Are you preparing to vacate your rental property in Sydney? Whether you reside in the Inner West, North Shore, or the CBD, there’s one significant hurdle between you and the return of your bond: end of lease cleaning.
Most landlords and real estate agents in Sydney anticipate that the property will be returned in immaculate, move-in-ready condition. This means no dusty skirting boards, greasy ovens, or overlooked areas beneath furniture.
To assist you in recovering your full bond, we’ve compiled the definitive end of lease cleaning checklist—Sydney-style.
General Cleaning (Applicable to All Rooms)
- ✅ Eliminate all cobwebs from ceilings and corners
- ✅ Dust and clean walls, doors, and light switches
- ✅ Sanitize inside cupboards, drawers, and wardrobes
- ✅ Vacuum carpets and mop hard surface floors
- ✅ Clean air vents, ceiling fans, and light fixtures
- ✅ Wash windows, sills, and window tracks
- ✅ Wipe down skirting boards and architraves
- ✅ Remove marks and scuffs from walls wherever possible
Tip: In Sydney, agents are known for conducting thorough inspections. Pay special attention to frequently touched surfaces like door handles and switches.
Kitchen
- ✅ Clean the oven inside and out (including racks and trays)
- ✅ Degrease the rangehood and exhaust fans
- ✅ Clean the stovetop, burners, and control knobs
- ✅ Wipe both inside and outside of all cupboards
- ✅ Clean the sink, taps, and eliminate limescale
- ✅ Wipe down benchtops, splashbacks, and tiled walls
- ✅ Empty and clean the inside of the fridge and freezer (if included)
- ✅ Mop and disinfect the floor
Pro Tip: Oven cleaning is often overlooked—but it’s also the first thing agents notice. Don’t skip this step!
Bathrooms & Toilets
- ✅ Scrub the shower screen, tiles, and grout
- ✅ Clean mirrors and glass surfaces
- ✅ Disinfect the toilet (both inside and out)
- ✅ Clean the vanity, sink, taps, and cupboards
- ✅ Wipe down towel racks, shelves, and exhaust fans
- ✅ Remove soap scum, mould, and calcium deposits
- ✅ Mop floors and sanitize all surfaces
Local Note: Due to Sydney’s hard water, limescale build-up is common—especially around taps and showerheads. Ensure it’s completely removed.
Bedrooms & Living Areas
- ✅ Dust and wipe down wardrobes and shelves
- ✅ Vacuum carpets thoroughly, particularly around the edges
- ✅ Clean mirrors and sliding doors
- ✅ Wipe down blinds and/or curtains
- ✅ Check for cobwebs in corners and remove them
- ✅ Clean behind and beneath furniture if it’s furnished
Pro Tip: Conduct a final walk-through with a checklist in hand before the final inspection by the agent.
Outdoor Areas (If Applicable)
- ✅ Sweep patios, balconies, and garages
- ✅ Remove cobwebs from exterior walls and ceilings
- ✅ Mow the lawn and trim garden edges
- ✅ Clean outdoor windows and sliding doors
- ✅ Empty outdoor bins and rinse them if necessary
🪴 Sydney Insight: If your rental includes a garden, even a small one, it must be left tidy. This is often stipulated in your lease!
Additional Considerations
- 🔲 Carpet steam cleaning (often required by lease agreements)
- 🔲 Pest control (especially if pets have lived on the property)
- 🔲 Rubbish removal (dispose of any unwanted furniture or junk)
- 🔲 Final inspection clean-up after furniture removal
Overwhelmed? Hire a Professional End of Lease Cleaner in Sydney
Let’s face it—this is a major task. If you overlook even one detail, your landlord may withhold part of your bond.
End of lease cleaning Sydney isn’t merely a good idea—it’s a necessity. With this checklist in hand, you’ll know precisely what to clean, where to focus your efforts, and how to keep your landlord satisfied.Moving is stressful enough. Don’t let cleaning be the reason you forfeit your bond.
