When it’s time to move out of a rental property in Australia, tenants often face the daunting task of end of lease cleaning. This cleaning process is crucial for getting your bond money back and involves a meticulous approach to ensure every nook and cranny of the property is spotless. But how does this process differ between furnished and unfurnished properties?
The Basics of End of Lease Cleaning
End of lease cleaning is more than a simple tidy-up; it’s a thorough clean of the entire property to restore it to the condition it was in when you first moved in. In Australia, residential tenancy laws specifically outline the responsibilities of tenants in this regard. Failing to perform a detailed end of lease cleaning can lead to deductions from your bond for cleaning and repairs.
Furnished Properties: A Challenge of Details
Cleaning a furnished rental property can be a bit more challenging. You need to take care of both the property and the furniture. Here’s a snapshot of what this involves:
- General Cleaning: This covers everything from removing cobwebs and dusting ceiling walls to cleaning air vents, fans, and AC units. All surfaces, including cupboards, drawers, windows, blinds, curtains, skirting boards, doors, and floors, need meticulous cleaning.
- Furniture and Upholstery: Dust and wipe all furniture pieces, including sofas, chairs, beds, and tables. Vacuuming upholstery and cushions, and if necessary, polishing wooden furniture, are also part of the process.
- Kitchen and Bathroom: Thorough cleaning of cupboards, appliances, countertops, sinks, faucets, and disinfecting garbage disposal areas is crucial. Bathrooms require special attention to cabinets, showerheads, glass doors, bathtubs, and toilets.
Unfurnished Properties: Simpler, But Not Easy
Cleaning an unfurnished property might seem easier since you don’t have to deal with furniture and other belongings. However, it still requires detailed attention:
- General Cleaning: Similar to furnished properties, this includes cleaning air vents, ceiling walls, fans, light fixtures, windows, blinds, and floors.
- Kitchen and Bathroom: These areas still demand the same level of cleanliness as in furnished properties, focusing on appliances, countertops, sinks, and sanitizing bathrooms.
The Key Differences
- Furniture and Belongings: The most obvious difference is the cleaning of furniture and other household items in furnished properties. This requires extra time and effort, particularly for upholstery cleaning.
- Accessibility: In unfurnished properties, cleaners have easier access to all areas, making it simpler to tackle dirt and dust. Furnished properties, on the other hand, may have areas obstructed by furniture, requiring more meticulous cleaning strategies.
- Exclusions: Certain items, like decorative pieces, might not be covered in the cleaning service for furnished properties. In contrast, unfurnished properties don’t have these exclusions.
Professional Cleaning Services: Tailored Approaches
Hiring a professional end of lease cleaning service can ease the burden, but it’s important to understand that they might quote differently for furnished versus unfurnished properties. Professional cleaners follow REIVIC-approved checklists, ensuring every aspect of the property is covered.
Wrapping Up: The Final Checklist
Regardless of the property type, always aim to return it in the same condition as received. This not only assures the return of your bond but also maintains a good relationship with your landlord.
Linking to the End of Lease Cleaning Checklist
For a more comprehensive guide, consider referring to a detailed end of lease cleaning checklist, which provides a step-by-step approach to ensure every area of your property, be it furnished or unfurnished, is addressed.
Conclusion
End of lease cleaning for furnished and unfurnished properties in Australia, while sharing some common elements, differs significantly in terms of scope and effort. Understanding these differences and preparing accordingly can make a significant difference in ensuring a smooth transition out of your rental property.
