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A bond cleaning, also known as an exit clean, is where you clean the rental property thoroughly at the conclusion of your contract. The aim of the bond cleaners is to get the property back to how it was before you first moved in. A lawsuit against the bond can be filed whether the real estate company decides that the property has been damaged or that it also needs to be clean the property.
If you name it a bond clean, an end of lease cleaning, or deep cleaning, you’ll almost certainly have to do one before you leave your home. It’s a legitimate condition in your tenancy, as well as the procedure for getting your bond refunded.
You may also like to read: “Is Bond Cleaning and End of Lease Cleaning Same?“
What Is The Distinction Between Regular Cleaning And Bond Cleaning?
Cleaning is something that most people undertake on a daily basis to get rid of the dust and debris in their homes. Professional end of the lease cleaning, on the other hand, is what tenants perform in order to get their bond money back from the management after the rental agreement has ended.
People normally employ a bond cleaning company in Melbourne for bond cleaning since it entails the retrieval of a significant sum of bond capital, which the owner may withhold if he is unhappy with the quality of cleaning.
Bond Money’s Involvement
The difficulty of receiving the bond money until the lease deal is finished and the residents are about to move out is both irritating and exhausting. Because of the rental property’s cleaning standard, residents often have a bond issue with the owner or property management.
That is why most people seek out a bond cleaning service for their rented property before the final inspection. Through their professional cleaners, cutting-edge processes, and cutting-edge cleaning equipment, they assist tenants in recovering their bond income. Standard cleaning, on the other hand, is solely concerned with cleaning the house and has little to do with the bond money.
You may also like to read: “Learn How to Get Your Bond Back in Detail“
There is no presence of the owner or property management with this sort of cleaning. In a nutshell, bond cleaning is only for renters and rental properties, while daily cleaning is for everybody, particularly homeowners.
What would Bond Cleaning entail?- What is bond cleaning?
It is customary for the occupant to get the bond money only after the cleaning job has been completed to a high standard. The below is a bond cleaning checklist:
Walls and Floors
All of the floors in the house are washed and mopped as part of the bond cleaning. Cleaning the walls and clearing cobwebs are often included. Furthermore, it includes the washing of many of the home’s partitions.
Walls, Skirting Boards, Curtains, and Windows
When it comes to bond cleaning, attention to detail is everything—especially in the areas that often attract the most scrutiny during inspections.
- Walls and Skirting Boards: Bond cleaners will meticulously remove fingerprints, smudges, and any visible marks from the walls. Skirting boards are dusted and wiped down to banish any grime that gathers in corners or along the edges.
- Curtains, Venetians, and Blinds: All types of window dressings—whether they’re fabric curtains, classic Venetians, or modern blinds—must be cleaned. This involves either dusting, vacuuming or, where possible, gently wiping down the surfaces to lift stubborn dust and stains.
- Windows and Fittings: Windows receive extra attention, as clean glass and sills make a strong impression. Both the inside panes and window frames are cleaned, and window sills are wiped free of dust, cobwebs, and even the occasional lifeless insect. Don’t forget to tackle any additional fittings, as these little details matter for your final inspection.
Carpet Cleaning
Dirt, pollen, and contaminants abound in carpets. Cleaning carpets with good solutions is part of the bond cleaning method. For carpet washing, it is recommended that you hire a skilled cleaning service. Under any scenario, keep a receipt for carpet cleaning services.
In most cases, carpets must be professionally steam cleaned as part of the bond cleaning process. Property managers or landlords may request to see proof of a professional clean, so ensure you retain the contractor’s receipt. This not only meets the typical requirements of your rental agreement but also provides peace of mind during the final inspection.
What Are the Standard Bond Cleaning Requirements Set by Real Estate Agents?
Real estate agents follow a strict checklist when it comes to bond cleaning, leaving little room for interpretation. Meeting these standards is crucial, as any missed area or subpar cleaning can result in losing a portion—or even all—of your bond money. Usually, your agent will provide a detailed end-of-lease cleaning checklist to help you track progress and ensure nothing is overlooked.
