handles
Clean light switches
Check for renter-caused holes
Check for significant marks
Check for damage
Check skirting boards
Be careful when cleaning painted surfaces. Aggressive scrubbing can cause additional damage.
Normal deterioration should be considered separately from renter-caused damage.
Garage, Balcony and Outdoor Areas
If the rental property includes outdoor areas that you are responsible for, don't forget them.
Garage
Remove personal belongings
Remove rubbish
Sweep floor
Clean accessible surfaces
Return supplied items
Check for renter-caused damage
Balcony
Remove furniture
Remove rubbish
Sweep floor
Clean accessible surfaces
Remove cobwebs
Garden
Where garden maintenance is your responsibility:
Remove rubbish
Remove personal belongings
Mow lawn if required
Remove obvious weeds where applicable
Return outdoor items to their original location
Your rental agreement can help establish which gardening and maintenance tasks are your responsibility.
Pet Owners' End of Lease Cleaning Checklist
If you have had a pet at the property, spend extra time checking areas where the pet has lived.
Pet cleaning checklist
Remove pet hair
Vacuum carpets thoroughly
Clean floors
Remove pet odours
Clean pet-related stains
Check doors for scratches
Check flooring for damage
Check flyscreens
Remove pet belongings
Remove pet waste
Check outdoor areas
Pet-related damage may be treated differently from normal wear and tear, so document the condition of the property before moving out.
Mould and Damp Checklist
Mould requires particular care because responsibility can depend on its cause.
Check:
Bathroom walls
Shower areas
Window areas
Ceiling areas
Cupboards
Areas affected by condensation
If you discover mould or damp, don't automatically assume that it is your responsibility to fix the underlying problem.
Building defects, leaks and other property-related issues may require action by the rental provider.
If you notice a significant mould or damp problem, document it and notify the rental provider where appropriate.
Rubbish and Personal Belongings Checklist
Before returning the keys:
Remove rubbish from every room
Empty kitchen bins
Empty bathroom bins
Empty wardrobes
Empty cupboards
Empty drawers
Remove unwanted furniture
Remove storage items
Remove garden items
Remove garage items
Check behind doors
Check under cupboards
Check outdoor areas
Leaving personal belongings behind can create additional problems during the final inspection.
Check for Damage Before the Final Inspection
Cleaning is only one part of preparing your rental property.
You should also inspect for renter-caused damage.
Check:
Walls
Doors
Floors
Carpets
Windows
Flyscreens
Tiles
Benchtops
Cupboards
Appliances
Fixtures
Outdoor areas
Compare anything you find with your original condition report.
Your condition report can be important evidence if there is a dispute about cleaning or damage. Consumer Affairs Victoria recommends keeping your condition report and documenting the property's condition.
Compare the Property With Your Original Condition Report
This is one of the most important steps in your end of lease cleaning checklist Victoria.
Find your original condition report and compare:
Kitchen
Was the oven clean when you moved in?
Was the cooktop clean?
Were cupboards clean?
Bathroom
Were the shower and bathroom surfaces clean?
Were there existing marks or stains?
Bedrooms
Was the carpet already worn?
Were there existing wall marks?
Living areas
Were floors and windows already showing signs of wear?
Outdoor areas
Were gardens, balconies or garages already in a particular condition?
The condition report records the property's condition at the start of the rental agreement and can be used to compare changes at the end.
Take Photos After Cleaning
Once you have completed your cleaning, photograph the property.
Take clear photos of:
Kitchen
Oven
Cooktop
Bathrooms
Bedrooms
Living areas
Floors
Windows
Outdoor areas
Any existing damage
Take wider room photos as well as close-up photographs where necessary.
Keep the original files and avoid deleting them until your bond has been returned and any potential dispute has been resolved.
Photos can provide useful evidence when comparing the condition of the property at the beginning and end of the tenancy.
Should You Hire Professional End of Lease Cleaners?
You do not necessarily need professional cleaners.
If you have enough time and equipment, you may choose to complete the cleaning yourself.
However, professional end of lease cleaners in Melbourne can be useful when:
- You have limited time
- You are moving interstate
- You have a large property
- You are managing a busy moving schedule
- The property needs a detailed clean
- You want help with difficult areas
- You need specialist oven or carpet cleaning
The important point is that hiring a professional cleaner does not automatically guarantee your bond will be returned.
Your responsibility is generally to leave the property reasonably clean and in the same condition as when you moved in, taking fair wear and tear into account.
Do Victorian Renters Have to Pay for Professional Cleaning?
Not automatically.
For rental agreements signed from 29 March 2021, a rental provider cannot require professional cleaning in every case.
Professional cleaning can be required when the property needs to be returned to the condition it was in at the start of the tenancy, allowing for fair wear and tear, or when the property is in a state that requires professional cleaning.
For example, if the property was professionally cleaned before you moved in and you were informed of this, professional cleaning may be required to restore the property to that condition.
If you are unsure about a cleaning requirement in your rental agreement, check the wording carefully and consider obtaining independent advice.
Final Inspection Checklist
Before the property manager arrives, complete one final walkthrough.
Final inspection
All rooms are empty
Rubbish has been removed
Kitchen is clean
Oven is clean
Bathrooms are clean
Floors are clean
Carpets are vacuumed
Windows are reasonably clean where applicable
Cupboards are empty and clean
Laundry is clean
Outdoor areas are addressed
Personal belongings are removed
Keys and remotes are ready to return
Original condition report is available
Photos have been taken
Cleaning receipts have been saved
A rental inspection checklist can make this final walkthrough easier and help you identify problems before the official inspection.
