Moving out of a rental property in Melbourne can be exhausting and stressful. To add to that, the process that will surely cause further stress to your moving experience is end-of-lease cleaning.
However, making your rental property clean can really help to get your deposit back.
In this blog, we will cover 10 essential things to consider for successful end-of-lease cleaning.
1. Understand your lease
Before you actually do anything regarding cleaning, make sure to read over your tenancy agreement. This often contains minimum standards that must be achieved by cleaning in order for you to get your deposit back.
- Checklist: Check if there is any checklist or cleaning standards provided by your landlord or property manager.
- Special Conditions: Note any special conditions that could need extra cleaning, such as professional carpet cleaning.
2. Plan Ahead
End of lease cleaning can be time-consuming, so plan ahead and plan a cleaning schedule but don’t overwhelm yourself with loads of duties.
- Timeline: Allot plentiful time per task of cleaning.
- Prioritise: Focus on the main areas as well as traditional trouble spots such as kitchens and bathrooms.
3. Decide Between DIY and Professional Cleaning
Think very carefully whether you want to do the cleaning yourself or you would be willing to hire a cleaning company for that. They both involve certain pros and cons.
- DIY Cleaning: Inexpensive, but very time- and labor-consuming.
- Professional cleaning: More costly, but the work gets done properly with the possible ability to get your deposit back.
4. Select the Best Cleaning Company
If you decide to hire professional cleaners, ensure that you choose the right cleaning company. What you should be looking for is a company that has experience in conducting end of lease cleaning in Melbourne.
Make sure to also request references or review online reviews to find out the kind of satisfaction their customers receive.
5. Use the right cleaning products
The best results will be achieved with the use of the appropriate cleaning products. Ensure that the cleaning products are non-toxic and environmentally friendly to provide safe and effective cleaning.
- Eco-friendly Products: Reduce the environmental impact and is safe for you.
- Specialty Cleansers: Use cleansers designated for stubborn stains or specific cleaning surfaces.
6. Key Areas of Focus
There are some areas within the house that are much more important than others. If it’s the latter, it makes the cleanliness of these areas more important.
- Kitchen: Scrub the stove well, along the top of the oven and the burners and dials, in front of the stove.
- Bathroom: Restore the cleanliness of tiles, grout, and fixtures. Ensure there is no mould or mildew.
- Floors and Carpets: Vacuum-clean the floor and brush them clean; Over Carpets, remove any stains, if necessary, you may treat them with cleaning agents.
7. Small things should not be overlooked
Attend to small details that make the largest difference in the overall cleanliness of a property.
- Light Fixtures and Switches: Wipe light fixture and switch from dust.
- Skirting Boards and Doors: Skirting boards, including door frames and handles should be immaculately clean.
- Cleaning the windows inside out. Dust the blinds.
8. Repair and Maintain
Carry out minor repairs and maintenance in the final inspection round, which includes patching holes in the wall and replacing bulbs.
- Minor Repairs: Undertake restoration of damages of any losses made during your tenancy period.
- Corrective Maintenance: All appliances and fixtures must be clean and working in proper condition.
9. Document Your Cleaning
Take pictures to prove the status in which the property was left before vacating it, in a case where conflict arises with the landlord over the state of cleanliness.
- Before-and-After Photographs: Documentation of the property before and after cleaning is provided.
- Receipts: Keep the receipts of any professional cleaning service hired.
10. Final Inspection
Once cleaning is complete, schedule the final inspection with your landlord or property manager. Be present at the inspection to address any issues they may have.
- Inspection Checklist: A checklist can be used to ensure that every element involved is covered during the inspection.
- Communication: Note any special cleaning or repair work you have carried out.
Conclusion
End-of-lease cleaning is an important step in ensuring that you receive your money back when you leave any rental property. You should deal with this lot simpler by knowing your lease agreement and planning ahead of time, especially in an area where you should focus more. Whether you do it yourself or hire a professional cleaning company in Melbourne, paying close attention to detail is crucial.
