Short on time? Start with kitchen grease, bathroom build-up, floors, accessible windows, and any outdoor areas you’re responsible for, then take dated photos when you’re done. Keep maintenance problems separate from cleaning, put repair requests in writing, and remember that Victorian general inspections require at least seven days’ written notice.

But first things first: don’t panic. A routine inspection isn’t an end-of-lease clean. The aim is to show that you’re keeping the property reasonably clean and looking after it.

This rental house inspection cleaning checklist gives you a sensible order to follow.

Table of Contents

What does a routine rental inspection check?

In Victoria, a general inspection lets the rental provider or property manager check the home’s condition. Under the Victorian rules for routine rental inspections, the first general inspection can’t take place during the first three months of the rental agreement. After that, general inspections can happen no more than once every six months.

Reasonably clean doesn’t mean showroom new. Fair wear and tear isn’t the same as renter-caused damage. Repairs and minimum rental standards are separate from cleaning, too.

Remember that cleaning the surrounding area doesn’t remove the rental provider’s responsibility to address a genuine repair issue.

Prepare before you start cleaning

Start with the inspection notice and any instructions from the property manager. It’s a much better guide than a last-minute cleaning spiral.

Then:

Compare the home with your entry condition report and dated photos.
Photograph damage or maintenance concerns.
Send repair requests in writing, so there’s a clear record.
Gather suitable products, gloves, cloths, rubbish bags, a vacuum, and a mop.
Check labels before cleaning paint, stone, timber, or delicate surfaces.
Put belongings away so floors, benches, and fixtures are visible.

Work from high to low. Dust before vacuuming, then finish with some thorough mopping.

Kitchen cleaning tasks

Focus on the kitchen build-up you can actually see.

Wipe benchtops, splashbacks, cupboard fronts, and handles.
Clean the sink, tapware, and drain area, removing food scraps and residue.
Degrease the cooktop.
Wipe the rangehood exterior and clean an accessible filter according to its instructions.
Wipe spills from the exteriors of appliances provided with the property.
Wipe the oven interior if it’s visibly dirty. If the burnt-on grease refuses to budge, professional oven cleaning may help.
Clear expired food and wipe accessible fridge shelves.
Empty the rubbish, clean the bin area, vacuum, and mop.

Bathrooms, toilets, and laundry

Remove soap scum from the shower screen, bath, and tiles.
Clean the basin, taps, vanity exterior, and mirror.
Clean and disinfect the toilet, including the seat, rim, and outside.
For small areas of surface mould, follow the product label and the Victorian Government’s guidance on removing mould at home. For large or recurring mould growth, contact the property manager before cleaning the area. Responsibility may depend on whether the cause is the renter’s actions or a problem with the property.
Clear hair and residue from accessible drain covers.
Never mix cleaning chemicals. In particular, keep bleach away from ammonia and acids.
Wipe the laundry tub, taps, and appliance exteriors.
Clear the dryer lint filter if the dryer came with the property and its instructions allow it.
Mop the floors and keep ventilation grilles clear.

Bedrooms and living areas

A cleaning checklist for rental inspection should make these rooms look cared for. Don’t worry about making it look staged for a furniture catalogue.

Dust accessible shelves, furniture, window sills, and skirting boards.
Remove cobwebs from corners and ceiling edges.
Spot-clean removable wall marks with a paint-safe method.
Vacuum carpets and rugs, including reachable edges.
Vacuum and mop hard floors.
Clean mirrors, switches, handles, and other high-touch areas.
Arrange belongings so doors, windows, vents, and supplied fixtures can be viewed.

Windows, entryways, and outdoor areas

Clean safely accessible glass, frames, sills, and tracks. Don’t lean out or use a ladder. No inspection is worth an acrobatic window-cleaning attempt.

For entrances and outdoor areas you’re responsible for:

Wipe the front door and sweep the entrance, balcony, or porch.
If your windows need a major glow up, consider booking professional window cleaning services.
Remove rubbish and obvious cobwebs.
Shake out doormats, then place them flat to prevent trips.
Pick up pet waste and store bins neatly.
Mow, weed, and sweep paths where your agreement makes that upkeep your responsibility.
Collect loose green waste.
Wipe accessible outdoor furniture supplied with the property.
Keep hoses, tools, and gardening gear stored neatly after finishing.

The final 15-minute check

Once the cleaning is done, stop. You’re checking the finish now, not starting round two. This final pass covers presentation, access, and your post-clean record.

Open curtains or blinds.
Switch on lights where needed.
Put cleaning products away and take out the rubbish.
Check for lingering cooking, smoke, or pet smells.
Secure pets and confirm access arrangements.
If you want a record of the property’s condition, take dated overview photos after cleaning.
Close drawers and cupboard doors when you finish.
Check for anything blocking access.

For a general inspection, the rental provider or agent must give at least seven days’ written notice. They may enter while you’re out if valid written notice has been given, or you’ve agreed to the entry.

Let’s Get Your Rental Inspection-Ready

Short on time? Facing more grime than you bargained for? We’ve got you. Since 2017, Simone’s Cleaning Services has helped locals get their homes looking fresh with tailored real estate cleaning and house cleaning services across Melbourne. Our trained, police-cleared and identity-checked cleaners bring the gear, tackle the jobs you choose and keep the whole process refreshingly simple. We’ll help you put your cleanest foot forward. Moving out? Check out our end of lease cleaning in Melbourne.

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