Tenants must leave the property in the same condition as when the tenant moves out or in, less fair wear and tear. Check your entry condition report of the property (photos/video) to show the property’s state when you moved in. Obtain a copy from your property manager or owner.
Pre-existing damage or poor state isn’t the tenant’s responsibility. Fair wear and tear must be allowed, but not dirt, grime, grease, or tenant-caused damage.
To avoid any disputes, your cleaning should be thorough. This means tackling tasks like:
- Vacuuming and steam cleaning carpets
- Washing all windows inside and out
- Giving kitchen appliances such as ovens and fridges a proper clean
- Removing mould from bathrooms
Essentially, the goal is to return the property to its original state—minus the expected signs of everyday living. If cleaning and repairs fall short of these standards, deductions from your bond could follow.
Tenant can hire a professional cleaning service or do it themselves. Hire a trustworthy professional cleaner or repairman. Make sure you’re happy with the finished job. To avoid missing anything, clean room by room of the rental property is a good idea.
What specific cleaning tasks are expected from tenants?
When moving out, tenants are expected to give the property a thorough clean to help ensure a smooth inspection (and to keep that bond intact). This isn’t just about a quick once-over with the vacuum. To meet expectations, pay attention to the following areas:
- Floors: Vacuum carpets and mop all hard surfaces. Stubborn stains on carpets should be treated or steam cleaned if necessary.
- Windows and Blinds: Clean windows (inside and out, if accessible), dust window sills, and wipe down blinds and light fixtures.
- Kitchen: Scrub appliances provided with the property — think oven, stovetop, rangehood, and fridge. Wipe cupboards inside and out, and don’t forget the sink area.
- Bathrooms: Remove mould, clean mirrors, shine up fixtures, and scrub toilets, showers, and bathtubs to a sparkle.
- Rubbish and Personal Items: Take all your belongings with you, and dispose of any rubbish or unwanted items responsibly.
- Other Touchpoints: Wipe skirting boards, door handles, and light switches for that final polish.
The golden rule: leave the place as you found it (relying on your condition report and the original photos for reference), allowing for normal wear and tear. Miss a spot on cleaning or repairs, and deductions from your bond could follow. Taking care now sets you up for a hassle-free handover.
Why Move out clean?
For Tenants in Victoria and NSW, the Department of Fair Trading doesn’t track cleaning-related or other bond claims.
In the instance of a bond disagreement or if the bond is claimed without landlord and tenant permission. Rental Bonds hold the money for 14 days, during which both parties can lodge a claim with the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal.
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As per the Tenants Union of NSW, many real estate agents’ bond requests failed at the rental tribunal because the agency or landlord asked for too much.
Many renters, anxious about their rental references, accepted a partial bond claim outside of the formal bond rather than contest the property manager’s judgement.
It’s worth remembering that consumer protection laws, like those found in the Fair Trading Act 1999, also apply to services such as professional cleaning. When landlords or property managers call in cleaners, those services are supposed to be carried out with due care and skill—and if there’s a “satisfaction guarantee” thrown in, that standard must be met. If you feel the cleaning charges are over the top or the results are less than sparkling, you’re not powerless: you can lodge a complaint with Consumer Affairs Victoria and challenge the costs or quality. It’s another way renters can push back when the bond deductions seem more like wishful thinking than fair play.
Why employ Vacate cleaners?
Vacate or Bond cleaning is a lot of labour. It’s not just dusting and vacuuming.
You’ll want to get your bond returned (typically a month’s rent), prevent black marks on national tenant databases, and leave the place in excellent shape for the next renters.
You may also be busy packing, transferring utilities, and telling folks your new address.
Can Landlords Hire Professional Cleaners If the Place Isn’t Up to Scratch?
Yes, landlords or property managers will carry out a final inspection after you’ve moved out. If they find the property isn’t cleaned to the required standard, they can bring in professional cleaners to finish the job. Any costs for this service are usually taken from your bond, so it pays to be thorough.
If your own cleaning efforts don’t quite cut it—think lingering grime in the oven or missed cobwebs in corners—the landlord has the right to arrange for a cleaning company, and you’ll likely see those charges deducted from the amount returned to you. So, giving the place a solid, detailed clean before handing back the keys could mean more of your bond lands back in your pocket.
End-of-lease checklist
Give your landlord written notice if you’re leaving and request a final inspection to be conducted.
Plan to move out at the conclusion of your lease term. Breaking your lease early may cost you.
Make sure your landlord knows if you’re going but others are remaining. Consider removing your name from the agreement and bond.
Pay your rent on time.
Clean the house and gardens. Repair property damage as per the condition of the property.
Compare the property’s condition to the original inspection document. Sign and retain the completed condition report copy. This is how you depart the property.
You may also like to read : Free end of lease cleaning checklist
You’ll be charged to remove any trash or undesired things. Local councils can help you dispose of unwanted stuff.
Notify your energy providers and arrange final metre readings.
Return all keys and copies supplied at lease’s commencement.
Change your address and forward mail. Notify Housing SA of your address change if you have a bond guarantee.
Give your landlord your forwarding address. CBS needs your forwarding address.
Reference your landlord. A reference might help you find housing.
Claim your bail from your landlord.
End-lease cleaning cost?
Bond clean charges depend on your location, property size, and cleaning needs.
You could pay:
$150 for a tiny one-bedroom apartment with no carpet cleaning. This adds $40-$50.
$210 for 2 bedroom move out cleaning, $250 including carpet steam cleaning.
$290 for a three-bedroom house with carpet cleaning.
$340 for 4 bedrooms, $390 with carpet cleaning.
Move-out cleaning cost?
Moving out cleaning services in Australia charge $20 to $50 per hour or $200 to $1000 for larger homes.
Prices vary based on the services needed, the size of your property, and the amount of work. See below for average cleaning task pricing.
Vacate cleaning cost $200 for a modest house to $1000+ for bigger five/six bedroom properties.
Carpet steam cleaning costs $45 for a room or $2.50 per sqm, depending on the number of rooms.
Window cleaning: $225 or $30-45 per hour, depending on size, access, and filth.
To receive more accurate prices, request at least three local cleaning quotations from move out cleaning services near you.
