Moving out of a rental property can be a stressful experience, especially when you need to ensure that the place is cleaned to the landlord’s satisfaction end of tenancy cleaning. A thorough cleaning not only increases the likelihood of getting your full deposit back, but it also shows respect for the property and the next tenants. To help you leave your rental spotless, we’ve put together a comprehensive end of tenancy cleaning checklist.
1. Start with the Kitchen
The kitchen is one of the most critical areas to clean thoroughly, as it’s often the space that accumulates the most grime. Here’s what to focus on:
- Clean Appliances: Ensure that your fridge, oven, microwave, and dishwasher are all spotless. Remove any leftover food and wipe down all surfaces. For ovens, you may need to use an oven cleaner to remove baked-on grease and grime.
- Cupboards and Drawers: Empty and wipe down inside cupboards, drawers, and shelves. Make sure to remove crumbs or food debris.
- Counters and Surfaces: Wipe all countertops and any other surfaces. Pay close attention to grease spots near the stove.
- Sink and Faucets: Scrub the sink, remove any stains, and clean faucets and drains.
- Floors: Sweep and mop the kitchen floor, making sure to get into corners and under appliances.
2. Deep Clean the Bathroom
Bathrooms can get dirty quickly, so it’s important to give them extra attention before leaving. Here’s your checklist:
- Shower and Tub: Clean grout lines, remove soap scum, and scrub the tub or shower.
- Toilet: Clean inside and outside the toilet, including the base and tank.
- Sink and Countertops: Wipe down sinks, counters, and taps. Remove any soap scum or toothpaste residue.
- Mirrors: Clean all mirrors until they’re streak-free.
- Floors: Sweep and mop the bathroom floor, paying attention to corners and behind the toilet.
- Storage Areas: Clean out all bathroom cabinets and drawers. Dispose of old products and wipe everything down.
3. Tidy the Living Room and Bedrooms
These rooms need to be thoroughly cleaned, even if they seem relatively clean. Consider the following:
- Dusting: Dust all surfaces, including shelves, baseboards, and light fixtures.
- Windows and Blinds: Clean the windows and any blinds or curtains. If necessary, vacuum curtains or wipe them down.
- Vacuum and Mop: Vacuum carpets, rugs, and upholstery, and mop hard floors.
- Check for Marks: Wipe away any marks or smudges on walls, doors, or furniture.
- Empty Closets and Drawers: Remove all items from closets, drawers, and cabinets, and wipe them down.
4. Clean Windows and Doors
Ensure all windows are cleaned inside and out if possible. Don’t forget to wipe down the frames, and if there are any signs of dirt or fingerprints on the glass, make sure to remove them.
- Window Frames and Sills: Dust and wipe down the window frames and sills to prevent any dirt buildup.
- Glass Cleaning: Use a glass cleaner or a DIY solution (water and vinegar) for a streak-free shine.
- Doors and Handles: Wipe down all doors, especially handles, which can accumulate germs and fingerprints.
5. Address the Walls and Ceilings
In many rental agreements, the landlord may expect the walls and ceilings to be in good condition when you leave.
- Remove Nails or Screws: Patch up any holes left by nails or screws. Use filler or putty and sand it smooth once it dries.
- Wipe Down Walls: Clean any scuffs or marks. For more stubborn stains, use a mild cleaner and a soft cloth.
- Ceiling Corners: Check for cobwebs in the corners of rooms, including the ceilings.
6. Check for Odd Jobs and Repairs
If you’ve made any minor repairs or adjustments to the property during your stay, be sure to leave everything in good condition.
- Replace Light Bulbs: If any bulbs are out, replace them.
- Fix Any Damage: Check for any damage you might have overlooked, like a loose faucet handle or a broken door latch.
- Check for Missing Items: Make sure nothing is missing that should be left behind—like the spare keys, remote controls, or manuals for appliances.
7. Dispose of All Trash
Before you leave, make sure you’ve disposed of all trash and rubbish from the property.
- Remove All Garbage: Take all trash out of the property, including garbage bins in every room.
- Recycling: Don’t forget to separate recyclables and dispose of them properly.
- Clean Bins: Wipe down any bins or trash cans that may have food residue or stains.
8. Final Inspection
Once you’ve completed the cleaning, walk through the property and inspect everything:
- Check Every Room: Do a room-by-room inspection to ensure you haven’t missed anything.
- Double Check Appliances: Ensure all appliances are working, and nothing is left dirty or broken.
- Take Photos: Before handing over the keys, take photos of the cleaned property to have a record in case of any disputes.
Conclusion
By following this end of tenancy cleaning checklist, you can ensure your rental property is left in pristine condition. Not only will this increase the likelihood of getting your full deposit back, but it will also leave a positive impression with your landlord, which can be helpful for future references. Cleaning doesn’t have to be overwhelming—break it down room by room, and before you know it, you’ll have a spotless home ready for the next tenant. Happy cleaning!
