End of Lease Cleaning Checklist: Get Your Full Deposit Back in Cape Town

Under South African law, a landlord can only deduct from your deposit for damage or a lack of cleanliness beyond fair wear and tear — but "fair wear and tear" is exactly where most disputes happen. A thorough end-of-lease clean, done properly and preferably photographed, is the single best thing you can do to protect your deposit.

The room-by-room checklist

Kitchen

Degrease the inside and outside of the oven, hob and extractor fan
Empty and wipe down the fridge (leave it unplugged and slightly open if vacant)
Clean inside all cupboards and drawers, including crumbs in the runners
Descale the sink and taps; wipe down splashbacks and countertops

Bathrooms

Remove limescale and soap scum from tiles, shower glass and taps
Clean and disinfect the toilet, including behind the bowl and under the rim
Wipe down mirrors, cabinets and extractor fan covers

Carpets & floors

Vacuum thoroughly, then arrange a professional steam clean for carpets — many leases specifically require this
Mop and polish hard floors; check skirting boards for scuffs

Windows, walls & fixtures

Clean windows inside and out, including tracks and sills
Spot-clean marks off walls and light switches; dust light fittings and ceiling fans
Wipe down all doors, handles and skirting

Document everything

Take dated photos of every room once you're done, before you hand back the keys. If there's ever a dispute over your deposit, this is the evidence that protects you.

DIY or hire a professional?

A move-out clean is one of the few cleans worth outsourcing even if you handle your own housekeeping the rest of the year — it typically needs to happen in a single day under time pressure, often after you've already spent a weekend packing. A professional one-time clean also gives you an independent, dated record that the property was handed back properly cleaned, which carries more weight with a landlord or agent than your own word.

Moving out soon? We do one-time move-out cleans across Cape Town, including carpets.

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