Moving out of a rental should feel like a fresh start — not a stressful tug-of-war between you and your real estate agent. Yet for most tenants, end-of-lease cleaning (also known as bond cleaning or end of tenancy cleaning) becomes the biggest hurdle before getting the full bond refund back.
This guide simplifies everything:
— What real estate agents look for
— What’s included in a proper bond clean
— Tenant responsibilities
— How to prepare
— And when hiring professionals saves time and protects your money
Why End-of-Lease Cleaning Matters So Much
When you signed your lease, you agreed to return the home in the same condition it was given to you (fair wear and tear accepted).
This is why:
- A detailed clean helps you meet the end of lease cleaning requirements
- Agents check every room thoroughly during the final inspection
- Any missed areas may lead to deductions from your bond
A proper bond clean is less about “looking nice” and more about meeting the standard expected by property managers in Queensland, so you get the 100% bond back.
What’s Included in a Standard End-of-Lease / Bond Clean?
Different companies include different services, but most professional cleaners follow a similar checklist.
Here’s a clean and simple breakdown:
🧹 General Areas
- Dusting of all surfaces
- Wiping doors, handles, switches
- Cleaning walls (spot cleaning)
- Skirting boards cleaned
- Cupboards inside & out
- Cobweb removal
- Window sills and tracks
- Floors vacuumed & mopped
🍳 Kitchen
- Stove, rangehood & filters
- Oven deep-cleaning
- Benchtops, splashback
- Sink, taps, drain
- Inside cupboards & drawers
- Dishwasher clean
🛁 Bathrooms & Laundry
- Shower screens & tiles
- Bathtub, basin & vanity
- Exhaust fans
- Mirrors
- Grout and mould removal
- Toilet sanitisation
🛏 Bedrooms & Living Areas
- Wardrobes inside-out
- Mirrors
- Light fittings
- Fans & vents
Optional Add-Ons (Highly Recommended)
Agents often expect more than the basic list. These optional services help “tick every box”:
- Carpet steam cleaning
- Wall washing
- Blinds cleaning
- Balcony/garage cleaning
- Pest control
- Upholstery cleaning
- Pressure washing outdoor areas
What Tenants Are Responsible For
Real estate agents in QLD expect the property to be left:
- Clean
- Rubbish free
- Damage-free (except fair wear & tear)
- Professionally cleaned if required by lease
- Carpets steam cleaned if stated in the agreement
Important note:
You don’t have to fix structural issues — only cleaning and minor presentation issues.
Common Mistakes Tenants Make (That Cause Bond Deductions)
A quick list of things renters often overlook:
Missed Area | Why It Matters |
Oven | Agents always check it closely |
Bathroom grout | Looks dirty even when room is clean |
Window tracks | Dust & mould buildup |
Fans & light fittings | Easily missed |
Skirting boards | Collect hidden dust |
Blinds | One of the top causes of complaints |
Spot stains on walls | Agents expect clean appearance |
Dirty carpets | Major reason for bond deduction |
How Long Does an End-of-Lease Clean Take?
A full cleaning session can take anywhere between 4 to 12+ hours, depending on:
- Size of the property
- Condition of the home
- Number of cleaners
- Whether add-ons like carpet steam cleaning are included
Larger homes (4–5 bedrooms) usually require a team of 2–3 cleaners and may take most of the day.
Should You Clean Yourself or Hire Professionals?
📍 Do it Yourself (DIY)
Good for tenants who:
- Have the time
- Have the right equipment
- Are confident they can meet agent expectations
📍 Hire Professional End-of-Lease Cleaners
Good for tenants who:
- Need a bond-back guarantee
- Don’t want to repeat cleaning after inspection
- Want carpet steam cleaning included
- Don’t have the time or tools
Professional cleaners also follow strict end of lease cleaning checklists similar to what property managers use.
How Much Does an End-of-Lease Clean Cost in Brisbane?
Pricing varies depending on location, property size, and extra services.
For Brisbane, you can check the full price guide here
Why Choose All in One Aussie Cleaning for Your End-of-Lease Clean?
We specialise in Bond Cleaning, Carpet Steam Cleaning, and End-of-Lease Cleaning across Brisbane and surrounding suburbs.
What you get with us:
- Trained & experienced cleaners
- Full agent-approved cleaning checklist
- Optional add-ons like carpet cleaning, garage clean, pressure wash
- Honest pricing
- Reliable customer service
- Real support until your bond is returned
Explore more about our cleaning services here!
