The single biggest reason tenants lose part of their bond is missing the small things — the dust on the air-conditioner vents, the grease behind the stove, the scuff on the skirting board next to the front door. Property managers inspect against a fixed list. If you know what’s on it, you can clean to it. This is the checklist our end-of-lease teams work from across NSW, Queensland and Victoria — the same one your real-estate agent likely uses.
Before you start
- Get the keys handover date in writing — that’s your deadline.
- Take photos of the property before you start cleaning. They protect you if anything’s disputed.
- Find the entry condition report. Compare each room as you go.
- Order any specialist services (carpet steam clean, pest control) for after your DIY clean — not before.
Living areas, hallways and bedrooms
- Dust and wipe all skirting boards, architraves and door frames.
- Wipe doors, door handles and light switches.
- Clean inside and outside of windows. Clean window tracks and sills.
- Wipe down blinds (slat by slat) or wash curtains.
- Dust ceiling fans and light fittings. Replace any blown bulbs.
- Clean air-conditioner vents and remove/wash filters.
- Wipe inside built-in wardrobes — shelves, rails and floor.
- Spot-clean walls (look for hand marks near switches and doorways).
- Vacuum carpets, including under beds and inside wardrobes.
- Mop hard floors after vacuuming.
Kitchen
- Empty all cupboards and drawers. Wipe inside and out.
- Clean rangehood, including filters (soak in hot soapy water).
- Degrease splashback and walls behind the stove.
- Clean stovetop, knobs and surrounds.
- Deep-clean the oven — racks, trays, glass door, seals.
- Pull out the fridge (if it’s yours, defrost and clean inside; if it stays with the property, clean inside, behind and underneath).
- Clean the dishwasher — filter, door seal, exterior.
- Sink, taps and drain — descale and polish.
- Wipe benches, splashbacks and the underside of overhead cupboards.
- Empty and clean the bin.
- Mop the floor last.
Bathrooms and toilets
- Descale shower screen, taps and showerhead.
- Scrub tiles and grout. Re-grout small mouldy patches with white grout pen if needed.
- Clean shower base — corners and silicone seals especially.
- Wipe vanity, basin, taps and mirror (no streaks).
- Empty vanity drawers and cupboards. Wipe inside.
- Clean toilet — bowl, seat, base, behind the bowl, cistern lid.
- Wipe exhaust fan cover.
- Clean window and tracks.
- Mop the floor — including behind the toilet and under the vanity overhang.
Laundry
- Wipe inside and outside of the washing machine — including the rubber seal and detergent drawer.
- Clean dryer lint filter and exterior.
- Wipe tub, taps and surrounds.
- Wipe inside cupboards.
- Clean floor drain — remove any hair and lint.
- Mop floor.
Outside spaces
- Sweep all balconies, patios and entrance steps.
- Wipe railings and outdoor light fittings.
- Mow lawns and edge if applicable.
- Weed garden beds.
- Sweep and hose down driveway and paths.
- Empty and rinse outdoor bins.
- Remove any cobwebs from eaves and door frames.
- Clean garage floor — sweep, then mop oil spots if any.
Carpets and upholstery
Most leases require professional carpet steam cleaning at the end of the tenancy and ask for a receipt. Get it done after your main clean, the day before handover, so the carpets are clean for inspection. Keep the receipt — agents will ask. If you have pets noted on your lease, expect to also need a flea treatment.
The 30-minute final walk-through
Before you hand back the keys, walk every room one more time. Open every cupboard. Check the back of every door. Look at the property like a stranger would. The five most-missed spots: tops of door frames, inside the dishwasher, inside the rangehood, behind the toilet, and the strip of floor visible under the front door.
When DIY isn’t worth it
A two-bedroom apartment takes a single person 12–16 hours of focused work to clean to inspection standard. If you’re also packing, working and managing a move, hiring professionals usually costs less than what you’d lose from your bond. Naturo Group offers a bond-back guarantee on every end-of-lease clean — if your agent flags anything, we come back at no cost until it passes.
Frequently asked questions
How much does end-of-lease cleaning cost in Australia?
Typical pricing starts around $250 for a 1-bedroom apartment and rises with bedrooms, bathrooms and add-ons (carpets, windows, garage). Naturo Group quotes start from $371 — see our pricing page for current rates.
What happens if my agent isn’t happy with the clean?
A bond-back guarantee means the cleaning company returns to address anything the agent flags, at no extra cost. Always confirm the guarantee terms in writing before you book.
Do I need to be there during the clean?
No — most providers can collect and return keys, or work with the agent directly. Just confirm the access arrangement when you book.
How far in advance should I book?
1–2 weeks before your handover date is ideal. Peak periods (end of month, end of financial year, university semester transitions) book out fastest.