Moving out of a rental property in Victoria is ranked as one of the most stressful endeavours for tenants. It seems like an uphill battle, especially when your hard earned bond money is at stake. To pass your final rental inspection, returning the property in a pristine condition is crucial. That's where meticulous bond cleaning comes in.
According to Rental Tenancy Laws in Melbourne, renters/tenants must meet underlined cleaning obligations throughout their lease. They must return the property in a reasonably clean condition (excluding fair wear and tear) to pass the rental inspection and secure the full bond money.
It requires thorough scrubbing and disinfection of every nook and cranny. However, the challenges of cleaning a furnished property differ completely from those of an unfurnished property. A furnished space requires time to clean dirt around heavy pieces while cleaning an unfurnished property is more efficient and effective. However, it becomes difficult to see dirt through hidden areas.
Thus, it is good to hire experts for a quality end of lease cleaning Melbourne who are well versed with specific cleaning requirements. Today, we bring you a comprehensive comparison of cleaning furnished property vs. unfurnished property to ensure a smooth process. By following these tips, you can easily impress your landlord and secure your full bond money.
1. Bond Cleaning For Unfurnished Properties
There is no denying that an unfurnished property is easier to manage during a budget end of lease cleaning Melbourne session. As there are a few items to wipe down, you can achieve spotless results efficiently. So, here is a quick checklist to help you cover every nook and cranny, excluding furniture pieces:
- Ceiling fans and Walls: Remove dust and cobwebs and inspect marks using a telescopic duster.
- Skirting boards: Banish scuff marks and fingerprints using a magic eraser
- Kitchen surfaces: Clean all cabinets (inside and outside), sink, faucets and countertops
- Windows: Wash windows inside and outside if accessible.
- Vacuum blinds to eliminate dust and debris
- Remove soap scum, grime and limescale from bathroom fixtures and fittings, such as showerheads, bathtubs, tiles, grout lines, toilet seats, counters, mirrors and faucets.
- Carpets and Floors: Vacuum carpets and floors to remove loose dirt and debris. To remove stains, mop hard wood floors with a gentle cleaner. For carpets, gently blot the surface with a vinegar solution and a cloth.
- Built-in Appliances: For unfurnished properties, the focus is on built-in appliances in case they are available. This may include stove, oven, refrigerator etc, depending on your rental agreement.
Even though there’s less furniture to worry about, tenants in unfurnished properties can still lose bond money if it is not spotless and well organised.
2. What Does a Furnished Property Mean in a Rental Market?
Landlords or property managers in Victoria usually provide essential furniture pieces and household appliances for a seamless set-up. This may include couches/sofas, beds, a dining table, dressers, ovens, microwaves, refrigerators, dishwashers, laundry facilities, and décor items. Of course, this makes it easy to get started in a new space, but it comes with added responsibilities when moving out of a tenancy.
You'll need to clean furniture, appliances, walls, windows and floors to pass the rental inspection. It is good to read the cleaning responsibilities shared in the agreement before signing it and save money on bond cleaning before the rental inspection.
3. Bond Cleaning Checklist For Furnished Properties
Cleaning a furnished rental property requires more time and energy. Plus, accessing dirt and grime beneath large household pieces is difficult without proper tools and products. That's why professional end of lease cleaners in Melbourne charge higher compared to unfurnished properties. In addition to the checklist above, you'll need to clean the following furniture pieces to secure your bond money:
Cleaning Upholstery Furniture:
Furnished home tends to accumulate more dust and grime on the upholstery furniture. It is good to vacuum sofas and couches from top to bottom. This can help remove accumulated dust and debris. For stains, spot clean using a vinegar solution and a lint free cloth.
Polishing Wooden Furniture:
Wipe down wooden furniture pieces or handles using a damp cloth. You can also use olive oil to restore its shine. This includes a dining table, dressers, bed frames and handles of sofas.
Cleaning Soft Furnishings:
It is good to clean curtains, rugs, and bedding to remove dust, pollen, allergens and bad odours. Most landlords conduct strict inspections and hold back a part of the bond money if you return the bedroom in an untidy condition. So, be vigilant and precise when cleaning a furnished property.
Deep Cleaning Appliances:
Most furnished properties include ovens, microwaves, dishwashers, fridges, dryers, etc. Ensure you deep clean them using eco-friendly products to banish stubborn stains and grime. For a refrigerator, remove all food items, soak shelves in hot water and wipe down interiors and exteriors using a vinegar solution. For detailed oven and BBQ cleaning in Melbourne, book an additional service and impress your landlord.
Storage Units:
It is vital to clean inside and underneath drawers, wardrobes and cupboards. It is good to remove everything from your kitchen cupboards and access crannies to dislodge dirt and gunk.
Décor Items:
Don't forget to dust wall art, decorative items and lamps using a microfiber cloth or a long extendable handle.
Tip: Always refer to your property condition report to avoid rental disputes.
4. Common Areas Tenants Often Forget to Clean
Whether it's a furnished or unfurnished property, tenants often overlook important spots. This may include AC vents and filters, areas behind large furniture and appliances, oven and range hood filters, window tracks, light switches, crown mouldings, areas around toilet seats, top of cabinets and wardrobes, etc.
Missing these areas can lead to bond money deductions and disputes at the end of your tenancy.
5. Unfurnished Vs. Furnished Properties: Which is More Affordable?
When hiring professionals for a detailed end of lease cleaning Melbourne, the type, size and other crucial furniture factors can determine the final pricing.
Unfurnished properties usually require less time and energy, as there are fewer belongings to clean around. This makes the service affordable. On the contrary, furnished properties can be expensive due to embedded dust and grime on furniture pieces. Plus, it requires extra energy to dislodge dirt underneath appliances and large furniture.
Ultimately, the property's size and condition play a crucial role in influencing the pricing of a professional bond cleaning service. If you have doubts, do proper research, consider important things and ask questions before hiring the company.
Unfurnished Vs Furnished Properties: A Bond Cleaning Guide for Tenants
Wrapping Up
Landlords are picky when it comes to inspecting a rental property at the end of a tenancy. Both unfurnished and furnished properties require detailed cleaning to secure the full bond money. However, cleaning a furnished property is more challenging and expensive than an unfurnished one. It is good to follow a proper checklist and cover nooks and crannies with or without furniture for a seamless move out process.