What defines "clean" in the first place?

Ben Benny of Property North Agency in Sydney suggested that tenants hire professional cleaners for more consistent results, as the definition of "clean" varies. 

Jellis Craig Inner North Property Management in Melbourne's David Chung stated his agency did recommend certain cleaners and that he preferred tenants to employ a professional service rather than doing it themselves because it wasn't always as effective. 

"Sometimes it's just not up to quality," he continued, "and we have to get them back to clean." Patterson Ross emphasized that tenants were merely expected to return the item in the same condition as when they acquired it, allowing for normal wear and tear.

Is it necessary to use the recommended cleaner?

Tenants must leave the house in the same state as when they began the tenancy, which includes cleanliness, according to Fair Trading NSW. Tenants are not obligated to utilize the cleaning service suggested by their landlord or property management.

According to a Fair Trading NSW spokesperson, a landlord is "unable to add a term to the agreement to have the carpet professionally cleaned or pay the cost of such cleaning at the end of the tenancy unless a pet has been kept at the premises."

According to Patterson Ross, it was in the landlord's economic interests to pay for the home's upkeep rather than the tenant's. "Essentially, the agent and landlord are passing on their costs to the tenant."

Is hiring a professional cleaning worthwhile?

Patterson Ross explained that some renters were short on time and didn't want to waste it cleaning, so they hired professional cleaners, which was a perfectly legal option. "However, it has evolved into an expectation rather than a choice," he said. "Our major message to consumers is to consider if you need to spend money on cleaning."

"It's great if you can't do it because you don't have the time, but don't do it because your agent instructed you to. One advantage of choosing their designated cleaner is that you can more readily argue, 'if they did a poor job, that was your fault,'" he noted. "However, the contractual connection is ultimately between you and the cleaner." You must contact the cleaner again if there is a problem."

Professional cleaners typically carry public liability insurance, which protects them from any losses that occur during the cleaning procedure. Furthermore, many cleaning firms that do end-of-lease cleaning provide a "bond back guarantee," which means the company will return for free if the agency is displeased with the results.

What generally goes unnoticed during a lease end clean?

Jane Wilson, cleaning services expert with Fantastic Cleaners, said tenants usually recalled the fundamentals but often missed the finer points, such as window frames and handles. "The window shades are frequently overlooked," she added. "The metal blinds may be dusted and are good," says the expert, "but the fabric blinds must be washed."

Baseboards, air vents, and ceiling fans were also frequently missed areas that were difficult to reach. Doorknobs and handles, as well as light switches, were frequently overlooked. When it came to ovens, Wilson advised tenants to clean up spills as soon as possible because long-standing grease could be difficult to remove. She recommended having carpeted areas cleaned regularly.

According to Benny, the tops of kitchen cabinets are a regular source of trouble. He recommended leaving time between the final inspection and handing back the keys so that the incoming tenants may still access the house if needed. "Most of the time, that inspection is scheduled on the last day of the tenancy because the tenants request it," he said, adding that in many cases, the new renters were moving in right away.