End of tenancy cleaning checklist for NZ renters

Moving out of a rental in Christchurch? Under New Zealand tenancy law you need to leave the place reasonably clean and tidy — and in practice, property managers inspect with a checklist. Here's what that checklist almost always includes, room by room.

Kitchen — where bonds are won and lost

• Oven, grill and racks — the single most-failed item. Degrease inside, the door glass, and the trays.
• Rangehood — filter and underside.
• Fridge space and dishwasher — behind and under if accessible; run the dishwasher empty with a cleaner.
• Cupboards and drawers wiped inside and out; benchtops, splashback, sink descaled.

Bathroom and laundry

• Shower glass, tile grout and door tracks descaled and mould-free.
• Toilet including behind the base; mirror and vanity; extractor fan grille.
• Laundry tub, and behind the washing machine space.

Every room

• Windows inside (and tracks — inspectors run a finger along them), sills and latches.
• Walls spot-cleaned for scuffs; skirting boards, light switches, door handles.
• Light fittings dusted and free of insects; ceiling corners de-cobwebbed.
• Curtains/blinds dusted; heat pump filters cleaned.
• Carpets vacuumed — and if the tenancy agreement requires professional carpet cleaning (common where pets were allowed), keep the receipt.

Outside

• Lawns mowed, gardens tidy, rubbish and green waste removed.
• Garage swept, oil stains treated; letterbox emptied.

DIY or professional?

A full tenancy clean on a three-bedroom house is a solid day or two of hard work. Professional tenancy cleans exist as a distinct service precisely because the standard is higher than a normal weekly clean — several Christchurch cleaning companies specialise in them and know exactly what property managers look for. If your final inspection is close to your moving day, a pro clean with a receipt is cheap insurance for your bond.