Cleaning Checklist for NSW Tenants Before Moving Out

NSW tenancy law requires a property to be left 'reasonably clean' at the end of a lease — not necessarily immaculate, but agents in practice often expect close to it.

Kitchen: oven (inside and out), rangehood filter, cooktop, inside cupboards and the fridge if included, plus benchtops and splashbacks.

Bathroom: shower screen and grout, tapware, exhaust fan, and any mould that's built up in corners or sealant.

Living areas and bedrooms: skirting boards, light fittings, window tracks, and marks on walls from furniture or picture hooks.

Outdoor areas: if you have exclusive use of a yard, balcony or garage, these are usually included in the condition report too.

Keep photos of the property once cleaned, time-stamped if possible — it's the simplest way to resolve a bond dispute if one comes up.