The Complete End of Lease Cleaning Checklist

Bond disputes usually come down to a handful of predictable spots that get missed in a rush. This checklist follows the order most property managers actually inspect in.

Kitchen

• Oven interior, racks, and cooktop — grease build-up is the single most common bond deduction
• Range hood filter
• Inside and behind the fridge (if provided) and other appliances
• Inside all cupboards and drawers, including crumbs in corners
• Splashback and benchtops

Bathroom

• Grout and tile lines, not just the visible tile surface
• Showerhead and taps for limescale
• Exhaust fan cover
• Behind the toilet base

Living areas and bedrooms

• Skirting boards — an easy one to skip, and an easy one for an inspector to spot
• Light switches and power points
• Inside built-in wardrobes, including tracks
• Window tracks and sills, not just the glass

Floors

• Carpets professionally steam cleaned, with a receipt kept if your lease requires it
• Hard floors mopped, with attention to corners and under furniture

Outdoor areas

• Balconies, courtyards, and any area listed in your lease as your responsibility
• Cobwebs from eaves and exterior light fittings

A simple rule of thumb

If you wouldn't want to find it when moving into a new place, the next tenant won't either — and neither will the person doing the final inspection.