How Clean Does a Rental Property Need to Be for the Final Inspection

For tenants, the final rental inspection day determines the fate of their rental bond. Deep cleaning becomes imperative as you approach the end of your lease period. Meeting the landlord’s standards and the predetermined cleaning clauses in the lease agreement are the two crucial criteria to reclaim the full security deposit without any dispute or conflict.

However, this added pressure often results in unintended blunders, especially for first time renters. They often leave important areas dirty, leading to rental disputes and deductions. If you are also wondering, ‘How clean does a rental property need to be for the final inspection?’, this article is for you. Today, we’ll break down the cleaning standards required at the end of the tenancy. Whether you need to deep clean every nook and cranny or hand over the property in a ‘reasonably clean’ condition, everything will be covered to give you peace of mind. You can also use professionals for a cheap end of lease cleaning Newcastle to secure you hard earned bond money.

Let’s Get Started

1. What is the Purpose of Property Rental Inspections?

There are two types of rental inspections in the tenancy market. One is a routine inspection to examine the property’s condition at regular intervals, and another is the final rental inspection to ensure the property is in well maintain condition before the final move out.

Routine inspections allow landlords to determine how well the property has been cared for. This is the best time to address necessary repairs and maintenance issues. In NSW, property managers and landlords can legally conduct up to four routine inspections within 12 month period. As a tenant, ensure you focus on regular upkeep to prevent the dust, dirt and grime buildup.

In final rental inspections, the landlords thoroughly conduct the inspection, and have the right to withhold the property if the property is in dirty condition. It should be reasonably clean unless there is any specific cleaning clause in the agreement. Failing the rental inspection can lead to bond deductions, penalties and other complications. It is performed to ensure the property meets a habitable condition for the next occupants.

2. What is a ‘Reasonably Clean’ Condition in the Lease Agreement?

In a tenancy agreement, you may have noticed the term ‘reasonably clean’. This means a level of cleanliness is required when moving out of your rental property. You don’t need to focus on spotless results. Instead, it should be returned in the original condition that you received at the beginning of your lease. This may include the removal of visible dust, dirt, debris, cooking grease, grime, food splatters, soap scum, wall marks, smudges, carpet dust, stains and germs.

If you want to avoid last minute disagreements, refer to the property condition report (that you signed at the start of your tenancy). It will help you compare the current condition because normal wear and tear is acceptable. Professional end of lease cleaning Newcastle experts always follow a pre approved cleaning checklist to cover all nooks and crannies according to the landlord’s specific requirements. This can help tenants pass the rental inspection with ease.

3. Pay Attention to Ceiling Fans, Light Fixtures and Baseboards

When preparing your rental property for the final inspection, ensure you begin the process from the top of your room. Dusting is essential to removing buildup dirt, debris and other allergens. Whether you’re living room or a bedroom, deep clean your ceiling fans, light fixtures and fittings using an extendable microfibre duster.

Do not forget the skirting boards, as these can accumulate grime over time. This can make your room look dull and dirty.

4. Clean Walls, Doors, Cabinets and Drawers

Remove visible marks, nasty scuffs, sticky residue, crayon marks and other stains from your painted walls. You can use white vinegar and warm water solution to spot clean the surface. Ensure you test it on a hidden area to avoid permanent damage. If the marks or holes are beyond fair wear and tear, communicate with your landlord and fix the issue.

When cleaning cabinets, remove all content and wipe down inside and outside using a damp microfiber cloth. Use the same approach for drawers and shelves. Also, clean the door and door tracks to remove accumulated dust and grime.

5. Clean and Sanitise Bathroom

Dirty bathrooms can be the breeding ground for lethal germs and bacteria. Ensure you remove soap scum, limescale, mineral deposits and bad odours from showerheads, glass doors, bathtubs, and toilet bowls (lid, s-bend and cistern).

Ensure you clean the tiles and grout lines using mild cleaning detergent and a soft bristled brush. This can help you create a blissful and hygienic bathroom oasis.

6. Kitchen and Appliances

The kitchen needs deep cleaning to secure the full bond back.

• Cabinets and Drawers: Remove all items from the pantry and degrease your cabinets and drawers using all natural products.

• Appliances:Deep clean your microwave, BBQ, stovetop, oven, range hood and filters, refrigerator and dishwasher inside and outside using white vinegar and baking soda

• Countertops, Sink and Taps: Wipe down the countertops, clean and disinfect the sink and polish taps.

• Other areas: Clean the exhaust fan, garbage disposal and splashback areas to pass the inspection.

  7. Wash Your Windows

  Windows are the key elements to enhance your property’s overall look and feel. Ensure you deep clean the windows inside and outside, covering sills, tracks, panes and frames. Start by removing dust accumulated in tracks using a vacuum cleaner with a crevice tool. For stains and grime, spray the white vinegar solution and gently scrub using a sponge to achieve streak free results. If the windows are difficult to access from outside, hire professionals, as they follow safety protocols to prevent injuries and accidents.

  8. Carpets and Floorings

  It is good to vacuum your carpets to remove embedded dust, dirt and other allergens. If it has stains, blot the surface with a damp cloth. However, if your rental agreement outlines detailed cleaning of carpets, you’ll need to hire a professional for carpet steam cleaning.

  For amtico flooring or hardwood, sweep and mop it without using excess water.

  9. Don’t Miss Exterior Areas

  This usually includes patio floors, decks, driveways, garage walls and floors. You can use a pressure washing method to remove moss and stubborn stains from driveways. However, sweeping and mopping patio and garage floors can be enough to pass the rental inspection.

  Rental Exit Cleaning: How Clean is Clean Enough?

  

  Wrapping Up

  Passing the rental inspection is crucial to securing the full bond money. However, with the help of this guide, you can easily clean the property and impress your landlord and property manager. It is good to take photos and videos of the property, read the cleaning clauses and communicate issues with the landlord for a seamless move out.