Moving out can be a very stressful affair as you struggle to pack up everything that you own, deal with huge amounts of paperwork, and, naturally, satisfy the high demands of the real estate agents. Of all these myriad duties, end-of-lease cleaning then comes to be regarded as one of the greatest challenges, and in many instances, the tenant would have lost part of their hard-earned bond. This guide from your trusted Hobart Cleaning Company is intended to shine a light on the most prevalent end-of-lease cleaning errors and give practical recommendations on avoiding them so that you can receive your bond back. We will explore essential bond cleaning mistakes to avoid, making your move-out process smoother and more financially rewarding.
10 Mistakes to Avoid During End of Lease Cleaning
To help you navigate the complexities of end-of-lease cleaning, we’ve compiled a list of the 10 most frequent errors tenants make. Understanding these common pitfalls will be your first step towards a successful bond return.
Skipping a Detailed Inspection Before Cleaning
The inspection might be one of the most important steps that people forget about, as the task is to carefully examine the property before you are even ready to clean. You need to do a comparison between the present condition of the property and the Entry Condition Report you have been provided when you moved into the property. This method of convenient initiative provides you with the list of already existing damages or places that were already mentioned as dirty, so that you could not complete needless cleaning or be blamed for something that did not depend on you. It also enables you to identify any concealed damages or omissions early in time so that you can work on them effectively.
Ignoring the Approved Cleaning Checklist
Real estate agents, as well as landlords, normally offer a special cleaning checklist detailing what they expect the property to look like when it has been vacated. Another mistake that people often make is not going through this checklist thoroughly. These end-of-lease cleaning checklists are made to cover every sphere, including those that are not so evident, to ensure they correspond to the standards. The typical things people overlook when they ignore the checklist include cupboards within the house, chandeliers, and the back of the furniture. Following this document is determinant when conducting a successful inspection.
Using Harsh or Unsuitable Cleaning Products
Though it may be practical to incorporate very powerful and generic cleaning chemicals, they may destroy different surfaces, including soft stone benchtops, carpets, and wood floors, among others. This damage may easily lead to the loss of your bond. One must learn to find the right and safe cleaning materials that should be used on every surface. Mads Cleaning has realised this value, and every time, we come with environmentally friendly and safe products that can be utilised on any surface without causing any harm to it and still leave it in a squeaky clean condition.
Forgetting to Sparkle the Windows Inside & Out
Windows are one of the major areas of inspection consideration, which is usually ignored. Streaks, smudges, dust, and cobwebs on inside and outside windows can immediately shout incompetence, and you may lose a portion of your bond. Make sure that you clean out the sills and the tracks as well as the glass because they collect a good deal of dirt and grime.
Overlooking Spots Tenants Rarely Notice
Property agents are trained to look beyond the obvious. Many tenants focus on the main areas and overlook less conspicuous spots. These often include:
- Behind doors
- Ceiling fans (blades and housing)
- Skirting boards
- Light switches and power outlets
- Vents (air conditioning and exhaust)
- Blinds and curtains (dust and marks)
These seemingly minor details are common inspection points and can indicate whether the cleaning has been truly comprehensive.
Not Deep Cleaning Kitchen Appliances
During an end-of-lease inspection, the most inspected space is usually the kitchen, especially the appliances. Orchestrating ovens, stovetops, rangehoods, microwaves, and dishwashers have to be washed internally and externally. Buildups of grease, splatter, and burnt-on residue are some common problems that almost always cause failures during inspection and damage to your bond.
Scrubbing Carpet Stains Incorrectly
Landlords invest a lot in carpets, and it can be expensive when they get damaged. Forcefulness when cleaning up stains may harm carpet fibres that give more permanent marks or cause stains that are more frightening than the original stain. Rather, dab stains. Rather, dab stains. In the case of stubborn or larger stains — like removing coffee stains from carpet — it’s always the sounder and smarter idea to call in professional carpet cleaning expertise, not only to prevent more damage but also to ensure high-standard cleanliness.
Neglecting Outdoor Areas
One can just think about the inside, but exterior spaces are also significant. The patios, the balcony, the garage, and the front yard, as well as the backyard, should be clean and presentable. This involves cutting the lawn, clearing garden beds, cleaning out cobwebs on eaves and outbuildings, pathways, and sweeping driveways. A well-maintained exterior demonstrates a tenant’s commitment to the property’s upkeep.
Leaving Cleaning to the Last Minute
Rushing your end-of-lease clean will inevitably lead to stress, missed spots, and a substandard result. A proper deep clean takes time and effort. It’s highly recommended to start planning and booking your bond cleaners at least a week, or even more, before your final handover date. This allows ample time to address any overlooked areas and ensures a relaxed, thorough cleaning process.
Not Getting Expert Help When Needed
Most tenants are trying to cut down on expenses by trying to clean themselves, and most of them do not realise how high the standards are demanded by real estate agents. When a final inspection fails, there may be expensive re-cleans and visits to complain to the landlords, and at the end of the day, you will lose more money than what you would have paid for professional services. Mads Cleaning and Gardening offers a quality and affordable service that meets your needs and expectations, using proper equipment, knowledge, and experience to give a hassle-free bond turnover.
Why End of Lease Cleaning Matters for Your Bond Return
Bond cleaning is a contractual requirement typically stipulated by landlords and property managers to ensure the property is returned in the same condition it was received, allowing for fair wear and tear. A spotless property demonstrates that you’ve fulfilled your tenancy obligations, significantly increasing your likelihood of getting your full bond back. Conversely, any lapses in cleanliness, often due to bond cleaning mistakes, can lead to deductions.
