Ending a commercial lease often brings unexpected costs, many of which stem from maintenance issues that could have been addressed earlier in the tenancy. By taking a proactive approach to building services, interior finishes, and essential compliance tasks, tenants can significantly reduce the scope and cost of end-of-lease make good works.
At Makegoods.com.au, we know how important clear processes, regular inspections, and accurate record-keeping are. These steps not only protect the physical condition of the premises but also strengthen your position when negotiating with the landlord. This guide outlines the key maintenance obligations that help tenants minimise costs later on.
Book a meeting with our team today to discuss your make good.
Proactive maintenance of building services
Proactive, scheduled maintenance throughout the tenancy is one of the most effective ways to reduce make good liabilities at the end of a lease. When essential building services are serviced regularly, the likelihood of major defects, sudden failures, and costly last-minute rectification works is dramatically reduced.
HVAC system servicing
Conduct quarterly or bi-annual maintenance checks on all tenant-installed and base building HVAC units. Maintain full service reports as evidence of compliance. Regular servicing prevents system breakdowns and avoids charges for major repairs or non-compliance at handover.
Electrical compliance and testing
Perform routine Test and Tag procedures for all portable electrical equipment and schedule periodic RCD testing. These measures ensure ongoing safety compliance and reduce the risk of being billed for urgent electrical remediation work at the end of the lease.
Plumbing fixture maintenance
Repair leaking taps, faulty cisterns, and ageing hot water units as soon as issues arise. Unaddressed plumbing problems can lead to secondary damage such as stained ceiling tiles, mould, or carpet deterioration—all of which can significantly inflate make good costs.
Data and comms cable management
Keep communications rooms tidy, structured, and compliant. Ensure redundant cabling is clearly tagged for safe removal during the defit, or remove obsolete cables progressively throughout the tenancy. This prevents unexpected charges linked to rectification or cabling disposal.
Interior finishes and fixture preservation
Interior finishes typically account for a substantial portion of make good expenses. Regular upkeep ensures the presentation and integrity of the space remain consistent, minimising restoration required at the end of the lease.
Wall surface protection
Put in place policies that prevent avoidable wall damage and ensure any issues are repaired quickly. Fixing scuffs, patching holes, or conducting selective touch-ups during the tenancy is far more cost-effective than repainting entire areas at handover.
Flooring remediation
Schedule annual professional cleaning of carpets and hard flooring, especially in high-traffic areas. Address stains promptly and replace damaged carpet tiles as they occur. Handling issues early eliminates the need for full-floor replacement at lease expiry.
Joinery and kitchen integrity
Attend to loose hinges, chipped laminates, broken drawer runners, and similar defects in tenant-installed kitchens and custom joinery. Minor repairs throughout the tenancy help you avoid the high cost of full unit replacements charged by landlords during make good.
Window and blind care
Keep windows, glass partitions, and blinds in good condition. Clean glazing regularly and repair or replace damaged blinds or curtains promptly. As these typically form part of the base building, landlords will expect them to be returned in good working order.
Documentation and contractual compliance
Accurate documentation is essential for demonstrating compliance and protecting tenants against unnecessary charges. Good record-keeping provides clarity, reduces disputes, and helps ensure responsibilities are correctly allocated at the end of the lease.
Base build photo log
Maintain a detailed photographic record of the premises at the start of your tenancy. This provides indisputable evidence of pre-existing defects or items, preventing you from being charged for issues that were not your responsibility.
Defit scope alignment
Keep organised records of all landlord-approved alterations or upgrades completed during your occupancy. Approved additions may alter your make good requirements, reducing the volume of demolition, repair, or reinstatement expected at the end of the lease.
Waste management logs
Document all hazardous or specialised waste disposal related to your operations or internal works. These records confirm regulatory compliance and reduce the risk of costs associated with improper disposal being passed back to you at exit.
Book a meeting to discuss your end-of-lease process
If you want to minimise make good costs and ensure a smoother, dispute-free lease exit, our team can guide you through the full process. We have years of experience helping our clients exit their space smoothly, minimising costs at the end of their lease. In fact, we guarantee you’ll get your bond back!