The following guide is based on items which we expect a tenant to attend to on vacating a property. It is therefore appropriate that these items are in good condition at the commencement of the tenancy.
The following guide is based on items which we expect a tenant to attend to on vacating a property. It is therefore appropriate that these items are in good condition at the commencement of the tenancy.
Inside the property
- Walls | Clean off any dirty marks, removable scuff marks, finger or food marks etc.
- Ceilings | Remove any cobwebs and fly dirt.
- Ceiling mould | Clean off, particularly in wet areas and sometimes in bedrooms.
- Light fittings | Clean off dust and remove any dead insects inside.
- Light bulbs | Do I need to provide functioning light bulbs for the term of the tenancy?Usually tenants will replace their own light bulbs, but strictly speaking it is a landlords cost. Under Section 45 of the Residential Tenancies Act, it says the landlord is responsible and liable for costs incurred in maintaining the property and must replace any items that may expire over time. This includes light bulbs, ovens, tap washers, water filters and spa pool pumps. Our recommendation is to assess whether the light bulbs you have are easy to change. If so, provide your tenant with a dozen or so light bulbs for a year-long tenancy. This way you can avoid the extra cost of getting an electrician out to change them.
- Ceiling fans | Wipe fan blades and top of fittings to remove dust build up.
- Skirtings | Wipe down with a damp cloth.
- Doorways and doors | Wipe off finger marks and any other removable marks.
- Windows | Clean inside and out. Also clean the sills and runners of dust and any dead insects – a vacuum cleaner and paint brush can really help.
- Stoves | Clean stove top, control display, knobs, panels around knobs, any pull out or in-built drip trays, griller racks, trays and any inserts, oven racks, trays and oven bottom, walls and oven roof.
- Kitchen rangehood | Clean pull out filters and framework.
- Bathroom | Clean sink, mirror, cabinet, vanity unit and drawers, shower, screen doors, bath and wall tiles. Please ensure both the sink and the bath has a plug available.
- Toilet | Clean seat, bowl inside and also outside around the base.
- Laundry | Clean both the inside and outside of the tub, and underneath. Please ensure a plug is present.
- Heat pumps | Front vents and filters cleaned.
- Cupboards and drawers | Clean inside and out including the front and back of the doors and the door frames.
- Smoke alarms | Please ensure that new batteries are present and the unit is in working order.
- Curtains | Wash any washable curtains and netting. If other curtains are visibly dusty or dirty, consider dry cleaning or vacuum.
- Blinds | If you have venetian blinds, clean off the blind slats. Any other type of blinds should be able to be wiped down.
- Floors | Mop the floors ensuring corners and hard to get areas are also cleaned.
- Carpets | We require your carpets to be professionally cleaned prior to your new tenancy. Phone us for details of who we recommend.
- Chattels | If your property is partly or fully furnished please supply a full list of chattels.
Outside the property
- Lawns | Freshly mowed and edged. Best done a couple of days before the tenant takes possession.
- Gardens | Remove any weeds, rubbish and built up leaves etc.
- Rubbish | Remove any rubbish that you have placed at the property. Be sure to check behind sheds, shrubs and trees. This includes piled lawn clippings and compost.
- Paths and paving areas | Sweep. This is best done before a tenant takes possession.
- Oil spills | Check and clean carport and garage floors, paths and driveway. If you have used a barbeque, check for any grease spots and spillages etc.
- Cigarette butts | If there are cigarette butts lying around, please pick up and remove.
- Pet droppings | Please remove from gardens, lawns and any out of the way areas. Please dispose of them, do not bury them.
Further recommendations
- Ensure all windows have appropriate security stays installed.