Let’s break down the typical expectations set by most real estate agents:
- Professional Carpet Cleaning
In most cases, you’ll be required to have the carpets professionally steam cleaned. Always keep the receipt handy, as agents commonly request proof of this service. - Kitchen Appliances
Ovens, stovetops, range hoods, and exhaust fans are critical inspection points. Remove all traces of grease and grime. Ovens in particular can take time, so be thorough—especially with the filters and exhausts. - Walls and Skirting Boards
Remove any marks or scuffs from walls and make sure skirting boards are free from dust and dirt. - Blinds and Curtains
Clean and wipe down all blinds and curtains, whether they’re fabric or wooden. Accumulated dust can be a deal-breaker during inspections. - Windows and Window Sills
Clean both sides of all windows and don’t forget the sills and frames. Remove cobwebs, dust, and any little critters that may have taken up residence. - Shelves, Cupboards, and Drawers
Empty out every shelf, cupboard, and drawer. Wipe them down thoroughly, including those hard-to-reach top surfaces. - Fans and Exhaust Vents
Ceiling fans and exhaust fans need to be dusted and cleaned to ensure proper airflow and cleanliness. - Floors
All non-carpeted floors should be swept, washed, and free of any stains or residue. - Bathrooms
Sanitise toilets, baths, shower recesses, tapware, and sinks. Pay particular attention to removing soap scum and water stains for a sparkling finish.
Following these requirements ensures a smooth final inspection and maximises your chances of getting your bond money returned in full.
You may also like to read: “What is Bond Back Guaranteed Cleaning?“
Kitchen Cleaning
Kitchen cleaning is the third aspect of bond cleaning. Both kitchen equipment, such as tabletops, gas stoves, range hoods, ovens, and exhaust fans, must be cleaned. Apart from that, oil and grease stains on the stoves and range hood must be removed. It also entails the washing of the kitchen’s walls, floors, and fans.
Blinds and Venetians
Blinds, whether made of wood or cloth, collect a lot of particles. Dirty blinds can contaminate and pollute indoor air. Venetians and blinds are cleaned with a sterile cloth as part of the bond cleaning method.
You may also like to read: “Here Are 10 Ideas That Will Improve How You Do Kitchen Cleaning“
Cleaning the bathroom
Both bathroom fixtures, such as sinks, pumps, handles, mirrors, curtains, and toilets, must be cleaned. Aside from that, you’ll need to clean the laundry spaces, taps, and sinks, as well as scrub soap stains.
Shelves and Drawers
You can dust all of your cupboards, cabinets, and drawers with a rag. You must clean them and mop them thoroughly.
Wear and tear
There are several cases where you would not be held responsible for collateral loss due to “fair wear and tear.” It’s described by Fair Trading NSW as “deterioration that occurs over time as a result of the usage of the premises, notwithstanding the premises receiving proper care and maintenance.”
You may also like to read: “Benefits of End of lease Cleaning – Bond Cleaning Services“
If the harm is beyond repair, it could be necessary to skip washing in these situations. Carpeting is a good illustration of this. If the owner intends to repair the carpets regardless, you will not be able to compensate for steam cleaning. Often double-check with the real estate agent before making some conclusions.
Examples of fair wear and tear versus damage:
Fair wear and tear (Not liable) Damage (You are liable) Faded curtains or frayed cords Missing curtains or curtains torn by pets Furniture indentations and traffic marks on carpet Stains or burn marks on the carpet Scuffed or worn wooden floors Deep scratches or gouges in wooden floors Faded, chipped, or cracked paint Unapproved paint jobs Worn kitchen benchtop Burns or cuts in the benchtop Loose hinges or worn sliding tracks on doors/windows Broken glass from accidents (e.g., ball through window) Minor cracks in walls from building movement Holes left after removing picture hooks or shelves Water stains from roof leaks or plumbing issues Water stains caused by overflowing baths or indoor pot plants Essentially, if something has simply aged with normal use—think sun-faded curtains, worn hinges, or a patch of carpet that’s thinned from years of foot traffic—it falls under fair wear and tear. However, if there are accidental or preventable damages, such as burns, stains, or holes in the wall, you’ll likely be expected to cover the cost of repairs or cleaning.
When in doubt, always clarify with your real estate agent, and refer to official guidelines like those provided by NSW Fair Trading to determine your responsibilities.
