The end of a lease is a busy time. Tenants are packing and cleaning, landlords want the property ready for the next tenant and agents are working through condition reports. Small repairs, such as patching holes, touching up scuffed walls, fixing a broken blind or replacing a torn flyscreen, can make the difference between a smooth handover and a dispute.

We carry out end of lease and rental repairs for tenants, landlords and property managers across Cranbourne and the surrounding suburbs. Cranbourne and its surrounding estates have a large rental market, with many investors owning homes in Clyde North, Cranbourne East and Cranbourne West, and we work regularly in rental properties.

Common end of lease repairs

• Removing picture hooks, adhesive hooks and wall anchors
• Patching holes and dents in plasterboard
• Touching up or repainting scuffed walls
• Repairing doors that do not latch, and fitting door stops
• Replacing torn flyscreens and repairing flyscreen frames
• Fixing or replacing broken blinds and curtain rods
• Re-fixing loose towel rails and toilet roll holders
• Fixing kitchen cupboard hinges, drawer runners and kickboards
• Re-fixing loose skirting and trims
• Replacing mouldy silicone in showers
• Removing TV brackets and patching the wall
• Garden and rubbish clean-ups (see odd jobs and rubbish removal)

For tenants

Under Victorian rental laws, tenants are generally responsible for damage beyond fair wear and tear. The condition report at the start of the lease is the reference for what the property should look like at the end. Before moving out:

1. Re-read your entry condition report.

2. Walk through each room and list anything that is damaged beyond normal use.

3. Get repairs done before the final inspection.

4. Take dated photos after repairs and cleaning.

Fair wear and tear, such as faded paint, worn carpet in walkways and minor marks from normal living, is not something tenants must fix. Consumer Affairs Victoria has detailed guidance on bond claims and what is considered fair wear and tear.

For landlords

Between tenancies is the best time to catch up on maintenance. A property in good condition rents faster, attracts better tenants and reduces maintenance requests during the lease. Victoria also has minimum standards for rental properties covering things like locks, window coverings in bedrooms and living areas, ventilation and structural soundness. We can help with many of the handyman items needed to keep a property up to standard. Electrical, gas and plumbing items need licensed trades.

For property managers

Property managers need reliable trades who show up, communicate clearly and provide documentation. We can:

• Work to your work order and photograph completed work
• Coordinate key collection and access with tenants
• Provide written reports of other issues we notice
• Work across multiple properties

See our page for property managers.

Patching and painting

Wall damage is the most common end of lease issue. Small holes from hooks and anchors are patched, sanded and touched up. Larger holes from TV brackets or door handles hitting walls are repaired with plaster patches. Where touch-ups would stand out, we repaint the full wall for an even finish. See plaster and wall patching and painting touch-ups.

Blinds, curtains and flyscreens

Window coverings in bedrooms and living areas are required under Victorian rental minimum standards. Broken blinds, cords and curtain tracks are common issues. We repair or replace them. Torn flyscreens are rescreened. See window and flyscreen repairs.

Timing

End of lease work often needs to fit into a narrow window between moving out and the final inspection. Book early, tell us your inspection date and we will plan the work to suit. Tenants usually need to arrange cleaning after repairs to avoid dust from patching.

A room-by-room end of lease checklist

Walking through the property room by room helps catch everything before the final inspection.

Entry and hallway

• Scuffs and marks on walls from moving furniture
• Holes from picture hooks and key racks
• Door stops in place and doors latching properly
• Light globes working

Living areas

• TV bracket holes and cable clips removed and patched
• Curtains and blinds working, cords intact
• Window locks and flyscreens in good condition
• Marks on skirting boards

Kitchen

• Cupboard doors and drawers aligned and closing properly
• Kickboards in place
• Silicone around the sink in good condition
• No damage to benchtops

Bedrooms

• Wardrobe doors running on their tracks
• Holes from shelves, posters and hooks patched
• Blinds working
• Carpet free of damage beyond normal wear

Bathrooms and laundry

• Shower silicone free of mould and gaps
• Towel rails and toilet roll holders secure
• Exhaust fan covers clean
• Mirrors and cabinets secure

