What the rules say
Under the Residential Tenancies Act 2010, renters in NSW must leave the property reasonably clean and in about the same condition it was in at the start of the tenancy, allowing for fair wear and tear.
The ingoing condition report is the benchmark. At the end of the tenancy the property is compared against it, so find your copy before you start cleaning. If something was marked as dirty or stained when you moved in, you're not expected to make it better than that.
Your bond is held by NSW Fair Trading. If you can't agree with the landlord or agent about the bond, NSW Fair Trading can help, and unresolved disputes can go to the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT). This guide is general information, not legal advice. For your situation, contact NSW Fair Trading on 13 32 20.
Kitchen
- Oven, trays and racks degreased
- Cooktop and rangehood, including filters
- Inside and outside all cupboards and drawers
- Benchtops, splashback and sink
- Dishwasher seals, filter and front
- Fridge space and any appliances that came with the property
Bathrooms and laundry
- Shower screen, tiles and grout
- Toilet, including the base and behind it
- Vanity, basin, taps and mirror
- Exhaust fan covers
- Laundry tub, taps and cupboards
- Floor drains
Bedrooms and living areas
- Built-in wardrobes inside and out
- Skirting boards, doors and door frames
- Light switches and power points
- Marks spot-cleaned from walls (test a small area first)
- Window sills, tracks and inside glass
- Blinds and ceiling fans
Floors and outside
- Hard floors vacuumed and mopped
- Carpets vacuumed. Check your lease to see whether professional carpet cleaning is required
- Balcony, patio or garage swept
- Rubbish and personal items removed, including from the letterbox
Tips that save your bond
Take dated photos of every room when you finish cleaning, matching the angles in the condition report if you can. Keep receipts for any professional cleaning. Clean progressively in the last few weeks rather than leaving everything to the final day.
Need a hand?
A vacate clean that follows the checklist your property manager inspects against. See our end of lease cleaning service or ask for a free quote.