Introduction: Leaving Your Rental Doesn’t Have to Be Stressful

Moving house is stressful enough — organising removalists, packing up everything you own, updating your address, and trying to get your full bond back. But one thing that consistently catches renters by surprise is the cost of end of lease cleaning.

Some cleaners quote $250… others quote $700… and many don’t clearly explain what’s included. With real estate agents becoming stricter each year, it’s no wonder Aussies feel overwhelmed.

The good news? With the right knowledge, you can avoid overpaying AND avoid losing your bond. This guide breaks down exactly how to choose the right cleaner, what a fair price looks like, and how to protect yourself from unnecessary charges.

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1. What Makes End of Lease Cleaning Different From Regular Cleaning?

A bond clean isn’t just a “bigger clean” — it’s a real estate inspection-level clean. The goal is to return the property as close as possible to its original condition, minus fair wear and tear.

Bond cleaning includes:

• Walls cleaned
• Windows (inside)
• Oven scrubbed inside/out
• Rangehood degreased
• Bathrooms sanitised top to bottom
• Floors vacuumed and mopped
• Skirting boards
• Light switches, powerpoints, marks on walls
• Cupboards inside and out
• Door frames and handles
• Window tracks
• Carpet steam clean (in many lease agreements)
• Removal of cobwebs

Real estate agents have strict expectations because they compare your final inspection to the condition report you completed when you moved in.

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2. What Is the Average Cost of End of Lease Cleaning in Australia?

Prices vary by state, cleaner experience, and the size of your property, but here are the realistic averages for 2025:

Apartments:

• 1 bedroom: $250–$400
• 2 bedroom: $350–$500
• 3 bedroom: $450–$650

Houses:

• 3 bedroom house: $450–$700
• 4 bedroom house: $550–$800+

Extras that may increase cost:

• Carpet steam cleaning
• Garage cleaning
• Balcony cleaning
• Blinds
• External windows
• Heavily stained oven
• Heavy mould or grime

If someone quotes far below these averages, it’s usually because they cut corners or exclude essential tasks.

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3. Why Some End of Lease Quotes Are So Expensive

You may wonder why one company charges $300 and another charges $750 for the same-sized home. The difference often comes down to:

✔ Time Required

Bond cleans can take anywhere from 5 to 12+ hours depending on condition.

✔ Size of Cleaning Team

Some companies send 2–4 cleaners to finish faster.

✔ Inclusions

A cheap quote may exclude:

• Oven
• Windows
• Wall scuff removal
• Carpet steam cleaning

So always check what’s included.

✔ Guarantee Quality

Bond-back guarantees cost more because:

• Cleaners may need to return if real estate requests a re-clean
• They take more time and detail to reduce that risk

✔ Real Estate Expectations

In cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, real estate agents are very strict, increasing the standard required.

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4. How to Avoid Overpaying for End of Lease Cleaning

Here’s where you can save yourself hundreds of dollars — without risking your bond.

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✔ 1. Compare at Least Three Quotes

Prices can vary wildly. Comparing quotes gives you:

• The average market price
• Clear differences in inclusions
• The ability to negotiate

Many renters overpay simply because they choose the first cleaner they find online.

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✔ 2. Always Ask for a Full List of Inclusions

A proper bond clean must include certain items. A cheap quote might skip the oven, windows, blinds or wall marks and then add them as “extras” later.

Ask for a checklist, including:

• Oven
• Rangehood
• Walls (spot clean or full clean)
• Windows inside
• Cupboards (inside/outside)
• Skirting boards
• Carpet steam cleaning

If they can’t provide a list — avoid them.

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✔ 3. Don’t Pay Extra for Small Items That Should Be Included

Some cleaners charge for basics like:

• Wiping switches
• Dusting skirting boards
• Vacuuming carpet
• Cleaning bathroom tiles

These should always be included in a bond clean. If not, you’re dealing with a cleaner who may add unexpected charges.

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✔ 4. Check Their Bond-Back Guarantee

A bond-back guarantee is incredibly valuable.

A good guarantee means:

• They return for free if the agent isn’t satisfied
• They follow the Real Estate Industry cleaning standards
• You aren’t left in the middle between the cleaner and your agent

Warning: Some cheap cleaners claim to offer a “bond guarantee” but refuse to return when asked.

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✔ 5. Declutter Before They Arrive

The cleaner charges for cleaning — not organising. The more clutter or belongings left in the property, the longer the job takes.

Remove beforehand:

• Fridge
• Clothes
• Boxes
• Rubbish
• Furniture
• Bathroom items

This saves you time AND money.

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✔ 6. Do the Simple Tasks Yourself

If you’re trying to save money, doing minor tasks can reduce the total time needed.

Examples:

• Remove all rubbish
• Wipe down simple marks
• Empty drawers/cupboards
• Do an initial vacuum or sweep
• Remove dust from blinds with a cloth

These small things often cut 30–60 minutes off the job.

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✔ 7. Avoid Cleaners Who Only Offer Hourly Rates

Hourly rates sound cheap, but for bond cleaning, they’re risky.

Why?

• Bond cleaning must be done to a checklist
• Some cleaners stretch the hours
• You won’t know the total cost until the end

A fixed-price quote is safer and more transparent.

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5. Signs You’re Dealing With a Trusted Bond Cleaner

Here’s what the best bond cleaners usually offer:

✔ Written quote
✔ Clear checklist
✔ Bond-back guarantee (7–72 hours)
✔ Google/Facebook reviews
✔ ABN details
✔ Before/after photos
✔ Professional equipment
✔ Carpet steam cleaning available

If they don’t have any of these — move on.

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6. Signs You’re About to Overpay or Be Scammed

Avoid cleaners who:

⚠ Give vague “starting from” prices
⚠ Won’t specify what’s included
⚠ Demand cash upfront
⚠ Offer no reviews or online presence
⚠ Have no ABN
⚠ Won’t give a written quote
⚠ Charge extra for every minor task
⚠ Make unrealistic promises like “instant bond guaranteed no matter what”

These are common with cheap ads on social media marketplaces.

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Final Thoughts

Your end of lease clean is one of the most important parts of moving out. Paying too much is frustrating — but choosing the cheapest cleaner can put your bond at risk. The smartest approach is to compare quotes, understand exactly what’s included, and choose someone who offers transparency and a guarantee.

A well-done end of lease clean protects your bond, reduces stress, and ensures a smooth handover back to your real estate agent.