How to Clean for a Rental Inspection

Moving out of a rental property can be stressful, especially when it comes to tackling the end of lease clean. The thought of ensuring every nook and cranny is spotless to secure your bond refund can be overwhelming. But don’t panic—there’s a way to make it much easier and less stressful. We’ll talk you through how to clean for a rental inspection. 

Instead of trying to handle the deep cleaning yourself, why not rely on professionals like Absolute Domestics? With their expertise, they’ll take care of everything, from dusting hidden cobwebs to scrubbing tough stains, ensuring your property is in top shape for inspection. 

Why Do Landlords Conduct Rental Property Inspections? 

If this is your first time moving out of a rental property, you might wonder why rental inspections are so important. Landlords aren’t interested in judging your cleaning skills. Instead, they want to assess the overall condition of their property and ensure that their investment is being looked after. 

As a tenant, you’re responsible for returning the property in the same clean and well-maintained condition it was in when you first moved in. This is why many tenants choose to hire professional cleaners for an end of lease cleaning service to ensure every detail is covered. 

Absolute Domestics, for example, follows a checklist approved by the Real Estate Institute of Australia (REIA), making sure even the fussiest of landlords will be impressed. 

A Comprehensive Cleaning Checklist for Rental Property Inspections 

Preparing for your final inspection doesn’t have to be daunting. Here’s a helpful checklist based on the services offered by Absolute Domestics to guide you through the process. 

Walls and Ceilings 

Over time, walls and ceilings accumulate dust, stains, and wear. Part of your responsibility as a tenant is to address this normal wear and tear. Inspect your walls for scuff marks, damp spots, or mould, and ensure everything is cleaned or repaired before your inspection. 

Landlords often pay close attention to ceiling corners and fans. Dust off any cobwebs, insect nests, or grime. Don’t forget to wipe down fan blades and clean air conditioner filters 

Lighting Fixtures and Switches 

Make sure all lightbulbs are working and replace any that have burnt out. Use a microfibre cloth to remove dust from lighting fixtures and switches. Grime can build up in these areas, so be thorough when wiping them down. 

Cupboards and Drawers 

Before your inspection, clear out all cupboards and drawers. Wipe them down inside and out, ensuring no dust, crumbs, or dirt are left behind. Check that all handles and hinges are still in good working order.  

Windows and Blinds 

For streak-free windows, use a quality cleaning solution and an old newspaper to wipe them down. Be sure to clean window sills, tracks, and the edges of the glass, where dust tends to gather. If your rental has blinds, give them a good dusting or, if needed, a wash.  

Spot Cleaning 

Walls can get dirty over time from spills, splatters, and general use. Use a mix of hot water and white vinegar to scrub off stubborn marks. A little elbow grease will go a long way in making your walls look fresh and clean for the inspection.  

Floors 

If your rental has wooden floors, listen for any creaks and get them fixed if possible. Carpets should be vacuumed thoroughly, and hard floors should be mopped. If your carpets have any stains, it might be a good idea to hire a professional to clean them before the final inspection. 

 Living Areas and Bedrooms 

Your living spaces and bedrooms require just as much attention as the rest of your rental. Use the same cleaning methods for walls, ceilings, floors, and lighting fixtures in these areas to ensure a thorough clean. Pay particular attention to any high-traffic areas that may have accumulated more dirt or wear. 

Kitchen and Bathroom 

Bathroom 

In the bathroom, check all taps and fix any leaks before the inspection. Thoroughly disinfect faucets, and remove soap scum, mineral deposits, and grime from sinks, showers, and bathtubs. Check tiles for mould and mildew and make sure it’s all removed. Don’t forget to polish mirrors until they’re sparkling.  

Kitchen Appliances 

If your rental came with appliances like an oven or fridge, they’ll need special attention. Clean the inside of your oven to remove grease and burnt food, and ensure the fridge is empty, cleaned, and free of leftover food. Check the dishwasher for any food particles or debris as well. 

Stovetops and Countertops 

The kitchen can be one of the dirtiest areas in a home, thanks to food spills, grease splatters, and general use. Use a degreaser to scrub stovetops and countertops, making sure all surfaces are spotless. Pay close attention to any stubborn stains or built-up grime. 

 Don’t Forget Other Areas of the Home 

It’s easy to overlook spaces like garages, patios, or laundry areas when preparing for an end of lease inspection. However, these areas are just as important. Make sure the garage floor is swept, patios are free from debris, and the laundry area is clean and tidy. 

 At Absolute Domestics, we understand that you want every area of your home to be inspection-ready, which is why our end of lease cleaning services cover every room, from the bedrooms to the outdoor spaces. 

Feeling Overwhelmed? Let Us Take Care of It 

We understand how stressful it can be to prepare for a rental inspection, especially when you’re juggling the demands of moving. That’s why Absolute Domestics is here to help. With over 30 years of experience in residential cleaning, we take pride in delivering spotless results that guarantee your bond back. 

Our cleaners are highly trained, with a keen eye for detail, and know exactly what landlords look for during inspections. Plus, we follow the REIA-approved cleaning checklist to make sure your property is in pristine condition. 

Ready to take the stress out of your end of lease clean? Use our easy online cleaning quote calculator and get a bond cleaning quote in just 60 seconds. Let Absolute Domestics handle the cleaning so you can focus on your move, knowing that your home will pass inspection with flying colours.