10 Hidden Areas Tenants Forget Before the Final Inspection

When bidding a farewell to your rental home in Canberra, a meticulous clean can make all the difference. Landlords and property managers have a hawk eye when inspecting the property for visible dirt, grease, and damage. They notoriously scrutinise every inch of a rental home/apartment, and can withhold your bond if they see dust or grime behind.

As a responsible tenant, it is essential to avoid overlooking hidden areas during cleaning. Missing dust laden areas can lead to bond deductions, costly penalties and disputes. It’s because the property manager tends to spend another cleaner to restore the property’s original condition, i.e clean and habitable for the next occupant. Hence, they may claim costs from your bond even if you’ve cleaned floors, carpets, kitchen counters and a toilet seat.

Now! What to do? Fret not! We bring you a list of 10 hidden spots tenants often forget before the final inspection. When preparing your customised checklist or hiring a professional end of lease cleaning Canberra, pay special attention to the following areas and claim your full bond back without any dispute.

1. Air Vents, Ducts, and Filters: Causing Indoor Air Pollution

Dust, pollen, and allergens on HVAC vents and filters pollute indoor air and can cause respiratory problems. Landlords must ensure a healthy property, so they check these areas thoroughly.

Tenants often skip cleaning air vents because they are hard to reach. If you want your bond back, clean away grime and gunk.

How to clean air vents? Start by turning off your HVAC and carefully removing the vent covers. Soak them in soapy water to remove grime. Meanwhile, vacuum the ductwork using a long brush. Ensure you wipe nooks and crannies with a damp cloth and vacuum the filters. If required, replace the filters before the final rental inspection.

2. Dust Laden Ceiling Fan Blades

Tenants often forget to remove ceiling fan blades when preparing for a rental inspection at the end of a tenancy. They tend to collect thick layers of dust, making your home look dirtier. That’s one of the key reasons landlords check all fans carefully.

If you want to banish accumulated grime, grab a step stool to access the fan. Glide an old pillowcase on each blade to prevent dust from falling on already cleaned areas. Next, wipe down with a damp microfibre cloth.

If you have mobility issues or don’t have a step stool, clean them using a telescopic duster and save time and energy. A clean and dust free fan contributes to a cleaner indoor environment while boosting its durability and functionality.

3. Leaving Light Fixtures and Fittings Grimy

Many renters often skip cleaning light fixtures and fittings due to safety concerns and accessibility issues. The potential risk of electrical shock makes them hesitant to clean the delicate lighting setup. Unfortunately, skipping them can lead to bond deductions as landlords check before releasing the bond money.

That’s why end of lease cleaning Canberra experts include light fixtures and fittings in a standard checklist for a hassle free rental inspection. Make sure you turn off the switch and let the bulb cool down completely. For glass or crystal light fixtures, clean with a damp microfibre cloth. Apply mild dishwashing soap or vinegar with warm water for stains and grime.

Metal light fixtures like bronze, brass and stainless steel can be wiped down with soap and a warm water solution. Baking soda and lemon can also help remove tarnish from bronze and brass fittings. Ensure you dry completely.

4. Window Tracks, Blinds and Curtains

Cobwebs, dust bunnies, pests and pet hair tend to collect in these spaces that are often neglected. A pre-approved cleaning checklist often includes window tracks, blinds, and curtains, so deep cleaning is required.

You can use a vacuum cleaner with a crevice tool to get into nooks and crannies such as window tracks. This will help you remove stuck grime. For blinds, use a damp cloth or duster to clean each slat. Lastly, toss dirty curtains in the washing machine and run a hot water cycle to banish grime and germs.

Quick Hack: Cover each side of your kitchen tong with a microfibre cloth, and secure it with a rubber band. Now wipe down each slat to fetch dust particles in no time.

5. Behind the Refrigerator and Baseboards

There is no denying that these are the most overlooked areas, leading to disputes and bond deductions. Due to accessibility issues and a lack of cleaning supplies, tenants often skip these areas. Areas and baseboard behind the fridge can harbour spills, splatters, mould and stubborn stains.

It is good to use a white vinegar and warm water solution. Before that, you need to remove the appliance and spray the solution on the affected area. Now clean with a mop and sponge to achieve spotless results.

6. Cupboards and Cabinets: Inside and the top

Tenants may de grease outside the kitchen cabinets and cupboards, but forget to wipe down the top and inside these storage spaces. These tend to collect food crumbs, dust bunnies, spills, and splatters, which can cause pest infestations.

Make sure you wipe down the tops of your cupboards and cabinets with a castile soap and warm water solution. Clean the crannies using an old toothbrush. Ensure you dry the surface.

7. Inside the Oven: Banish Caked on Gunk and Food Crumbs

If you are confused about tenant vs landlord obligations when it comes to cleaning an oven, remember that it is the renter’s responsibility to restore the kitchen appliances before the final inspection. Leaving your oven greasy at the end of a tenancy can lead to disputes and costly penalties. Here is a step by step guide to cleaning inside an oven:

• Turn off the switch and remove racks, trays and other removable parts
• Soak them in a hot, soapy and vinegar solution to dislodge gunk and grease.
• Meanwhile, remove any loose food particles or crumbs from the appliance using a damp cloth.
• Apply a baking soda and warm water solution inside your oven, except for heating elements.
• Leave it for half an hour to achieve spotless results.
• Next, scrub or sponge the area in circular motion to remove caked on grime, grease, and carbon deposits.
• Scrub, rinse and dry racks.
• Clean the outside of the oven with a vinegar solution.

It is good to hire experts for a guaranteed end of lease cleaning Canberra to achieve spotless results.

8. Behind the Toilet and Underneath the Rim Area

Cleaning a toilet seat isn’t enough. Make sure you clean the area behind the ‘S’ band and rim area where lethal germs like E.coli tend to breed, causing various health hazards. These are the most inspected areas during your rental inspection.

To achieve spotless results, use a laundry brush and a DIY cleaning agent, such as vinegar. Spray the solution and let it sit for 20 minutes before you scrub the area.

For the rim, use an angled cleaning brush with a baking soda solution, and let it sit for 10 minutes to dissolve. Scrub and flush.

9. Bathroom Tiles and Grout Lines

Mould, mildew and soap scum can be deeply set in bathroom tiles and grout around seals. This not only ruins the entire look and feel of your rental property but also puts your bond at risk.

Instead of using harsh solutions and abrasive tools, use baking soda or hydrogen peroxide to clean grout like a pro. Scrub using an old toothbrush, rinse and wipe dry the area to prevent mould reinfestation.

10. Outdoor Areas: Yard, Garage and Patio

If your rental home has a yard or a spacious outdoor area,you’re responsible for its upkeep. Make sure you wipe down patio surfaces, sweep and mop garage walls, and remove fallen leaves to enhance the curb appeal. Make sure you pressure wash your exterior windows and driveways to secure your bond.

11. How to Prevent Bond Deductions?

Make sure you hire highly trained end of lease cleaners Canberra for a stress free experience. Also, carefully read your rental agreement, cleaning clauses and initial condition report to avoid deductions.

Also, follow a pre-approved cleaning checklist when performing a DIY bond cleaning and impress your fussy landlord. Ensure you click time stamped photos before and after cleaning to accelerate bond refund process without any dispute or delay.

Infographic: Do Not Miss These Hidden Spots Before the Rental Inspection

Wrapping up

As a tenant in Canberra, it is your responsibility to return the property in a pristine condition as it was at the start of the tenancy. Ensure you prioritise these overlooked spots and leave a lasting impression on your landlord to secure your full bond.