Move-out cleaning: what landlords look for
Moving house is stressful enough without the added anxiety of losing part of your deposit over cleaning. The good news: final inspection results are almost entirely within your control. This guide covers the high-risk areas that agents check first and the common mistakes that cause deductions.
What the property manager is actually checking
Agents compare the property against the original ingoing condition report, which was completed when you moved in. Their job is to note any difference between then and now. Cleaning deductions arise when an area is left in a worse condition than it was at the start of the tenancy (taking fair wear and tear into account).
This means two things: first, the cleanliness standard required depends on what was in the report. If the oven was already greasy at move-in, you cannot be charged to restore it to better-than-original condition. Second, pristine cleaning in low-risk areas will not save you if a high-risk area is missed.
High-risk areas: where most deductions happen
Kitchen
- Oven interior: racks, element, glass door (inside and out), and floor of cavity
- Range hood filter, grease builds up and is easy to miss
- Stovetop knobs, burner grates, and drip trays
- Inside all cupboards and drawers (dust, crumbs, spills)
- Behind and under the fridge and dishwasher
- Splashback grout and tile joints
- Sink drain and plughole
Bathrooms
- Grout lines in shower and tub, mould and pink soap scum are flagged
- Shower screen tracks and door seals
- Behind and base of toilet (often overlooked)
- Exhaust fan, grilles collect dust and grease
- Inside vanity cupboard and under-sink area
- Silicone seals around bath and shower (replace if mouldy)
Windows and glass
- Interior window glass, finger marks and condensation streaks
- Window tracks, frames, and sill dust buildup
- Sliding door tracks, dirt and grit accumulate fast
- Fly screens (remove and rinse if dirty)
Floors and carpets
- Carpet steam clean, many leases require this regardless of condition
- Hard floor edges and skirting board corners
- Under furniture and in wardrobes
- Garage floor oil or grease stains
Walls and ceilings
- Scuff marks and fingerprints on walls (particularly near light switches)
- Grease splatter behind the stove
- Ceiling corners and light fittings (cobwebs and dead insects)
- Patch and touch-up small nail holes if permitted by your lease
Common mistakes that cause deductions
- Cleaning around furniture instead of moving it first. Agents lift edge rugs and check behind appliances.
- Skipping the oven. This is the single most common deduction, and one of the hardest to DIY.
- Forgetting the range hood filter. It is always checked, almost never cleaned.
- Cleaning walls with the wrong product. Some surface sprays damage paint if left too long or rubbed too hard.
- Leaving the garage and outdoor areas. Cobwebs, oil drips, and overgrown edges all appear in condition reports.
Should you hire a professional for move-out?
A self-clean can be an option if you have time, the right products and a detailed checklist. Final acceptance depends on your tenancy terms and the landlord or property manager's inspection.
A professional move-out clean from CK Home Services follows an itemised checklist. Final acceptance depends on your tenancy terms and the landlord or property manager's inspection.
Get a move-out cleaning quote, we can discuss availability around your handover date.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a professional cleaner when moving out?
Not always. An itemised checklist can help you prepare for a final inspection, but final acceptance depends on your tenancy terms and the landlord or property manager's inspection.
How long does a move-out clean take?
Typically 3–6 hours for a standard home depending on size and condition. A deep clean including oven, carpets, and windows may take longer.
Does the carpet always need to be steam cleaned?
This depends on your lease and the original condition report. Many tenancy agreements include a carpet-cleaning clause. Check your lease before moving out. CK Home Services can coordinate carpet steam cleaning as part of a full move-out package.