A Landlord’s Guide To Preparing A Property Between Tenants In Melbourne

A meticulous and well maintained property tends to attract potential tenants quickly while reducing vacancy time, promising consistent rental income. Under Victoria Tenancy Laws, rental properties, be it a studio apartment or a spacious house, are required to meet the minimum living standards, ensuring the safety, security and wellbeing of tenants. Therefore, landlords are responsible for preparing a property between tenants/renters.

When one tenancy ends, and another is about to begin, landlords can use this time to get their property in a tip top condition. This not only ensures a smooth transition but also boosts the value in the competitive rental market. Regular upkeep also protects your long term investment. Though it is a tenant’s responsibility to hand over a rental home in a reasonably clean condition, ensure you conduct a thorough inspection and fix the maintenance issues, including repairs, cleaning and legal obligations, before a new occupant moves in.

Here is a comprehensive guide to help landlords prepare their property between tenants in Melbourne. Make sure they follow a customised checklist to achieve a high return on investment through consistent rental income and reduced vacancy downtime.

Let’s Get Started!

1. What Minimum Standards must Rental Properties in Melbourne Meet?

There are 15 minimum standards that every landlord must meet when they advertise or before a new tenant moves in. These are:

• Ensure the bathroom(s) have a washbasin and a shower or bath, connected to a hot and cold water supply. Landlords are required to install a shower head with a 3 star water efficient rating.
• Properties must have modern switchboards with circuit breakers and RCDs. If there are no circuit breaker type switchboards, replace the entire switchboards to meet electrical safety standards.
• From 29th March 2023, ensure the property has an energy efficient heater in the living area. If installing an energy efficient heater is not possible, landlords must provide a fixed heater and inform tenants with evidence. This happens in apartments.
• A well maintained kitchen with a proper cooking and food prep area, a sink connected to a water supply and a stovetop in good condition with a minimum of two burners. Ensure the oven is in good condition.
• All rooms, hallways and corridors must have functional lighting.
• Fully functional deadlocks to ensure safety and security
• No mould and mildew infestation
• Structurally aligned and weather proof property
• The property must have a working toilet, connected to an approved sewage system, and located in a separate room, such as a bathroom.
• Proper ventilation in all rooms
• Vermin proof rubbish bin must be provided
• Externally openable windows must have latches for security.
• Well installed window coverings in bedrooms
• From 1st December 2025, all corded internal window coverings must have an anchor installed to prevent loops.

Tenants are also required to maintain the minimum standards and maintain a tidy property by hiring a professional end of lease cleaning Melbourne to secure their bond.

2. Inspect Your Property Thoroughly

Begin by conducting an intense property inspection from top to bottom. This will help you understand the current condition of the property while addressing areas that need attention. You can refer to the initial condition report of an outgoing tenant to spot dirt or damage beyond fair wear and tear. Ensure you document everything carefully, including broken fittings, damaged plumbing systems, damaged appliances, wall marks, etc.

Tip: Click photos and videos as evidence to claim bond deduction or prevent awful disputes with tenants.

3. Do Necessary Repairs to Maintain Your Property

Conducting necessary repairs before a new tenant moves in is essential to maintain your property in a tip top state. With the help of an inspection checklist, you can prioritise repair work depending on whether they require minimal touch ups or complete renovation. For instance, repair broken windows, fixtures, and appliances, and fix plumbing issues, etc.

Tip: You can’t deduct bond money for fair wear and tear.

4. Meticulously Clean Your Property

There is no denying that a clean home leaves a lasting impression on potential occupants. Dirty carpets, stained walls, streaky windows, or dirt laden floors not only deter new renters but also reduce rental value in the market.

With a help of a professional end of lease cleaning Melbourne, you can meet the industry standards while maintaining a clean and hygienic property. Experts can remove accumulated dust, stubborn stains, rust, grime, hard water stains and grime from ceilings, walls, bathroom fixtures, fittings and floors with perfection. Hiring professionals can help avoid complaints when a new tenant moves in.

Tip: Focus on hard to reach areas or hidden spots

5. Tackle Mould and Pests

This is one of the important things to consider when preparing your rental for the next tenants. The moist, humid conditions can cause mould and mildew stains in bathrooms, under kitchen sinks, and on ceilings. Inspect the area thoroughly, fix any dampness or condensation issues, and treat mould with hydrogen peroxide. Ensure proper ventilation in all your rooms, especially in bathrooms and kitchens.

You can book pest control services to get rid of insects, rodents and other pests, and make your property habitable for the new tenant.

6. Run Compliance Checks for Enhanced Safety and Security

Make sure your rental is legally compliance to avoid lawsuits and other serious legal issues. Safety compliance in Victoria is non negotiable, which includes:

• Testing smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
• Securing windows and doors
• Checking gas and electrical safety certificates

Be ready with your local safety compliance documents for your new tenant.

7.  Refresh Your Property: Touch Up Walls and Window Treatments

Minor renovations can make a world of difference. You can apply a fresh coat of neutral paint on worn out walls, replace curtains and blinds, update lighting fixtures and other aspects to satisfy new renters.

8. Maintain Outdoor Area

Though a standard end of lease cleaning Melbourne checklist includes patio area, garage and exterior walls, landlords may need to clean the driveways and concrete areas using pressure washing. Also, maintain a tidy yard and entrances to impress the tenant. Get rid of dead leaves, mow your lawn and fix damaged fencing to maintain the exterior part of your property.

Infographic For Tips To Maintaining A Rental Property Between Tenants

Wrapping Up

Preparing a rental property between tenants is more than dusting or scrubbing surfaces. As a landlord, you are responsible for providing a welcoming, habitable and safe environment to a new tenant while staying competitive in the rental market for higher rental yields.