Getting your full bond back requires returning the rental property in the same condition as noted on your Entry Condition Report (accounting for fair wear and tear).
Here is a comprehensive room-by-room guide and checklist to help you secure 100% of your bond.
1. Pre-Cleaning Essentials & Strategy
- Compare with the Entry Condition Report: Review the report and initial photos taken when you moved in to know what pre-existing damage existed.
- Clean Top-to-Bottom, Inside-to-Out: Dust ceilings and fans first so debris falls to the floor before vacuuming/mopping last.
- Keep Power and Water On: Do not disconnect utilities until after the final property inspection.
- Gather Tools & Products: Heavy-duty degreaser, oven cleaner, glass cleaner, microfiber cloths, grout brush, magic erasers, and a vacuum.
2. Room-by-Room Checklist
Kitchen (Highest Inspection Priority)
- Oven & Rangehood: Deep clean oven interior, door glass, wire racks, and trays. Remove and degrease range hood filters and exhaust fan covers.
- Stovetop & Splashback: Remove all grease, burnt residue, and food splatters.
- Cabinets & Drawers: Empty all contents, wipe inside/outside, and clean top surfaces and handles.
- Sink & Tapware: Clean and descaling sinks, drains, and polish taps.
- Appliances (if included): Clean inside and behind dishwasher, fridge, and microwave.
Bathroom & Laundry
- Showers & Baths: Scrub tiles and grout lines. Remove soap scum and hard water stains from glass shower screens.
- Toilet: Disinfect inside, outside, base, tank, and behind the unit.
- Vanity & Mirrors: Wipe inside drawers/cupboards. Polish mirrors to a streak-free shine.
- Exhaust Fans:Remove dust and clean fan covers.
- Laundry: Clean inside and behind wash tubs. Clean dryer lint filters.
Living Areas & Bedrooms
- Walls & Light Switches: Spot clean scuffs, marks, or finger stains using a magic eraser or mild soapy water. Wipe light switch covers.
- Built-in Wardrobes: Vacuum tracks and wipe down shelves, drawers, and hanging rails.
- Skirting Boards & Architraves: Wipe off accumulated dust and grime along all floorboards and door frames.
Windows & Fixtures (Often Overlooked)
- Windows & Tracks: Wash internal glass. Vacuum and wipe out window tracks, frames, and sills.
- Blinds & Curtains: Dust or wipe down horizontal blinds slat by slat. Vacuum or dry-clean curtains if required.
- Light Fixtures & Fans: Dust fan blades and clean light covers to remove trapped insects and dust.
Floors & Outdoor
- Carpets: Vacuum thoroughly. Check your lease agreement—many specify professional steam cleaning (and pest treatment if you had pets).
- Hard Floors: Sweep and mop all hard floor surfaces into corners and edges.
- Outdoor/Balcony/Garage: Sweep patios, clear cobwebs, clean up oil leaks on driveways/garages, and remove all rubbish.
3. Final Step Before Handing Back Keys
1. Do a Final Walkthrough: Check every cupboard, light fixture, and hidden corner using your checklist.
2. Take Date-Stamped Photos/Videos: Take clear photos of every room, appliance, and window as proof of the condition you left it in.
3. Save Receipts: Keep all professional receipts (carpet cleaning, pest control, or bond cleaning services) to present to your landlord/agent.