Move-Out Cleaning Checklists For Landlords

Cleanliness is vital for both landlords and renters in Queensland. For landlords, maintaining a tidy and well-organised property can help them meet the set hygienic standards and attract potential tenants in the competitive residential rental market.

So, they are responsible for preparing the house/apartment for a new tenant as quickly as possible. This can also let them generate a high return on investment through monthly rents. Generally, tenants are expected to leave the premises in the same condition it was at the beginning of the tenancy.

As a landlord, you have the right to deduct the bond amount if the property is not in a clean state and hire professionals for a quality bond cleaning Sunshine Coast to create a spick and span house in the competitive rental market. It is important to know your rights and responsibilities to make right decisions.

So, here is a comprehensive move-out cleaning checklist to help landlords prepare the property for the next tenant. It will help them conduct rental inspections more effectively and maintain the cleanliness standard without a hint of stress.

Let’s Get Started!

1. Start With Your Kitchen: Cleaning Checklist

The kitchen is one of the dirtiest areas in the home. So, begin your move-out cleaning journey with your filthy kitchen. Ensure you have all the necessary supplies and safe cleaning products to tackle dirt, grime, grease and oil stains. It is always good to start from the top to cover all nooks and crannies:

• Cabinets and Cupboards: Remove all food items and clean the inside, outside and top cabinets using vinegar and microfiber cloth. Pay extra attention to greasy handles and knobs.
• Kitchen Appliances: Use eco-friendly cleaning products, such as vinegar, baking soda, and lemon, to de-grease your oven and microwave. Remove the racks and soak them in hot, soapy water to remove stuck food particles and odours from your microwave. Also, clean your refrigerator and dishwasher inside and out.
• Countertops, backsplash area and Stovetop: Wipe down the marble or granite countertop and backsplash area using baking soda to remove greasy stains. For a grimy stovetop, use vinegar solution and gently scrub the area. Make sure you remove the burners.
• Range Hood Exhaust & Filters: Remove built-up grease and grime using a soft-bristled brush and a DIY solvent.
• Sink and Faucets: Clean and disinfect the sink, unclog and deodorise the garbage disposal and remove hard water stains around the faucets.
• Floors: Sweep and mop the floor to remove food debris and spills.

Tip: Renters often envision themselves preparing meals in the kitchen. So, leave a great first impression by keeping it clean and organised.

2. Bathroom Cleaning Checklist: Give a Spa Experience

The bathroom(s) is another important area that requires detailed cleaning to ensure hygiene. Make sure you eliminate the tracks of the previous occupancy and create a blissful bathroom experience for the new tenant:

• Remove dust and grime from exhaust fans
• Clean inside and outside bathroom cabinets, drawers and cupboards
• Eliminate soap scum and mineral deposits from shower recess, doors and bathtub.
• Scrub bathroom tiles and get rid of soap residue.
• Clean and disinfect the toilet and behind the ‘S’ bend. Do not forget under and around your toilet seat. Use a vinegar solution to remove rust stains.
• Clean and polish sink, faucets and towel rails. Use natural disinfectants for a clean and safe abode.
• Sparkle clean mirrors and window screens
• Mop the floors

3. Move-Out Cleaning Checklist For a Living Room and Bedrooms

Believe it or Not! Experts follow a top-to-bottom cleaning approach for professional bond cleaning Sunshine Coast. Make sure you have telescopic dusters and ladders to reach the ceilings and fans. Here is a checklist to consider:

• Remove cobwebs, small nests and insect marks from ceiling fans and walls.
• Vacuum the HVAC filters and ducts.
• Wipe down light fixtures and fittings using a damp microfiber cloth
• Spot clean walls and power points
• Remove dust and grime from skirting, doors and architraves
• Clean your mattress, wash bed linens, etc
• Wipe down furniture pieces like side lamps and coffee tables
• Wipe down shelves, picture frames and drawers
• Wash windows inside and outside (if accessible), window tracks, sills and blinds
• Vacuum carpets and rugs
• Sweep and mop the floors

4. Clean the Laundry Room

Do not forget the laundry room when preparing your property for a new tenant. It is good to clean the cupboards inside and outside using a microfiber cloth. You can take a long-handled dusting tool to clean outside and behind the dryer.

Use white vinegar to clean laundry tubs, shelves, and cabinets. It can remove mineral deposits and soap scum with ease. Also, clean your washing machine inside and outside, including the filters.

Tip: Make sure you tackle mould growth from your laundry room and other dark and moist areas.

5. Cleaning Checklist for Other Rooms/Areas

This includes the most overlook areas of your house, such as:

• Hallways and entryways: Get rid of dust and debris from the walls, floors and light fixtures.
• Garage: Clean the garage walls and floors
• Patio area: Wipe down the outdoor furniture and floors

6. A Brief Landlord’s Guide: How to Conduct Move-Out Inspections?

According to the residential tenancy laws in Queensland, it is a tenant’s responsibility to perform a thorough cleaning and return the property reasonably clean. As a landlord, you must conduct a move-out inspection carefully and fix the issues to prevent potential disputes. Here are some important tips:

• It is always good to schedule a move-out property inspection with the renter at least a month before the lease ends. Make sure you are available on the inspection day.
• Do a walkthrough of the property with the tenant and point out dirty or grimy areas. It is good to allow them to fix the issues before the final move-out.
• Refer to the initial condition report during the inspection. Taking pictures and videos before handing over the property to the tenant can help you document the property’s initial condition.
• Be fair when deducting deposited security. Follow the laws and withhold the amount for damages beyond fair wear and tear. This will help build a good reputation in the Queensland rental property market.

Landlord’s Guide: A Complete Move-Out Cleaning Checklist

Wrapping up

Landlords need to get their properties leased quickly to avoid losses. Follow this move-out cleaning checklist to achieve a spotless property that will attract new tenants without any delays.