How Clean Should A Rental Property Be For Inspection

As a tenant, preparing for a rental property inspection can be a daunting task, with a long to-do list that includes thorough cleaning and ensuring everything is in good condition. Proper cleaning not only fulfils your obligations but also increases the chances of a positive inspection report and ensures you maintain a good relationship with your landlord.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about preparing for a rental inspection, creating a comprehensive rental inspection cleaning checklist, and making sure your rental property looks as good as new. Whether you’re moving out or just preparing for a routine inspection, these tips will help you leave a positive impression.

What’s the purpose of a rental property inspection?

Landlords conduct rental property inspections to assess the condition of the property, ensure it meets their standards and verify compliance with the terms of the lease agreement. This process helps identify any damage that has occurred during your tenancy and determines necessary repairs or cleaning.

A rental property inspection can occur at various points during your rental period, including routine inspections throughout your tenancy, before renewing a lease, or when you’re moving out. Regular inspections help maintain the property’s condition, while the move-out inspection ensures that everything is in order before your security deposit is returned.

Why an inspection cleaning is important

Dedicating time and effort to cleaning your rental before an inspection can yield significant benefits. Not only does it help you fulfill your responsibilities as a tenant, but it also ensures a positive relationship with your landlord and maintains a healthy living environment. Here are some key reasons why thorough cleaning is essential:

• Avoid conflict  — Thoroughly cleaning your rental helps avoid disputes over the condition of the rental. 
• Speed up the process — A clean rental makes the inspection process smoother and quicker for both parties.
• Create a positive impression — Maintaining a clean rental reflects well on your character, demonstrating that you’re a responsible tenant. This positive impression can lead to favorable references from your landlord, which can be helpful for future rentals.
• Ensures safety — Dust, mould and other allergens can accumulate in a dirty property, potentially causing health issues for the occupants. Regular cleaning helps prevent these problems and ensures a healthier living environment.

General inspection cleaning tips for tenants

Before diving into room-specific tasks, follow these general cleaning tips to streamline the process:

• Declutter first — Remove all personal belongings and clutter from surfaces and floors.
• Gather essential cleaning supplies — Have these supplies ready: glass cleaner, microfibre towels, disinfectant spray, sugar soap, toilet cleaner, oven cleaner, floor cleaner, disposable gloves and more. 
• Ensure proper ventilation — Open windows and doors to allow fresh air to circulate, especially when using strong cleaning products.

Room-by-room rent inspection cleaning checklist

Kitchen

The kitchen is often the heart of the home and a focal point during inspections — it should be at the start of your rental inspection cleaning checklist. 

• Countertops
  • Wipe down and disinfect all countertops.
  • Ensure there are no stains or crumbs.
• Cabinets and drawers
  • Wipe down inside and outside of cabinets and drawers.
  • Remove any crumbs, dirt or residue.
• Sink
  • Scrub and disinfect the sink.
  • Ensure the drain is clear and free of debris.
  • Polish the faucet to remove hard water stains.
• Appliances
  • Clean the interior and exterior of the oven, stovetop and microwave.
  • Defrost and clean the refrigerator and freezer.
  • Clean the dishwasher and its filter.
  • Clean the exterior of small appliances like the toaster or coffee maker.
• Floor
  • Sweep and mop the floor.
  • Remove sticky spots and remove or reduce stains.
• Garbage
  • Empty and clean the trash can.
  • Remove all garbage and recycling.

Bathrooms

Bathrooms require extra attention for inspection cleaning. Follow this checklist to ensure a spotless bathroom before you move out:

• Toilet
  • Scrub the toilet bowl, seat and exterior to remove dirt and grime.
  • Disinfect and ensure it’s free of stains.
  • Clean behind the toilet to remove hidden dirt.
• Sink and countertops
  • Clean and disinfect sink and countertops.
  • Polish the faucet and handles to remove hard water stains.
• Shower and/or bath tub
  • Scrub the shower walls and doors.
  • Polish the faucet and handles to remove hard water stains.
  • Wash your shower curtain.
  • Remove soap scum or mildew.
  • Use a mould and mildew remover for grout lines.
• Mirrors
  • Clean mirrors with a glass cleaner.
• Cabinets and drawers
  • Clean inside and outside of cabinets and drawers.
• Floor
  • Clean the floor with a broom and mop.
  • Use a mould and mildew remover for grout lines.
• Garbage
  • Empty and clean the trash can.
  • Remove all garbage and recycling.
• Leaks and ventilation
  • Check for stains on the ceiling or walls.
  • Ensure ventilation fans are clean and functioning properly.

