TL;DR
Use your original condition report and move-in photos to guide your Melbourne end-of-lease clean, focusing on kitchens, bathrooms, floors, windows, and other areas checked during the final inspection. A thorough final walkthrough and dated photos can help you spot anything missed before handing back the keys.
The main goal is simple: leave the property reasonably clean and in the same condition as when you moved in, allowing for fair wear and tear.
In Victoria, your original condition report is important because the property manager can use it to compare the property's condition at the start and end of your tenancy.
Before your final inspection, check the kitchen, bathrooms, bedrooms, living areas, windows, floors, walls, laundry, storage and any outdoor areas included in your tenancy. Use the checklist below to work through each area and tick items off as you complete them.
The Melbourne End of Lease Cleaning Checklist
Work through each room and tick off as you go. This is the same standard of clean that a professional end-of-lease cleaning service would apply.
Kitchen
- Oven cleaned inside and out, including racks, trays and the glass door
- Stovetop and rangehood degreased, including the rangehood filter
- Splashback and benchtops wiped down and grease-free
- Inside and outside of all cupboards, drawers and pantry shelves wiped out
- Sink and taps scrubbed and descaled
- Dishwasher interior wiped down (filter cleaned if removable)
- Fridge cleaned inside and out if it's staying with the property
- Skirting boards, light switches and power points wiped
- Floor mopped, including under moveable appliances
Bathroom and Toilet
- Shower screen, tiles and grout scrubbed free of soap scum and mould
- Bath, basin and taps cleaned and descaled
- Toilet cleaned inside, outside and around the base
- Exhaust fan wiped down (dust build-up is an easy inspection fail)
- Mirrors and cabinets cleaned inside and out
- Grout treated for any visible mould or staining
- Floor mopped and skirting boards wiped
Bedrooms and Living Areas
- Wardrobes, shelving and drawers wiped out inside and out
- Windows, tracks and sills cleaned (tracks collect a surprising amount of grit)
- Skirting boards, door frames and light switches wiped
- Ceiling fans and light fittings dusted
- Cobwebs removed from corners and ceilings
- Walls checked and spot cleaned for marks (avoid repainting unless damage is beyond fair wear and tear)
- Carpets vacuumed thoroughly; steam cleaned if required by your lease or visibly stained
- Hard floors vacuumed and mopped
Laundry
- Washing machine seal and detergent tray wiped out
- Sink, taps and benchtop cleaned
- Lint from dryer filter removed
- Shelving and cupboards wiped down
- Floor mopped
Windows and Doors
- Internal glass cleaned streak-free
- Flyscreens wiped down or vacuumed
- Sliding door tracks cleared of dirt and debris
- Front and rear entry doors wiped down, including handles
Outdoor Areas (if applicable)
- Balcony or courtyard swept and hosed down
- Garage or carport swept out
- Bins emptied and left clean
- Garden beds tidied if included in your lease responsibilities
Final Walkthrough
- All personal belongings removed, including from storage cages and sheds
- All rubbish removed from the property (this is a common bond deduction reason on its own)
- Air conditioning filters cleaned if accessible
- Compare the finished result against your original entry condition report, room by room
- Take dated photos of every room before you hand back the keys
What Do Property Managers Check During a Final Inspection?
A final inspection generally involves comparing the property's condition at the end of the tenancy with the original condition report.
In Victoria, the condition report records the property's condition when you moved in and can be used as evidence in disputes about cleaning, damage or missing items. The exit condition report records the property's condition when the tenancy ends.
Before the inspection, pay particular attention to:
- Areas that were already noted as clean in the original report
- New dirt, grease or grime
- Carpet and floor condition
- Kitchen appliances
- Bathrooms and toilets
- Windows and tracks
- Walls, doors and handles
- Outdoor areas
- Missing fixtures or items
- Damage that occurred during the tenancy
Remember that fair wear and tear is different from damage. Victorian rental guidance says a rental provider cannot claim the bond for fair wear and tear.
How to Use Your Condition Report Before Cleaning
Your original condition report can help you focus your end of lease cleaning on what actually needs attention.
Step 1: Check your original report
- Go room by room and note the condition of each area when you moved in.
Step 2: Compare your photos
- If you took dated move-in photos, compare them with the property now. Consumer Affairs Victoria recommends keeping photos, especially for pre-existing damage.
Step 3: Make a cleaning list
- Note anything that needs cleaning, touching up, or restoring.
Step 4: Clean from top to bottom
- Start with higher surfaces, cupboards and fittings, then finish with the floors.
Step 5: Do your own final check
- Walk through each room and make sure nothing has been missed before the inspection.
What Happens If There Is a Cleaning Dispute?
If a rental provider believes the property needs more cleaning, they may seek to claim some or all of the bond in certain circumstances. Your condition report can help compare the property's condition at the start and end of the tenancy.
If you disagree about the bond, Victorian renters can seek help through Rental Dispute Resolution Victoria (RDRV), with unresolved matters potentially proceeding to VCAT.
Keep these records handy:
- Original condition report
- Move-in and final cleaning photos
- Cleaning receipts or invoices
- Relevant emails or messages
- Agreed cleaning or maintenance requirements
DIY Bond Clean vs Professional Bond Cleaning Services
A simple way to decide is to look at the property's condition, how much time you have, and how much cleaning is involved. Use the points below to see which option fits your move-out situation.
DIY cleaning may suit you if:
- You’ve kept the property clean throughout the tenancy
- You have a full weekend to clean before the final inspection
- You’re moving out of a smaller, well-maintained property
Professional bond cleaning may make more sense if:
- You’re managing packing, movers and your new lease
- The oven, bathroom grout or carpets need extra attention
- Your agent expects a detailed end of lease clean
- You want a cleaning guarantee for added peace of mind
Need Help with Your Melbourne End of Lease Clean?
If you're short on time during the move or simply want some peace of mind, Clean4You provides end of lease cleaning services across Melbourne with a 100% Bond Back Guarantee.
It can be a practical option when you want the cleaning taken care of while you focus on packing, moving, and handing back the property.
Call us on 📞 1300 10 22 10 to schedule your end-of-lease clean, or submit the quote form above to receive a custom quote based on your cleaning requirements.
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