End of Lease Checklist: What Every Perth Tenant Needs to Know Before Handover
Exiting a commercial lease isn't as simple as handing over keys and walking away. If you’re a tenant in Perth—whether in an office, retail store, or warehouse—you’re likely responsible for returning the space to its original condition. And if you miss a step? That’s when the landlord starts sending invoices.
That’s why a solid, no-nonsense End of Lease Checklist isn’t just useful—it’s essential.
Below is the practical guide you didn’t know you needed. Whether you’re vacating a shop, finishing a warehouse lease, or completing an office defit, this End of Lease Checklist will keep you clear of drama, delays, and expensive surprises.
1. Revisit Your Lease Terms
Start by going back to your lease. Read the makegood clause carefully. Many leases in Perth demand the property be returned to “base building condition,” which could mean a full commercial defit—walls, fixtures, signage, flooring, all gone.
A common mistake is assuming a general clean is enough. Don’t guess. Your End of Lease Checklist begins here—know exactly what’s required so you’re not blindsided later.
2. Plan and Book a Defit
If the lease demands a full strip-out, you’ll need professional defit services. That includes removing partitions, ceiling grids, shelving, counters, lighting, and everything else that wasn’t part of the original space.
Office defits and shop defits in Perth often come with tight deadlines and compliance hoops, so don’t delay. Book your contractor early. A solid End of Lease Checklist includes scheduling your defit with time to spare—last-minute scrambles cost more.
3. Handle the Makegood Work
“Makegood” goes beyond strip-outs. It could include repainting, patching walls, replacing ceiling tiles, or re-carpeting the floor. The goal? Making the space look like you were never there.
Add this to your End of Lease Checklist: once the defit is done, get a contractor who knows what Perth landlords look for during the final inspection. The standards can vary depending on the building and location, so don’t cut corners.
4. Disconnect Utilities Properly
Include utility disconnections in your End of Lease Checklist—and not just power and water. Depending on your fit-out, you might need to deal with data cabling, gas lines, grease traps, or air-con systems.
Get written confirmation from providers and submit any final meter readings. This protects you from post-exit utility charges or disputes.
5. Deep Cleaning Is Non-Negotiable
After the defit and makegood are complete, you’ll need to bring in a commercial cleaner. This step in your End of Lease Checklist is about more than just appearances—it’s about delivering a space that’s genuinely ready for the next tenant.
Expect to clean everything: walls, floors, vents, windows, skirting boards. For retail defits and office spaces in Perth’s premium buildings, the cleanliness standard is especially high.
6. Conduct a Handover Walkthrough
Before returning the keys, do a walkthrough with the landlord or property manager. Bring documentation: before-and-after photos, receipts from your defit contractors, cleaning invoices, and any permits or sign-offs if applicable.
This final item on your End of Lease Checklist helps confirm everything’s done and stops issues from popping up weeks later.
Why Every Tenant in Perth Needs an End of Lease Checklist
Here’s the truth: commercial leases come with expectations that go far beyond paying rent. If you fail to meet them, the landlord will either delay the bond return—or charge you to fix it their way, at their price.
With a detailed, practical End of Lease Checklist, you take control of the exit process. You avoid missteps, hand back the keys cleanly, and protect your time, money, and reputation.
So if your lease is ending soon, don’t wing it. Grab the checklist. Call a defit specialist. And close it out like a pro.
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