Why a thorough end-of-lease office clean matters in Melbourne

Landlords and agents in Melbourne expect leased premises to be returned in a reasonably clean condition (allowing for fair wear and tear). For commercial leases, businesses must also comply with workplace safety and hygiene standards. Failing to meet expectations can lead to bond deductions, dispute claims and delays in handing back the premises.

How real estate agents and landlords inspect end-of-lease offices

Inspections are granular. Agents typically check:

1. Overall cleanliness of floors, walls and ceilings.
2. Sanitisation of high-touch points (door handles, light switches, shared equipment).
3. Kitchen and tea-room standards (oven, microwave, bench tops, cupboards).
4. Bathrooms and amenities (toilets, basins, showers, exhausts).
5. Windows, internal glass and accessible external windows.
6. Carpets and under-furniture areas (often requiring steam cleaning).
7. Removal of rubbish and personal items; clear storage spaces.
8. Evidence of pest control where required or obvious infestation signs.

Documenting the clean with before/after photos and a checklist signed by the cleaning company helps speed up bond release.

Complete end-of-lease office cleaning checklist — step by step

This checklist targets everything agents commonly inspect. Use it as your final run-through or provide it to a professional cleaning team.

1. General areas
   • Vacuum and steam-clean carpets (including under desks and chairs).
   • Mop and sanitise hard floors; clean and polish floor trims/skirting boards.
   • Remove cobwebs from ceilings and corners; dust vents and air grilles.
   • Wipe down skirting boards, doors, door frames and door handles.
   • Clean light switches, power outlets (surface wipe) and replace burnt-out bulbs.
2. Windows, glass and blinds
   • Clean interior windows and internal glass partitions; accessible external windows where safe.
   • Dust and wipe down blinds, wipe tracks and remove stains.
   • Spot-clean window sills and frames.
3. Kitchen and tea-room
   • Degrease and clean stovetop, oven (inside and out) and rangehood filters where applicable.
   • Clean microwave inside and out; descale kettle and taps if required.
   • Wipe down cupboards inside and out; clean splashbacks and benchtops.
   • Sanitise sinks, draining boards and waste disposal units.
   • Empty and clean fridges; remove food debris and wipe shelves.
4. Bathrooms and amenities
   • Descale and clean showers, basins, toilets and taps; remove soap scum and limescale.
   • Clean mirrors, wipe down tiles and grout, and remove mould where present.
   • Sanitise hand dryers, soap dispensers and bins; empty and clean bins.
   • Ensure exhaust fans are cleaned and functioning.
5. Fixtures, fittings and storage
   • Wipe down shelving, cupboards and storage areas; remove adhesive residue and stickers.
   • Clean internal appliances (printers, photocopiers exteriors) and communal equipment surfaces.
   • Check and clean light fittings, signage and whiteboards.
6. Carpets, upholstery and specialist cleaning
   • Steam-clean carpets and upholstery; treat visible stains and odours.
   • Consider blind cleaning, rug cleaning and pressure washing external areas where needed.
7. Exterior spaces (if applicable)
   • Remove all rubbish and debris from courtyards, loading docks and external bins.
   • Pressure-wash concrete or paved areas if stained.
8. Final checks and documentation
   • Perform a final walkthrough with a photographic log of each cleaned area.
   • Obtain a written checklist or completion certificate from the cleaning service.

COVID-19, hygiene and modern infection-control considerations

Although COVID-19 emergency phases have largely passed, high standards for hygiene remain. For end-of-lease office cleans in Melbourne in 2025, focus on:

• Sanitising high-touch surfaces with EPA- or TGA-recommended disinfectants.
• Cleaning and replacing HVAC filters if required and wiping vents.
• Using PPE and safe handling procedures for cleaners to prevent cross-contamination.
• Maintaining records of sanitisation processes if requested by occupiers or landlords.

Eco-friendly and sustainable cleaning options

Agents increasingly value greener approaches. Consider:

• Microfibre cloths and low-water cleaning systems to reduce chemical and water use.
• Certified eco-friendly cleaning products (biodegradable, low-VOC).
• HEPA filtration vacuums and energy-efficient equipment.
• Recycling and responsible waste disposal during the clean.

Green cleaning can be promoted in your exit documentation and may be preferred by modern building managers.

Recommended cleaning products and equipment

Use professional-grade supplies for best outcomes. Typical recommendations:

• HEPA-certified vacuums and commercial steam cleaners for carpets.
• Hospital-grade or commercial disinfectants for high-touch areas.
• Non-abrasive descalers for bathrooms and kitchen appliances.
• Microfibre cloths and mop systems to reduce chemical use and improve pick-up.
• Glass cleaners and squeegees for streak-free windows.