What Happens During the Final Inspection?
At the end of the rental agreement, the rental provider or agent must complete the exit condition report within 10 days.
You must be present or have been given a reasonable opportunity to attend.
The exit condition report records the condition of the property at the end of the tenancy.
The original condition report can then be used to compare the property at the beginning and end of the rental agreement.
This can become important if the rental provider later makes a bond claim for:
- New damage
- Further cleaning
- Repairs
- Missing items
Consumer Affairs Victoria confirms that the condition report can be used as evidence for bond claims involving these issues.
What If Your Landlord Says More Cleaning Is Required?
If your property manager says the property requires additional cleaning, ask for specific details.
For example:
- Which areas need additional cleaning?
- What cleaning standard is expected?
- How does the current condition differ from the original condition report?
- Is the issue cleaning, damage or fair wear and tear?
- Is professional cleaning actually required?
If you disagree with the claim, keep your evidence and try to resolve the issue directly.
If the disagreement becomes a bond dispute, Victorian rental dispute-resolution processes may be available. Consumer Affairs Victoria states that bond disputes can be dealt with through the relevant dispute-resolution process, including VCAT where appropriate.
24-Hour Before Moving Out Checklist
If your final inspection is tomorrow, prioritise these areas first.
Kitchen
Oven
Cooktop
Rangehood
Cupboards
Benchtops
Sink
Floor
Bathrooms
Toilet
Shower
Shower screen
Basin
Mirrors
Floor
Whole property
Vacuum
Mop
Remove rubbish
Empty cupboards
Remove belongings
Check walls
Check damage
Take photographs
Final step
Compare with condition report
Take final photos
Save cleaning receipts
Return keys as required
If you are short on time, professional end of lease cleaning Melbourne services can help you complete the main cleaning tasks before your final inspection.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the end of lease cleaning checklist for Victoria?
A Victorian end-of-lease checklist should cover the kitchen, bathrooms, bedrooms, living areas, laundry, floors, windows, cupboards, outdoor areas and removal of rubbish and personal belongings. You should also compare the property with your original condition report and document the final condition.
Do I have to professionally clean my rental before moving out in Victoria?
Not automatically. Victorian renters generally need to leave the property reasonably clean and in the same condition as when they moved in, allowing for fair wear and tear. For rental agreements from 29 March 2021, professional cleaning can only be required in specific circumstances.
What should I clean before moving out of a rental?
Focus on kitchens, bathrooms, floors, carpets, cupboards, windows, laundry areas and other areas that were part of the property when you moved in. Remove all personal belongings and rubbish.
Do I need to clean the oven at the end of a lease?
If the oven was reasonably clean when you moved in, you should generally aim to return it to a comparable condition, allowing for fair wear and tear. A heavily greasy or dirty oven should be addressed before the final inspection.
Do I need to steam clean carpets in Victoria?
Not automatically. Professional carpet cleaning requirements depend on the circumstances and the applicable rental agreement. For agreements from 29 March 2021, professional cleaning can only be required in specified circumstances.
What happens if I don't clean my rental before moving out?
If the property requires further cleaning because it was not left in the required condition, the rental provider may potentially make a claim against the bond. The original condition report can be used when assessing the property's condition.
Can my landlord charge me for normal wear and tear?
Generally, no. Rental providers cannot claim bond money to cover fair wear and tear. Examples can include normal deterioration caused by reasonable use and natural environmental forces.
Should I take photos after my end of lease clean?
Yes. Taking dated photographs after cleaning can provide useful evidence of the property's condition when you moved out. Keep them with your condition report and other tenancy records.
How long does a final rental inspection take?
The time varies depending on the property's size and condition. A large house with multiple bathrooms and outdoor areas will generally take longer to inspect than a small apartment.
Can I clean the rental myself?
Yes, where professional cleaning is not legitimately required. You can generally complete the cleaning yourself as long as the property is left in the required condition.
Final End of Lease Cleaning Checklist
Before you hand back your keys, make sure you have completed these final steps:
Compare the property with your original condition report
Remove all personal belongings
Remove rubbish
Clean the kitchen
Clean the oven
Clean bathrooms
Clean bedrooms
Clean living areas
Clean laundry
Clean relevant outdoor areas
Vacuum carpets
Mop hard floors
Clean accessible windows where appropriate
Check cupboards and wardrobes
Check for renter-caused damage
Photograph every room
Save cleaning receipts
Keep copies of your condition report
Prepare keys and remotes for return
Attend the final inspection where possible
Final Thoughts
A thorough end of lease cleaning checklist for renters in Victoria can make moving out much easier.
The goal is not to make an older rental property look brand new. Your responsibility is generally to leave the property reasonably clean and in the same condition as when you moved in, taking fair wear and tear into account.
The best approach is to start with your original condition report, work through each room systematically, photograph the property after cleaning and keep your records.
If you don't have enough time to complete everything yourself, professional bond cleaning Melbourne services can help you prepare the property before the final inspection.
For particularly difficult areas, such as a heavily soiled oven, specialist oven cleaning Melbourne can also be considered.
Important: This article provides general information about Victorian rental cleaning responsibilities and is not legal advice. Rental laws and individual circumstances can vary. For the latest requirements, check Consumer Affairs Victoria or obtain independent legal advice.
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