Moving Out Checklist: Cleaning Tasks Beyond What the Agent Requires

Published 2026-08-25 · End of Lease

A standard end of lease clean covers what agents check during inspection — but a few extra tasks, while not always required, can make the handover smoother and avoid unnecessary back-and-forth.

Standard checklist coverage (already required)

• Kitchen deep clean including oven and rangehood
• Bathroom descale and sanitising
• Interior windows and tracks
• Skirting boards, light switches, door frames
• Carpet steam cleaning

Extra tasks worth doing, even if not strictly required

• Wiping down interior cupboard shelving — not always inspected closely, but a nice detail that reflects well
• Cleaning light fittings and ceiling fans — often overlooked but visible during a thorough inspection
• Removing marks from walls where reasonably possible — scuffs rather than deeper damage
• Cleaning air conditioning filters if accessible — a small task that can matter for properties with a filter-cleaning clause
• Checking and clearing out gutters or balconies, if part of your tenancy responsibility — often specified separately in the lease

Why go beyond the minimum

Bond disputes are more likely when a property is returned right at the edge of "acceptable" rather than clearly clean — a bit of extra margin reduces the chance of a dispute over a borderline call.

What not to worry about

Normal wear and tear — faded paint, minor carpet wear from ordinary use — is not something you’re expected to fix or that a cleaner can address, since it’s a condition issue, not a cleanliness one.

FAQ

Do I need to clean the garden as well as the interior?

Depends on your specific lease terms — check what your tenancy agreement specifies for outdoor areas.

Should I photograph the property after cleaning?

Yes — photographing the completed clean before returning keys is a useful record if a dispute arises later.

Is it worth cleaning things the agent won’t inspect closely?

It can still be worthwhile for peace of mind and to avoid any ambiguity during the final walkthrough.