Tenancy
End of lease cleaning checklist for Victorian renters
· 6 min read · Howzat Cleaning Experts
What property managers actually look at during the final inspection, and the spots that are missed most often.
What 'reasonably clean' means
When a tenancy ends in Victoria, the renter is expected to leave the property reasonably clean and in a similar condition to the start of the lease, allowing for fair wear and tear. The benchmark is the entry condition report which is why it's worth finding your copy before you start cleaning.
Fair wear and tear covers things like faded curtains or carpet worn in walkways. It doesn't cover a greasy oven, soap scum or marks on walls.
Kitchen
- Oven, grill, racks and trays the most commonly failed item
- Rangehood filters degreased
- Inside every cupboard and drawer
- Sink, taps and splashback
- Dishwasher filter cleaned and interior wiped
Bathrooms and laundry
- Shower screen free of soap scum and water marks
- Grout and silicone free of mould
- Toilet cleaned including behind and around the base
- Exhaust fan cover dusted
- Laundry trough and cupboard wiped out
Every room
- Skirting boards, door frames and light switches
- Window tracks and sills
- Marks on walls spot-cleaned
- Wardrobe shelves and mirrors
- Floors vacuumed and mopped; carpets cleaned if the lease requires it
Outside
Don't forget balconies, garages and bins. Sweep hard surfaces, remove cobwebs around entries, and make sure nothing has been left behind in storage cages.
Before you hand back the keys
Take dated photos of every room once the clean is finished. If there's a disagreement later, photos alongside the entry condition report are your best evidence. For bond rules and disputes, Consumer Affairs Victoria publishes current guidance.