Typical pricing ranges in Melbourne (2024–2025)

End-of-lease office cleaning costs vary by size, condition and special requirements. Approximate ranges (indicative only):

1. Small office (up to 50 m²): AUD 250 – AUD 600
2. Medium office (50–150 m²): AUD 600 – AUD 1,500
3. Large office (150–500 m²): AUD 1,500 – AUD 5,000+
4. Carpet steam cleaning per room: AUD 80 – AUD 250 each depending on size
5. Oven/rangehood specialist cleans, blinds or window extras: priced individually

Factors that increase price: heavy staining, mould, pest treatments, hard-to-reach windows, same-day bookings and after-hours work. Always get a written quote and confirm inclusions such as steam-cleaning carpets or internal oven cleans.

Common reasons bonds are withheld — avoid these mistakes

1. Incomplete cleaning of kitchens and bathrooms (hidden grease, mould or limescale).
2. Carpets not professionally steam-cleaned when heavily soiled.
3. Leftover rubbish or tenant belongings.
4. Unclean windows and internal glass partitions.
5. Graffiti, stains or damage beyond normal wear and tear.
6. Poor documentation — no before/after photos or cleaning certificate.

Choosing a professional end-of-lease office cleaning service in Melbourne

When selecting a cleaner, consider:

1. Reputation and local Melbourne reviews/testimonials.
2. Clear, itemised quotes and inclusions.
3. Insurance (public liability) and worker safety procedures (WHS compliance).
4. Availability for inspection-day touch-ups and remedial work.
5. Provision of completion checklists and photographic records.

A trusted cleaning company will provide a written checklist and often a satisfaction guarantee to help secure your bond.

Useful services and when to book them

Book specialist services in advance — ideally 5–10 business days before the final inspection. Key services:

1. Carpet steam cleaning — book at least a week ahead to allow drying time.
2. Oven and appliance deep cleans — specialists may need extra time.
3. Window cleaning (external) — depends on access, weather and permits for high-rise buildings.
4. Disinfection or sanitisation services — if required for health reasons or corporate compliance.

Consider a two-stage approach: a deep clean followed by a final touch-up after furniture removal and repairs are completed.

Practical final walkthrough checklist (for tenants or office managers)

1. Collect and remove all personal and business items.
2. Check all cupboards, storage rooms and under sinks for items or spills.
3. Ensure carpets are dry and vacuumed after steam cleaning.
4. Run a whiteboard/erase test — remove all marker residues.
5. Turn on all lights and open blinds to demonstrate functioning fixtures.
6. Photograph each room from multiple angles and keep timestamped copies.
7. Obtain a signed cleaning checklist from the cleaning company and keep a copy for your records.

Case study snapshot — typical timeline for a medium-sized Melbourne office exit

Example: 120 m² office in Melbourne CBD.

1. Day -14: Arrange quotes and book carpet steam-clean and specialist services.
2. Day -7: Schedule a deep clean for appliances, blinds and windows.
3. Day -3: Complete repairs, paint touch-ups and remove all furniture.
4. Day -2: Deep clean (carpets, kitchen, bathrooms) and remove waste.
5. Day 0: Final touch-up clean and walkthrough with photos and completion certificate.

Allow flexibility for agent feedback and minor remedial work before the lease end.

Where to find professional help — vetted options

For Melbourne businesses seeking professional end-of-lease cleaning, use reputable local providers with clear checklists and insurance. For a dedicated end-of-lease service in Melbourne, check an experienced local provider such as end of lease cleaning Melbourne for entry and exit cleaning options and documentation to assist with bond returns.

For broader cleaning services and helpful resources on making spaces practically spotless, you may also consult national providers and guides such as the Molly Maid resource linked here for cleaning tips and expectations: Practically Spotless.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Do I always need a professional clean to get my bond back?

Not always — but many landlords and agents expect a professional standard, especially for larger offices or where the lease commenced with a professional clean. Check your lease and any move-in records.

How long does carpet steam cleaning take to dry?

Depending on conditions and equipment, carpets can take 6–24 hours to dry. Plan ahead to avoid damp carpets at inspection time.

What counts as fair wear and tear?

Fair wear and tear includes minor scuffs, faded carpets from sunlight and ordinary ageing. Extensive stains, damage or unreported alterations are not considered fair wear and tear.

Can cleaners provide a completion certificate?

Yes — many professional cleaners provide a detailed checklist and completion certificate; keep this with your exit documentation and photos.

Final tips to secure your bond

1. Review your lease and any entry condition report before organising a clean.
2. Book trusted, insured cleaners and get an itemised quote.
3. Allow time for specialist services (carpets, ovens, external windows).
4. Document everything with photos and a signed checklist.
5. Arrange a final walkthrough with the agent if possible and address small issues quickly.

Following this bond back checklist and engaging reputable, local cleaners will greatly increase your chances of a smooth exit and full bond return.