Usually in play
- Removal of furniture, equipment and tenant contents
- Removal of trash and debris
- Space swept and left free of loose items
LEASE EXIT GUIDE
The “Broom-Clean” Lease Clause, Explained
Broom-clean is one of the most common phrases in an office surrender clause and one of the most loosely read. Here is what it generally means, where leases differ, and how to plan a move-out against it.
By Joel NielsenUpdated · 5 min read
What broom-clean generally means
In a commercial lease, broom-clean generally means the tenant returns the space empty of its property and debris and swept clean. It is a handover condition, not a cleaning specification.
There is no single legal definition. Each lease writes its own surrender language, so the wording in your lease controls, not the common usage.
What the clause is often read to include or leave out
Common points to check in your own clause. Wording varies by lease.
Often addressed separately
- Abandoned or tenant-installed cabling
- Signage, tenant alterations and built-in fixtures
- Keys, access cards and building-specific closeout steps
Sometimes required beyond broom-clean
- Professional cleaning or carpet cleaning
- Patching, painting or floor repair
- Restoration to original condition
Questions to answer before move-out
- Which items does the surrender clause require the tenant to remove?
- Does the lease address cabling, signage or alterations, and in what words?
- Does it require cleaning or repairs beyond sweeping?
- Who inspects the space, and when is the final walkthrough?
- What do the building’s move-out rules add: freight elevator, dock windows, certificates?
Commercial lease handover checklist
A one-page planning aid for returning an office in broom-clean condition. Check items off on screen, or print it for the move-out binder.
This is general planning guidance, not legal advice and not a statement of what your lease requires. Your surrender clause and your building’s rules control. Confirm anything unclear with your counsel or broker.
Where we fit, and where we do not
We read the clause with you, build a removal scope from it, coordinate building access and execute the removal, then document the result for the walkthrough. See lease exit & landlord handover and our office decommissioning process.
Wall repair, painting, professional cleaning, hazardous materials and licensed trade work are outside our scope. We flag them early and tell you whether they need your landlord or a specialist. We do not give legal advice; questions about what your lease obliges you to do belong with your counsel or broker.
Common questions
What does broom-clean mean in an office lease?
Broom-clean is a common lease standard that generally means the space is empty of the tenant’s property and debris and swept clean. Leases define it differently and some require more, so read the surrender clause itself rather than assume.
Does broom-clean mean we can leave furniture or cabling?
Not usually. Furniture, equipment and contents are generally the tenant’s to remove, and many leases also address abandoned cabling and tenant alterations. Your clause and the building’s move-out rules decide, and we list them at the walkthrough.
Is broom-clean the same as professional cleaning?
No. Broom-clean is generally a lighter standard than professional or deep cleaning, but some leases require more. Professional cleaning is outside our scope; we tell you where your clause goes beyond removal.
Who decides whether the space meets the standard?
The landlord or property manager, typically at a final walkthrough against the lease. Confirm their expectations and walkthrough timing early, and ask your counsel or broker about anything the clause leaves unclear. We are not lawyers and do not give legal advice.
What do you do for a broom-clean exit?
We turn the clause into a written removal scope, coordinate building access, remove and route furniture and contents, and document the completed work with photos for the final walkthrough.
Have a lease clause to read? Bring it to the walkthrough.
Related: Cost Guide · Office Exit Checklist
