An end-of-lease office clean must restore the premises to the condition recorded at lease commencement, adjusted for fair wear and tear. That is a higher bar than a routine deep clean, and missing it puts your security deposit at risk. Before you book anyone, pull out the original condition report and your lease’s make-good clause. Then book a commercial end-of-lease cleaner who documents scope in writing and issues a completion certificate.
The minimum contractor scope for an inspection-ready result:
- Carpet steam extraction
- Full bathroom sanitisation and grout detail
- Kitchen degreasing (appliance surfaces, cabinets, splashbacks)
- Internal windows and glass partitions
- Ceiling vents and grilles
- Skirting boards, door frames, and light switches
- High surfaces and behind-fixture detail
- Dated completion certificate
Pro Tip: Book well in advance before handover to allow sufficient preparation time. Last-minute bookings risk rushed work or no availability at all.
Table of Contents
- What does end of lease office cleaning actually exclude?
- How do landlords interpret ‘make good’ and ‘original condition’?
- Your handover checklist and booking timeline
- What affects the quote price in East Melbourne?
- How long does the whole process take?
- Typical cost range for East Melbourne offices
- 360 Cleaning Solutions handles East Melbourne end-of-lease cleans
What does end of lease office cleaning actually exclude?
Cleaning and make-good are not the same thing. A commercial end-of-lease clean covers surfaces and fixtures. It does not cover removal of tenant-installed fit-out, signage, or flooring, and it does not cover repairs to structural damage.
Make-good clauses commonly require removal of tenant-installed items and reinstatement of alterations, but only when the lease or fit-out approval explicitly says so. A general make-good clause does not, by itself, require fit-out removal. Check your fit-out consent conditions in writing before assuming cleaning alone satisfies your obligations, because the cost gap between a clean and a full strip-out can be substantial.
Drainage issues discovered during the clean are also outside a cleaner’s scope. If grease traps or blocked drains are flagged, a commercial drainage specialist handles that separately before handover.
How do landlords interpret ‘make good’ and ‘original condition’?
‘Original condition’ means the state of the premises at lease commencement, not a modernised or upgraded version of it. Courts have consistently held that landlords cannot use make-good clauses to force tenants to improve premises beyond their starting state.
The practical risk sits in ambiguous lease drafting. Where key terms are undefined, courts interpret them from context, which may not match what either party intended. Get written clarification from your property manager on any clause that uses vague language like “good repair and condition” without defining the benchmark. Dated photos from lease commencement are your strongest defence if a landlord disputes the handback standard.
Your handover checklist and booking timeline
| Step | When to act |
|---|---|
| Confirm fit-out removal obligations in writing | 6–— |
| Vacate furniture and equipment | Before clean date |
| Provide keys/access and condition report to cleaner | Clean day |
| Receive completion certificate | Same day as clean |
| Final landlord inspection | Within agreed notice period |
A documented cleaning scope tied to the condition report substantially reduces disputes at handover.
What affects the quote price in East Melbourne?
Floor area and surface type drive the base cost. Carpet extraction costs more than hard-floor mopping. Add-ons like tile and grout steam cleaning, adhesive removal, or after-hours access push the price up further. Multi-level tenancies with separate bathroom and kitchen zones on each floor also increase labour hours. Get an itemised quote that lists each task separately so you can match it against your lease obligations.
How long does the whole process take?
Allow multiple days for the cleaning process, depending on office size and complexity of cleaning tasks. Add preparation time: furniture removal, condition report review, and access coordination typically take a week. Build in a buffer before the landlord inspection date.
Typical cost range for East Melbourne offices
Pricing varies widely based on office size and cleaning scope, ranging from modest amounts for small spaces to higher costs for larger commercial areas. Adhesive removal, external window cleaning above ground level, and after-hours surcharges are common extras. Always request a written, itemised quote. Some leases also require a professional cleaning certificate as part of handover documentation, so confirm this with your property manager before the clean date.
360 Cleaning Solutions handles East Melbourne end-of-lease cleans
360 Cleaning Solutions works with East Melbourne businesses on commercial end-of-lease cleans, including carpet steam extraction, full bathroom and kitchen detail, internal glass, vents, and high-surface work. Every job comes with a written scope tied to your condition report and a completion certificate for handover. No lock-in contracts, after-hours availability, and over 100 local businesses already trust the team.
To get a quote, request a site visit with your condition report and lease make-good clause ready. 360 Cleaning Solutions will confirm scope, flag any extras, and schedule around your vacate date. For East Melbourne offices, request your end-of-lease quote or check after-hours availability to lock in a date before your handover deadline.