Under the Residential Tenancies Act, tenants must leave the property “reasonably clean and tidy. They are not responsible for fair wear and tear.
That distinction is important - homes are lived in, not displayed in showrooms.
What does “reasonably clean and tidy” actually mean?
“Reasonably clean and tidy” means the property should be left in a state that is clean enough for the next tenant to move in, taking into account the length of the tenancy and normal use of the property.
It does not mean:
- professionally cleaned
- spotless
- returned to “as new” condition
Tenancy Services defines fair wear and tear as the gradual deterioration that happens through normal, everyday use.
Common end-of-tenancy cleaning questions
1. Is there a checklist tenants must follow?
There’s no official legal checklist. However, a general guide is that tenants should:
- vacuum and mop floors,
- wipe down surfaces,
- clean kitchen benches, sink and stovetop,
- clean bathroom fixtures (toilet, shower, vanity),
- remove rubbish and personal belongings.
The standard is reasonable cleanliness, not perfection.
2. Shower glass with mild mineral or soap buildup
Light mineral deposits or soap residue that build up over time are usually considered fair wear and tear.
Tenants should make a reasonable effort to clean, but landlords can’t require specialist products or treatments to remove gradual buildup.
Practical tip: If you know your shower glass is prone to mineral buildup and there’s a product you personally use to help prevent this (for example, a spray applied after showering), you can choose to provide this to tenants. This can help reduce long-term buildup, but it should be offered as guidance — not a requirement - and doesn’t change the legal standard of “reasonably clean and tidy”.
3. Oven residue and oven tracks
Ovens should be left reasonably clean, but tenants are not required to restore an oven to a “like new” condition.
Heavy grease or neglect well beyond normal use may justify further cleaning - context matters.
4. Oil marks on garage floors
This depends on the cause:
-
light staining from regular vehicle parking is generally fair wear and tear
-
heavy oil staining caused by a leaking vehicle may be considered damage
Each situation needs to be assessed individually.
5. Yellow staining in toilet bowls
Mild staining caused by minerals or long-term use is typically wear and tear.
Tenants should clean toilets as part of normal cleaning, but landlords can’t require specialist descaling or replacement unless there is clear damage or neglect.
Can landlords arrange professional cleaning and charge tenants?
Only in limited situations.
A landlord may arrange professional cleaning and seek reimbursement if:
- the property is left unreasonably dirty,
- cleaning required goes well beyond normal use,
- the condition would prevent the property being re-let.
A landlord cannot:
- require professional cleaning as a default,
- charge tenants just because the property isn’t spotless,
- charge for specialist cleaning needed to address gradual wear and tear.
If cleaning is incomplete, landlords should first give tenants the opportunity to return and address the issues themselves. Professional cleaning should generally be a last resort, used only where the tenant refuses to remedy the issues, or the property is left unreasonably dirty and requires immediate cleaning to re-let.
What about pets and cleaning?
From 1 December, tenants may keep pets where permitted under the tenancy agreement, and additional cleaning expectations may apply.
Where pets are allowed:
- tenants are responsible for cleaning up pet-related mess,
- flea treatment may be reasonable if required due to the pet,
- general wear caused by approved pets may still fall under wear and tear.
Any additional cleaning expectations should be clearly agreed in writing as part of the tenancy.
A practical takeaway for landlords
End-of-tenancy inspections are about reasonableness, not perfection.
If you’re unsure whether something is cleaning, wear and tear, or damage:
- consider the length of the tenancy
- assess whether the issue arose gradually or through neglect
- don't skip inspections and document everything clearly with photos
You can read more about:
Normal wear and tear explained
New pet rules for tenancies
The information contained in this article is exclusively for promotional purposes. It does not in any way constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon as the basis for any legal action or contractual dealings. The information is not and does not attempt to be, a comprehensive account of the relevant law in New Zealand. If you require legal advice, you should seek independent legal counsel. myRent.co.nz does not accept any liability that may arise from the use of this information.