What’s Included in a Professional Bond Clean?
A standard professional bond cleaning service is comprehensive, covering all areas of the property to meet the highest real estate standards. This typically includes:
- Carpets: Vacuuming, stain removal, and deep steam cleaning (if required)
- Kitchens: Ovens, stovetops, rangehoods, benchtops, sinks, cupboards (inside and out), and floors
- Bathrooms: Toilets, showers, baths, sinks, mirrors, and tiles
- Windows: Inside and out, including sills and tracks
- Outdoor areas: Patios, balconies, garages, and basic garden tidy-up
- Walls (spot cleaning)
- Light fittings and fixtures
- Skirting boards
- And many more specific details.
Mads Cleaning diligently uses an REIQ-approved checklist to ensure nothing is missed, guaranteeing a thorough clean. For more details, refer to our End of Lease Cleaning Checklist.
How Failing to Clean Properly Can Cost You
The consequences of poor cleaning are more significant than just a minor inconvenience. Failing to meet the required cleanliness standards can lead to:
- Losing part or all of your bond: This is the most direct financial consequence, as landlords will deduct costs for professional re-cleans.
- Paying for re-cleans: If the initial clean is deemed insufficient, you might be required to pay for a professional service arranged by the landlord, which can often be more expensive.
- Getting into disputes with landlords: Poor cleaning can escalate into time-consuming and stressful disputes over your bond, potentially delaying your refund.
Ultimately, a professional clean, despite its upfront cost, often saves you money in the long run by preventing these costly repercussions caused by end-of-lease cleaning mistakes and other common bond cleaning mistakes to avoid.
How Long Does End-of-Lease Cleaning Usually Take?
The duration of end-of-lease cleaning varies significantly depending on the size and condition of the property.
- Studio apartments: Typically 3-5 hours
- 1-2 bedroom apartments: 4-8 hours
- 3-4 bedroom houses: 6-12 hours or more
Booking professionals like Mads Cleaning can save you countless hours of scrubbing. Our experienced teams work efficiently, ensuring a thorough job in a fraction of the time it would take for a DIY clean. Mads also offers flexible booking slots to fit even the busiest moving schedules, making the bond cleaning duration less of a concern.
Why Should You Hire a Professional Bond Cleaner?
While DIY cleaning might seem like a way to save money, professional cleaners offer distinct advantages that often make them the more economical and stress-free choice in the long run.
- Tools and Equipment: Professionals have access to industrial-grade equipment and specialized cleaning solutions that are far more effective than standard household products.
- Checklists and Standards: They work with comprehensive, industry-approved checklists that align with real estate expectations, ensuring every nook and cranny is addressed.
- Experience and Expertise: Professional cleaners know exactly what landlords and property managers look for, reducing the chances of missed spots or failed inspections.
- Bond Back Guarantee: Many reputable companies, including Mads Cleaning, offer a bond back guarantee, providing peace of mind that your cleaning will meet the required standards.
Mads Cleaning prides itself on its experience, offering a comprehensive bond back guarantee and providing a truly stress-free service that ensures you meet all end-of-lease requirements, highlighting the real benefits of hiring a professional cleaning service.
Final Words
A clean property will be a testament that you have completed your responsibilities as a tenant, and the odds are high that you will have your full bond returned. On the other hand, any instance of uncleanliness that may occur as a result of bond cleaning mishaps is liable to penalty deductions. Keep in mind that details, precision, and the ability to refer to the professionals are a must. Doing so by investing in a professional clean can be a cheap price to pay, both in the name of peace of mind and in the guarantee of getting all your bond back.
Trust Mads Cleaning and Gardening to Help You Get 100% of Your Bond Back
Don’t let end-of-lease cleaning mistakes stand between you and your bond. Trust the experts at Mads Cleaning and Gardening to provide a meticulous and stress-free service that meets the highest standards.
Get a free quote today, book online, or call us for expert advice on your end-of-lease cleaning needs!
FAQ
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What happens if I miss a spot during end-of-lease cleaning?
If you miss a spot, the landlord or property manager will likely conduct a re-inspection and may require you to re-clean the area. If not rectified, they can deduct the cost of professional cleaning for that specific area from your bond.
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Can I do end-of-lease cleaning myself to save money?
While you can, it’s often more challenging than anticipated to meet the strict standards required by real estate agents. Many tenants end up paying for a re-clean or losing part of their bond due to missed spots or insufficient cleaning. Professional cleaners have the expertise and equipment to ensure a satisfactory result.
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What cleaning areas do landlords check most during the final inspection?
Landlords typically pay close attention to the kitchen (especially ovens and stovetops), bathrooms (showers, toilets, and grout), windows (inside and out), and carpets. They also check for cobwebs, dust on skirting boards, and the cleanliness of light fixtures and outdoor areas.
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When should I book professional bond cleaners to avoid last-minute mistakes?
It’s advisable to book your professional bond cleaners at least 1-2 weeks before your desired cleaning date, and ideally, after all your belongings have been moved out. This ensures availability and allows for a thorough clean without rushing.
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Do professional cleaners help get your full bond back?
Yes, reputable professional bond cleaners significantly increase your chances of getting your full bond back. They are familiar with real estate standards, use professional-grade equipment, and often offer a bond-back guarantee, ensuring their work meets the required cleanliness for your inspection.