Under the Residential Tenancies Act 1997 (Vic), a tenant must leave a rented property reasonably clean at the end of a tenancy, allowing for fair wear and tear. The law does not require the property to look brand new. It does require the removal of dirt, grease, and grime that built up during the tenancy, beyond what normal daily use would cause. This checklist sets out what that standard covers room by room, along with what Victorian tenancy law actually says about professional cleaning.

End of Lease Cleaning Checklist

What “Reasonably Clean” Means

Consumer Affairs Victoria sets out the cleanliness standard in its Guideline 2 on cleanliness. It measures cleanliness against an average community standard, not a perfect or showroom standard. Faded paint, light carpet wear from years of foot traffic, or worn grout from age count as fair wear and tear. Grease build-up in an oven, mould caused by lack of ventilation, or stains from spills are cleanliness issues a tenant is expected to address before handing back the keys.

Do Tenants Have to Pay for a Professional Clean

Under Regulation 12 of the Residential Tenancies Regulations 2021, a rental provider cannot require a tenant to arrange professional cleaning at the end of a tenancy unless one of two conditions applies:

  • The property was professionally cleaned immediately before the tenancy began, and the tenant was told this in writing, or
  • Professional cleaning is needed to restore the property to the condition it was in at the start of the tenancy, taking into account the condition report and fair wear and tear.

A blanket clause that simply states the tenant must professionally clean the property is not enough on its own. If the tenant has kept the property reasonably clean throughout the tenancy, a landlord cannot insist on a professional clean purely because the lease mentions one. Tenants who prefer professional help can arrange end of lease cleaning in Melbourne to complete the detailed kitchen, bathroom, floor and outdoor cleaning required before the final inspection.

Kitchen

  • Clean inside the oven, including racks and the door glass
  • Degrease the range hood filter
  • Wipe down the stovetop and splashback
  • Clean the sink, taps, and benchtops
  • Wipe inside all cupboards and drawers
  • Clean the fridge interior, if the fridge belongs to the property, including behind and underneath where accessible

Bathroom

  • Scrub grout and tiles to remove soap scum and mould
  • Clean the shower screen, showerhead, and taps
  • Clean the toilet, including the base and cistern
  • Wipe mirrors, cabinets, and shelving
  • Check the exhaust fan for dust build-up
  • Treat mould in silicone seals around the bath or shower

Bedrooms and Living Areas

  • Dust all surfaces, including skirting boards, window sills, and door frames
  • Clean light fittings and ceiling fans
  • Wipe down window tracks
  • Vacuum carpets and mop hard floors
  • Wipe out wardrobe interiors and shelving
  • Steam clean carpets only if the lease specifies this and the condition report supports the need for it

Outdoor Areas

  • Sweep balconies, courtyards, and any private outdoor space included in the lease
  • Remove cobwebs from exterior walls and eaves where the tenant is responsible for that area
  • Clean any garage or carport floor of oil stains or debris left during the tenancy

Keep Evidence of the Clean

Take dated photos of every room once cleaning is finished, before handing back the keys. Compare the property against the entry condition report completed at the start of the tenancy. If a professional cleaner is engaged, keep the invoice as proof of the work carried out.

If the Landlord Disputes the Cleaning

If a rental provider believes the property was not left reasonably clean and the bond cannot be agreed on, the matter goes to Rental Dispute Resolution Victoria first. RDRV attempts to resolve the disagreement through mediation. If that fails, either party can take the matter to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal for a binding decision. Photos, the condition report, and cleaning receipts are the main evidence used at this stage.

Easy & Shine Cleaning Services provides end of lease cleaning across Melbourne, working through the same areas covered in this checklist so tenants have a documented, thorough clean to present at the final inspection. For tenants short on time before a settlement date, Easy & Shine Cleaning Services can also combine the clean with rubbish removal in a single booking.

Call Easy & Shine Cleaning Services on 0438 183 061 for an end of lease cleaning quote in Melbourne.

Frequently Asked Questions

Only in limited circumstances. Under Regulation 12 of the Residential Tenancies Regulations 2021, a landlord can only require this if the property was professionally cleaned before the tenancy began and the tenant was told in writing, or if professional cleaning is genuinely needed to restore the property, taking fair wear and tear into account.

The matter goes to Rental Dispute Resolution Victoria for mediation first. If that does not resolve it, either party can apply to VCAT for a decision.

Booking two to three days before the final inspection leaves a buffer in case the agent raises any concerns and a follow-up visit is needed.

Only if the steam cleaning is genuinely needed to restore the carpet to its condition at the start of the tenancy, taking fair wear and tear into account. A blanket clause alone does not override this standard.