Living area

Your living area should be welcoming and tidy. That means ticking the following tasks off your rent inspection cleaning checklist.

• Furniture
  • Arrange neatly.
  • Ensure there are no stains or marks on the upholstery.
• Windows
  • Clean windows and sills.
  • Dust or wash blinds/curtains.
  • Use fabric freshener on upholstery and curtains.
• Surfaces
  • Dust all surfaces, including furniture and baseboards.
  • Clean any glass surfaces or mirrors.
• Floor
  • Mop and sweep wooden floors or vacuum carpets.
• Lights
  • Fix any burned-out light bulbs and dust the light fixtures.
• Doors
  • Wipe down doors and handles.
• Electronics
  • Dust and clean TVs, remotes and other electronic devices.
  • Arrange cables to ensure they are neat and tidy.

Bedrooms

Bedrooms should be serene and organised. That means completing the following tasks:

• Bed
  • Change the bed linens.
  • Ensure the bed is made.
  • Clean underneath the bed and ensure it’s clean and free of dust bunnies.
• Closet
  • Dust shelves and clean the closet floor.
  • Ensure personal items are organised neatly.
• Windows
  • Clean windows and sills.
  • Dust or wash blinds/curtains.
• Surfaces
  • Dust all surfaces, including furniture and baseboards.
  • Wipe down mirrors and glass surfaces thoroughly.
• Floor
  • Make sure carpets are vacuumed or hardwood floors are swept and mopped.
• Lights
  • Dust light fixtures and replace any burnt-out bulbs.
• Doors
  • Wipe down doors and handles.

Study or home office

The study or home office should be tidy and conducive to productivity. When it comes to your study, your house inspection cleaning checklist should include:

• Desk
  • Dust and clean the desk’s surface.
  • Ensure drawers and clean inside and out.
  • Hide or organize cables to monitors and other electronics.
• Surfaces
  • Dust shelves, furniture and baseboards.
• Windows
  • Clear the sills and windows.
  • Dust or wash blinds/curtains.
• Floor
  • Vacuum the carpet or sweep and mop hardwood floors. 
• Lights
  • Dust the light fixtures and replace any burned-out bulbs.
• Doors
  • Clean the handles and doors.

Extra steps to ensure success in your rental property inspection

When preparing for a rental property inspection, going the extra mile can make a significant difference. Adding a few more additional efforts to your house inspection cleaning checklist can leave a lasting impression on your landlord.

Here are some extra steps you can take:

• Fresh paint — Touch up any scuffs or marks on the wall with matching paint. Pay special attention to high-traffic areas where walls are more likely to have dings and scratches.
• Deep clean carpets — Have carpets professionally cleaned to eliminate stains and odour. This not only removes surface dirt but also deep-seated grime and allergens, making the carpets look nearly new.
• Ensure your home smells inviting — Air out the property to remove any cleaning product smells. If possible, open windows to let in fresh air before the inspection. Place air fresheners in a few strategic spots for a pleasant scent. 
• Add decorative touches — Consider adding a few decorative touches, such as fresh flowers or a bowl of fruit in the kitchen. These small touches can create a welcoming atmosphere and show that the property is well cared for.
• Touch-up landscaping — Trim bushes, mow the lawn and remove any weeds or debris from the garden. Add a few potted plants or flowers to enhance curb appeal. 

Book a professional home cleaning service with Jim’s Cleaning

Preparing a rental property for inspection doesn’t have to be stressful. By following these tips and focusing on cleanliness, you can ensure your property looks its best. If you’re short on time and want to leave it to the experts, particularly for an end-of-lease clean where you want to secure your deposit back, consider hiring professional cleaners at Jim’s Cleaning. Our staff are police-checked, fully trained and fully insured. As a national award-winning company, you can trust that we’ll complete the job to the highest possible standard. Request a free quote today — we’ll be in touch!