If you are moving out of a commercial property, it is important to understand the difference between end of lease cleaning and an office makegood. While these terms are sometimes used interchangeably, they are not the same thing. Confusing them can lead to incomplete work, disputes with your landlord, and unexpected costs.
Knowing the difference between make good vs end of lease clean will help you plan your move more effectively and meet all your lease obligations. At Melbourne City Rubbish, we provide professional end of lease office services that ensure your property is handed back in the condition required by your lease, with no loose ends.
What happens at the end of an office lease?
When your office lease ends, you are required to vacate the premises and return it to the landlord. The specific requirements for this process are set out in your lease agreement and often include both cleaning and restoration tasks.
The two most common responsibilities are:
- End of lease cleaning – leaving the premises hygienically clean and presentable.
- End of lease make good – restoring the property to its original condition, including the removal of fit-outs, repairs, and rubbish disposal.
Failing to meet these obligations can result in the landlord deducting costs from your bond or charging you directly for the work. In some cases, your make good clause may even allow them to hire their own contractors and bill you for the expenses.
What is end of lease cleaning?
End of lease cleaning focuses on ensuring the property is spotless and ready for the landlord’s inspection. This is an important part of the process, but it only addresses cleanliness, not physical restoration.
End of lease cleaning typically includes:
- End-of-lease rubbish removal
- Vacuuming and mopping floors
- Cleaning carpets, tiles, and grout
- Wiping down surfaces, skirting boards, and shelves
- Cleaning windows, frames, and glass doors
- Sanitising kitchens, bathrooms, and break areas.
It does not usually cover tasks like dismantling partitions, removing electrical cabling, or repainting walls. While a thorough clean is essential, it is only one part of fulfilling your overall make good obligation.
What is a make good?
A make good is a broader process that includes cleaning as one step, but also covers the removal of alterations and the restoration of the property to its original state. The details of your make good provision will be outlined in your lease and may include:
- Removing all furniture, equipment, and fixtures
- Dismantling fit-outs, signage, and partitions
- Repairing any damage caused during tenancy
- Repainting walls to their original colour
- Restoring flooring and ceiling finishes
- Disposing of all waste and debris.
The make good clause in your lease is legally binding, and failure to meet it can result in significant penalties. A make good is more complex than an end of lease clean and often requires professional help, particularly if you need to undertake an office strip out.
Summing up the key differences
Understanding make good vs end of lease clean comes down to scope.
- End of lease cleaning is about cleanliness. It prepares the space for handover but does not change its physical structure.
- End of lease make good is about restoration. It includes cleaning but also involves removing modifications, repairing damage, and ensuring the property is returned to its original condition.
While cleaning can be completed by your own staff in some cases, a make good almost always requires skilled labour, tools, and waste removal capabilities. Treating these two processes as the same could result in incomplete work, which may trigger additional charges from your landlord.
The importance of expert make good and strip out services
Completing a make good to the required standard can be challenging without professional help. At Melbourne City Rubbish, we specialise in providing end of lease office services that combine both cleaning and restoration, so you can meet every obligation without stress.
Our team can:
- Complete full office strip outs, including furniture and partition removal
- Manage responsible disposal and recycling of waste
- Conduct repairs and surface reinstatement
- Carry out detailed end of lease cleaning
- Work to your timeline to ensure deadlines are met.
By engaging experienced professionals, you minimise the risk of disputes over your make good clause and ensure the work is completed efficiently and cost-effectively.
Get a quote from Melbourne City Rubbish today
If you are moving out of your commercial space and need help with your make good vs end of lease clean requirements, Melbourne City Rubbish can provide a tailored solution. We service the Melbourne CBD and surrounding areas, working with businesses of all sizes to deliver high-quality results on time.
Speak to our team today about your end-of-lease requirements.