Outside

• Gardens and lawns in the condition required by the lease
• Rubbish removed
• Flyscreens and screen doors intact
• Gates closing and latching

Understanding fair wear and tear

Fair wear and tear means the natural deterioration of a property through normal use. Examples generally include faded curtains, minor scuffs in walkways, worn carpet in busy areas, loose door handles from regular use and small marks from furniture. Damage is different: holes from removed fixings that were not approved, large stains, burns, broken blinds from misuse or pet damage. The line is not always clear, and the condition report, photos and the age of items all matter. Consumer Affairs Victoria publishes guidance, and VCAT resolves disputes.

Minor modifications by renters

Victorian rental laws allow renters to make some minor modifications without consent, such as installing picture hooks or wall anchors on surfaces other than exposed brick or concrete, fitting removable child safety devices, and other listed items. These may need to be removed and the property restored at the end of the tenancy, unless otherwise agreed. If you are unsure which applies, check Consumer Affairs Victoria or ask your property manager. We can remove modifications and restore surfaces.

Minimum standards for rentals

Victoria’s rental minimum standards cover items such as locks on external entry doors, window coverings in bedrooms and living areas, ventilation in bathrooms and laundries, working toilets and kitchen facilities, and structural soundness. Many handyman items support these standards, such as repairing blinds and window coverings, fitting window locks and fixing doors. Some standards relate to electrical safety, heating and plumbing, which need licensed trades.

Between tenancies: a landlord’s opportunity

The few days between tenants are the best chance to catch up on maintenance without disturbing anyone. Consider:

• Regrouting and resealing wet areas
• Repainting high-traffic walls
• Replacing worn blinds
• Servicing door hardware and locks
• Cleaning gutters and pressure washing paths
• Checking smoke alarms
• Fixing fences and gates

A well-presented property usually leases faster and attracts tenants who take care of it.

Communication with tenants

When we work in occupied rentals, we respect tenants’ privacy and belongings. Access is arranged through the property manager or landlord with the required notice. We arrive at the agreed time, work tidily and leave the property secure. If something unexpected comes up, we contact the person who booked the job before going further.

Bond disputes

If you are a tenant facing a bond claim, getting repairs done professionally before the final inspection, with dated photos, can help avoid disputes. Landlords can also use invoices and photos as evidence of the cost and nature of repairs. We provide clear documentation of what we did.

Moving out of a newer home

Many rentals in Clyde North, Cranbourne East and Cranbourne West are relatively new homes, so their condition reports often show nearly perfect walls and fittings. Small changes stand out more in these properties. Patching anchor holes neatly and matching paint carefully is important.

Timing your repairs

Book end of lease repairs before the final clean, not after. Patching and painting create dust, and fresh paint needs time to dry before the cleaners wipe walls. A simple order works well:

1. Remove your belongings and any modifications.

2. Have repairs, patching and touch-up painting done.

3. Have the property cleaned, including carpets if required.

4. Do your own walk-through with the condition report.

5. Return the keys.

Leaving a few days between the repairs and the final inspection gives a buffer if anything is missed.

Photos and records

Take dated photos of each room after repairs and cleaning. Compare them with the entry condition report photos. Keep invoices for any repairs. If questions come up later, these records make the discussion much easier for everyone.

For property managers

We work with property managers on routine turnovers. Send the exit condition report or a list of items, along with access details, and we will work through them and report back with photos. Where an item needs a licensed trade, we will say so rather than attempt it.

Keys, remotes and fixtures

Before handing back the property, make sure all keys, garage remotes, mailbox keys and window lock keys listed on the condition report are returned. Leave appliance manuals and spare parts, such as spare tiles or paint tins supplied at the start, where the property manager can find them. If a lock was changed during the tenancy with approval, hand over the new keys as agreed.

Where we work

We do end of lease and rental repairs in Cranbourne, Cranbourne East, Cranbourne West, Cranbourne North, Clyde North, Clyde and our other service areas. Send a list of items and photos through the quote form.

Frequently asked questions