What Is End Of Lease Cleaning? Essential Insights For Tenants And Landlords

Did you know that cleaning is one of the key reasons behind awful rental disputes at the end of a tenancy? Landlords/property managers in Victoria have set strict cleanliness standards, making it challenging for renters to pass the final inspection. This could lead to unwanted bond deductions, penalties and disputes.

Whether you’re vacating a studio apartment or a spacious rental apartment, performing a thorough end of lease cleaning makes a world of difference. It not only helps you secure full bond money but also fosters strong landlord and tenant relationships.

According to the Residential Tenancy Laws in VIC, a rental property should be returned in reasonably clean condition or at least in the same state as when you moved in, except for fair wear and tear. This also means that landlords are not allowed to deduct a deposited security unless it covers the necessary cleaning costs. The deductions should be according to the pre determined clauses and responsibilities.

Therefore, it is essential to understand cleaning clauses, roles and responsibilities for both tenants and landlords for a hassle free experience. Fret not! Here is a detailed guide on end of lease cleaning, its key insights for both parties, obligations and duties.. This will help you make well informed decisions without a hint of stress.

Let’s Get Started!

1. What Does End of Lease Cleaning Mean?

End of lease cleaning is also known as bond cleaning or vacate cleaning. It is performed by tenants/renters before vacating a rental property at the end of a tenancy. According to the tenancy agreement in Melbourne, a tenant must leave the property in a 'reasonably clean' condition (beyond normal wear and tear). The process includes deep dusting of hard surfaces, such as ceiling walls, fans, and light fixtures; window cleaning; vacuuming of carpets; deep cleaning of kitchen surfaces and appliances; cleaning bathroom fixtures and fittings; sweeping and mopping floors; and other tasks.

The main objective of an intense level of cleaning is to impress the landlord/property manager and secure the full bond money, which is equivalent to four weeks' rent. That's one of the key reasons why tenants prefer hiring end of lease cleaning Melbourne professionals. They strictly adhere to the pre-approved cleaning checklist, and many even offer a free reclean if the landlord is not satisfied with the service. Isn’t it amazing?

2. What is the Importance of End of Lease Clean for Tenants?

Believe it or not! It helps renters to meet the specific cleaning obligations mentioned in the tenancy agreement. Failing the rental inspection can lead to serious repercussions, including the bond deductions, penalties, and conflicts, which may ruin the entire move out experience.

So, it is important to consider the property condition report and create a customised checklist as you are not responsible for pre existing property damages. Click photos and capture videos as proof to reclaim your bond in case of disagreement or disputes over cleaning. Leaving the premises in a clean state also helps you get future rental properties without any hassle.

Tip:  Thoroughly check before your rental inspection to avoid disputes.

3. Tenant’s Insights: What are the End of Lease Cleaning Obligations in VIC?

As a tenant, ensure you meet your cleaning obligations or responsibilities at the end of your lease. Also, remember that meeting the cleaning expectations of landlords requires intensive jobs and expertise to achieve spotless results. So, have a look at this professional end of lease cleaning Melbourne inclusions that can help tenants retrieve full bond money:

• General Cleaning:Removing dust, cobwebs, pollen, and allergens from air vents, ceiling fans, walls, mouldings, light fixtures and fittings, switchboards, shelves, drawers, and cupboards inside and outside, door tracks, and baseboards.
• Window and window treatment cleaning:Ensure you remove embedded dust from window tracks and sills using a vacuum cleaner with a toothbrush or a crevice attachment. For the window glass screen, spray white vinegar solution and gently wipe down. Next, run a rubber squeegee to achieve streak free results. Clean windows from the outside if accessible.
• Kitchen Cleaning:Tenants are held responsible to eliminate baked on grease, grime and gunk from kitchen cabinets, oven, BBQ, microwave, stove top and range hood. Also, wipe down the countertops, sanitise the sink and faucets.
• Bathroom Cleaning:Eliminate soap residue and hard water deposits from showerheads, glass doors, tiles, grout lines, bathtubs, toilet seats, counters and mirrors. Clean and disinfect the sink and unclog the drain.
• Carpets and Floors:Vacuum your carpets and remove stains using a blotting technique to prevent discolouration. You can also book a professional carpet steam cleaning service to restore the shine of your delicate floor coverings. Sweep and mop the floors.
• Exterior Cleaning: Make sure you clean the garage walls and floors, patio area, decks and driveways to impress your landlord.

Key Note: It is always good to read your rental agreement because you are not held responsible for pre existing mess and damages.

4. Key Insights: Cleaning Responsibilities of a Landlord

There is no denying that deep cleaned rental property can benefit a landlord as it can quickly attract new occupants without any downtime. This enables the landlord to enjoy a consistent rental income stream in the long run. Thus, it is essential for landlords to maintain a clean and hygienic rental home.

Apart from routine inspections and addressing necessary repairs, they thoroughly conduct the final rental inspection and can withhold the bond money due to half baked cleaning. The landlord must complete the 'Exit Condition Report' column of the original condition report within ten days. They can deduct your bond money unfairly due to minor cleaning issues. They only withhold a part if you fail to meet the pre determined cleaning clauses. Landlords can use this money to cover professional cleaning expenses, which can help attract new tenants while reducing vacancy rates.

5. Is Professional Cleaning Optional or Mandatory?

If you signed a rental agreement from 29^th March 2021, there are additional requirements for professional cleaning. However, landlords or property managers can’t ask you to get a professional cleaning service, but there are a few conditions, such as:

• The property needs to be returned to the original state as it was at the start of a tenancy, beyond fair wear and tear.
• If the property is in an extremely dirty condition, and requires a detailed end of lease cleaning Melbourne service.

Ensure you do proper research and hire an experienced company to secure your hard earned bond money at the end of your tenancy. If your landlord agrees, the RTBA can release your bond up to 14 days without any dispute.

Infographic: Guide to End of Lease Cleaning Tenants & Landlords

Wrapping Up

Vacating a rental property in Melbourne requires a thorough understanding of your cleaning responsibilities, cleaning clauses and other aspects to prevent deductions and disputes. It is equally important for landlords to acquire new tenants for a consistent rental income. Hopefully, this guide has helped you understand your roles and responsibilities during the cleaning session at the end of a tenancy.