Work in this order
Top to bottom, dry before wet, floors last. Every time you break that order you redo work, because dust falls and water spreads.
Whole property
- Cobwebs removed from every ceiling corner, inside and out.
- Light fittings, ceiling fans and vents dusted.
- Walls spot-cleaned for marks, scuffs and adhesive residue.
- Skirtings, architraves, door frames and the tops of doors wiped.
- Light switches, power points and door handles wiped.
- Window glass, tracks, sills and flyscreens cleaned.
- Blinds dusted slat by slat, curtains vacuumed.
- Built-in wardrobes and cupboards emptied, wiped inside and out.
- Air-conditioner filters and exhaust fan covers cleaned.
Kitchen
- Oven interior, racks, trays and door glass degreased.
- Rangehood wiped and filters degreased or run through the dishwasher.
- Stovetop, knobs and drip trays cleaned.
- Splashback, benchtops and all cupboard doors wiped.
- Inside every drawer and cupboard, including the toe kick.
- Sink, drain and taps de-scaled and polished.
- Dishwasher filter cleaned and interior wiped.
- Fridge cavity, and behind and under appliances where they move safely.
Bathrooms and laundry
- Shower screen de-scaled until the glass is clear, not just wet.
- Grout scrubbed and mould treated.
- Tiles, tapware and shower head cleaned.
- Toilet cleaned inside, outside, behind the pedestal and at the cistern.
- Vanity, basin, mirror and cabinet interiors done.
- Exhaust fan cover removed and washed.
- Laundry trough, taps and dryer lint filter cleaned.
Floors and outside
- Carpets professionally steam cleaned if the lease requires it, and keep the certificate.
- Hard floors vacuumed then mopped, including edges and corners.
- Balcony, courtyard, garage and carport swept and cobwebbed.
- Every personal item and all rubbish removed from the property.
- Letterbox emptied and keys, remotes and fobs ready to hand back.
Before you hand over the keys
Walk the property once with your phone and photograph every room, including inside the oven and the empty cupboards. Timestamped photos taken on handover day are the single most useful thing you can have if there is a dispute later.