Using Advanced Cleaning Equipment
Professional lease cleaners use a variety of new and specialized cleaning equipment that is not used in everyday cleaning. Vacuums, polishers & burnishers, specialist units, floor sanders, scrubbers/dryers, and other equipment use by vacate cleaners.
Any end-of-lease cleaning business ensures that its employees are well trained in the usage of these versatile instruments in order to offer high-quality cleaning for forgotten areas of the home. As a result, the experts ensure that all kinds of surfaces, such as wooden floors and carpets, are professionally cleaned.
You may also like to read: “How do I exit for Simple Bond Cleaning Property?“
Furthermore, they disinfect big appliances such as refrigerators, washing machines, dishwashers, and ovens using a variety of tiny tools. Brooms, duster, mops, vacuums, and other cleaning supplies are needed for regular cleaning.
Cleaning Professionals Who Know What They’re Doing
Dirt2tidy cleaners in Melbourne are skilled and knowledgeable on how to correctly clean various products and locations. They realize what an inspection agent is searching for because of their background and skills, and they perform accordingly.
They ensure that the residents get their bond money back with their perfect washing. End-of-lease cleaning firms educate and evaluate their employees to 100 service guarantee that they provide the highest level of service to their customers.
The procedure for reclaiming bonds
The real estate agent or owner can deposit the bond (usually four weeks’ rent) with Fair Trading in NSW or the Residential Tenancies Contract Authority in Victoria at the start of the deal. It will be held in confidence for the lifetime of your contract until your agent submits a bond demand.
Here’s how the refund method operates if you’ve never done it before:
Keep a record of the original condition survey report
At the outset of a lease, both the tenant and the estate agent fill out an introductory condition report. In a room-by-room basis, this study records the condition of the property since you first checked in. Aside from normal wear and tear, it is assumed that you would quit the property in the same state as when you first came in.
To make the process smoother down the track, take extra care when completing this initial report. Carefully note any existing issues, no matter how minor—scuffed skirting boards, chipped tiles, or a wobbly door handle. It’s a good idea to back this up with dated photos as visual evidence. These details can be invaluable if questions arise at the end of your tenancy, offering clear proof of the property’s original condition and helping to avoid disputes over your bond.
You may also like to read: “The Most Effective Method to Repair a Toilet – Toilet Cleaning“
Complete the Condition Report with Care
When it comes to the initial condition report, thoroughness pays off. Before you move in, go room by room and make detailed notes about the state of each area—don’t leave anything to assumption, no matter how minor it seems. This includes marks on the walls, any scratches on floors, chipped tiles, or leaky taps.
Take clear, date-stamped photos as supporting evidence; these will be invaluable if there’s ever a dispute about the property’s condition when you’re ready to move out. It’s wise to do this alongside the real estate agent, but even if you’re on your own, be diligent—your future self will thank you.
At the end of the tenancy, refer back to your original condition report and photos while conducting your own exit inspection. This makes it much easier to ensure you’ve addressed any areas that might affect your bond, and gives you confidence in what to expect during the final walk-through with the agent or landlord.
Bring the tenancy to a close
When the contract comes to a close, it’s time to make the remaining repairs to the property and complete the exit cleaning with bond cleaners
This is also the perfect opportunity to address any damages that may have occurred during your tenancy. If you’ve noticed marks on the walls, broken fixtures, or other issues outside of normal wear and tear, arrange for repairs before handing back the keys. Taking care of these problems now—while you’re still under lease—can help you avoid extra costs or disputes later on. A thorough clean and prompt repairs set the stage for a smooth final inspection and make reclaiming your bond much easier.
Conduct a final examination
The real estate agent or owner will conduct a final review of the property after the tenancy has ended. The aim is to cross off each thing that was mentioned in the original condition report and all the cleaning including carpet steam cleaning if necessary as per the report.
You may also like to read: “Clean Your House in Half the Time!“
Bond refunds are issued
If all is in place, the real estate agent or owner will either unlock the funds or use Rental Bonds Online in VIC or RTBA Online in Victoria to file a claim against the bonds electronically within 72 hours.
If everything checks out, the agent or owner will proceed to release your bond—typically via Rental Bonds Online or RTBA Online (for VIC tenants)—within 72 hours. A smooth process here means money back in your pocket, stress-free.
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