End of Lease Cleaning Checklist for Sydney Rentals

Moving out of a Sydney rental means matching the property, as closely as possible, to the condition it was in when you moved in, allowing for fair wear and tear. Your original condition report is the benchmark your property manager will use at the final inspection, so it pays to work through the property methodically rather than leaving everything until the last day.

Start with your condition report

Before you pick up a cloth, pull out the condition report you completed at the start of the tenancy. Under the Residential Tenancies Act 2010 (NSW), this document is your reference point for what the property looked like on day one, and it is the fairest way to judge what a reasonable exit clean looks like.

Kitchen

• ✓Degrease the oven interior, racks, cooktop and rangehood filter
• ✓Wipe down cupboards inside and out, including handles and kickboards
• ✓Clean the sink, taps and any splashback tiles
• ✓Check behind and under appliances if they are moveable

Bathrooms and laundry

• ✓Remove soap scum and hard water marks from screens and tiles
• ✓Scrub grout lines, particularly in older apartment bathrooms
• ✓Disinfect the toilet, basin and shower base
• ✓Clean the exhaust fan cover, which often gets overlooked

Living areas and bedrooms

• ✓Spot-clean marks from walls and skirting boards
• ✓Wipe down window tracks and sills, especially in coastal apartments where salt air leaves a film
• ✓Clean light fittings, switches and power points
• ✓Vacuum wardrobes and wipe shelving

Balconies and common strata areas

Many Sydney rentals are apartments in strata buildings. Sweep and wipe down balcony surfaces, clear any drainage points, and check whether your lease makes you responsible for cleaning car spaces or storage cages, since these are sometimes checked at inspection too.

Carpets and floors

Under NSW law, a landlord can only require professional carpet cleaning if it was a specific term of your tenancy agreement, or if it is reasonably necessary given how the carpets were used during the tenancy. Vacuum thoroughly and treat any obvious stains before deciding whether professional cleaning is warranted for your situation.

If something is missed

If the property manager raises an issue after inspection, ask for specifics and check them against the condition report before agreeing to further cleaning. Most disputes can be resolved by discussion, but the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT) is available if agreement can't be reached.