Between one tenancy and the next there is usually a short window to get the property ready: the outgoing renter’s vacate clean, any repairs, photos for the listing and the new renter’s move-in. Cleaning shows up at several points in that window, and planning it as one sequence saves both time and money.
The three cleans of a turnover
The vacate clean
Done when the outgoing renter leaves, usually arranged by them or on their behalf, and judged at the exit inspection against the entry condition report.
The pre-lease clean
Done for the owner before the new renter moves in, when the vacate clean was not enough, when work has happened since (painting, repairs, new carpet) or when the property has been empty for a while and collected dust.
The touch-up
A short visit after trades or before photos and inspections: floors, kitchen and bathrooms, glass and dust that has settled since the last clean.
A turnover sequence that works
- Vacate clean after the outgoing renter has moved everything out.
- Exit inspection against the entry condition report.
- Repairs and maintenance — trades leave dust, so cleaning before them is wasted.
- Pre-lease clean or touch-up after the last trade.
- Photos and open inspections.
- New entry condition report prepared for the incoming renter, reflecting the property as it now is.
Putting the owner’s clean after the trades is the single biggest saving: one clean at the right time instead of two.
Things to settle with the owner
- Who pays for which clean — the outgoing renter’s vacate clean is separate from anything the owner wants.
- Whether carpets need cleaning, and why. For agreements from 29 March 2021, Consumer Affairs Victoria says a renter can only be asked for professional cleaning in limited cases, so if the owner wants carpets cleaned when the renter is not required to, agree in advance who pays.
- An approval limit for small extras, so the job is not held up for a phone call.
Keeping it moving
- Use one request format every time — see the cleaning work order checklist.
- State deadlines and the reason for them (photos, inspection, move-in).
- Keep keys and lock-box details in your business channel only.
- Ask for a completion notice so you know when the next step can start.
Working with us
Our real estate agency cleaning covers vacate, pre-lease and touch-up cleans, carpet steam cleaning, and key pickup and return as arranged, with invoices to the tenant, owner or agency as the work order says. For the agency-side process, see how agencies can organise end of lease cleaning efficiently.
Talk to us about your site
See exactly what our real estate agency cleaning includes, or go straight to the next step.
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Sources
Rules change. Check the official source for your situation; this guide is general information, not legal advice.