Kitchen
- Deep cleaning the oven (including trays and racks)
- Scrubbing stovetops and rangehood filters
- Cleaning inside and outside of cupboards
- Wiping down splashbacks and benchtops
- Removing grease build-up from tiles
Bond cleaning, often referred to as end-of-lease cleaning, is a crucial step in the moving process. For many tenants, understanding what's involved, how much it costs, and what landlords or property managers look for during inspections can make the difference between getting the full bond back or losing a significant portion of it.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about bond cleaning in Brisbane, with practical tips, examples, and a clear breakdown of your responsibilities.
What is Bond Cleaning?
Bond cleaning is a thorough, top-to-bottom cleaning of your rental property to meet the standards set by your lease agreement. It's not just a quick tidy-up; it's a detailed clean that ensures the property is in the same condition it was when you moved in (except for normal wear and tear).
For example, wiping down the kitchen counters or vacuuming the floors isn't enough. Property managers expect ovens, stovetops, exhaust fans, bathroom tiles, carpets, windows, and even hidden corners to be spotless. The real estate inspection checklist often runs several pages long, and missing just one area—like a dirty skirting board or dust behind blinds—can lead to deductions from your bond.
Why is Bond Cleaning So Important in Brisbane?
In Brisbane, tenants typically pay four weeks' rent upfront as a bond. For a property that rents at $600 a week, that's $2,400 held in trust by the Residential Tenancies Authority (RTA). When you vacate, the property manager or landlord inspects the home. If they believe it's not clean enough, they can lodge a claim against your bond to cover cleaning costs.
A tenant I once spoke with, Sarah, learned this the hard way. She thought she'd done a decent job cleaning her two-bedroom apartment but skipped professional carpet cleaning because she believed vacuuming was enough. The agent disagreed, citing stains and pet hair. As a result, $350 was deducted from her bond.
This is why many tenants in Brisbane choose to hire professional bond cleaners. They understand the expectations of property managers and can provide a bond back guarantee, which reduces the risk of disputes.
What's Included in a Bond Clean?
Every cleaning company may have its own checklist, but most bond cleans in Brisbane cover these key areas:
Bathrooms
- Cleaning showers, bathtubs, and screens to remove soap scum
- Scrubbing tiles and grout lines
- Polishing mirrors and taps
- Cleaning toilets inside and out
- Wiping down cupboards and vanities
Living Areas & Bedrooms
- Vacuuming and mopping floors
- Cleaning carpets (often steam cleaning is required)
- Wiping skirting boards, walls, and doors
- Dusting ceiling fans, blinds, and light fixtures
- Cleaning built-in wardrobes and cupboards
Laundry
- Cleaning sinks and taps
- Wiping down cupboards and surfaces
- Removing lint and dust
Outdoor Areas (if applicable)
- Sweeping patios and balconies
- Cleaning sliding door tracks
- Washing external windows
Most agents in Brisbane also expect the garage and driveway to be clean if they're part of the lease.
How Much Does Bond Cleaning Cost in Brisbane?
One of the most common questions tenants ask is about the end of lease cleaning cost. Prices vary depending on the size of your property, its condition, and whether extras like carpet steam cleaning or pest control are required.
Here's a rough guide:
Studio or one-bedroom unit
$200 – $300
Two-bedroom apartment
$300 – $450
Three-bedroom house
$400 – $600
Four-bedroom house
$600 – $900+
Carpet steam cleaning is often charged separately, ranging from $80 to $150, depending on the number of rooms. If you've had pets, most lease agreements also require pest control treatment, which adds another $120 to $200.
For example, John and Emily, a couple renting a three-bedroom townhouse in Brisbane's northside, paid $550 for a professional bond clean, $120 for carpet steam cleaning, and $150 for pest control. The total came to $820, but they considered it worthwhile to get their full $2,400 bond back without disputes.
DIY Bond Cleaning vs. Hiring Professionals
Some tenants wonder whether they can save money by doing the bond clean themselves. While it's possible, it's also risky.
DIY Cleaning
Pros:
Cheaper upfront, full control over what's cleaned.
Cons:
Very time-consuming (can take 2–3 full days), easy to miss areas, no bond back guarantee.
Professional Cleaning
Pros:
Experienced cleaners, bond back guarantee, saves time and stress, higher chance of passing inspection.
Cons:
Higher upfront cost.
If you have a small unit and plenty of free time, DIY might work. But for larger properties or if your schedule is packed with moving tasks, hiring professionals is usually worth the investment.
How to Choose the Right Bond Cleaners in Brisbane
Not all cleaning companies are equal. To avoid headaches, consider these tips:
- Check Reviews – Look for companies with consistent 4–5 star ratings on Google.
- Bond Back Guarantee – Choose cleaners who will return free of charge if the property manager isn't satisfied.
- Inclusions & Exclusions – Ask for a written checklist so you know exactly what's covered.
- Upfront Quote – Avoid vague pricing; get a clear, itemized quote.
- Extras – Check if they can handle carpets, pest control, or pressure cleaning if needed.
For example, a tenant in West End shared that their cleaners offered a $400 package but refused to return for free if the agent complained. They ended up paying another $200 to a different company. Don't make the same mistake—always confirm the guarantee.
Common Mistakes Tenants Make During Bond Cleaning
Even with the best intentions, tenants often miss important details. Here are some common pitfalls:
- Ă— Forgetting to clean inside kitchen drawers or cupboards
- Ă— Leaving streaks on mirrors and windows
- Ă— Skipping air vents, ceiling fans, or exhaust fans
- Ă— Not steam cleaning carpets when the lease requires it
- Ă— Overlooking outdoor areas like balconies and courtyards
Tip: Before handing back keys, walk through the property with a torch and checklist. This helps spot dust or marks you may have missed.
Bond Cleaning and Rental Inspections in Brisbane
After you move out, the property manager will conduct an exit inspection using the Entry Condition Report from when you moved in. They'll compare the property's current state against that original report.
If everything matches and is clean, they'll approve the bond refund. If not, they may request additional cleaning or lodge a claim.
Keep in mind that fair wear and tear (like faded paint or worn carpet from normal use) is not your responsibility. But any damage or lack of cleaning is.
Tips to Make Bond Cleaning Easier
- Start Early – Begin decluttering and wiping surfaces a week before moving day.
- Use a Checklist – Many cleaning companies publish detailed lists online—download one.
- Photographic Evidence – Take before-and-after photos to protect yourself.
- Book Professionals in Advance – Good cleaners in Brisbane get booked quickly, especially at the end of the month when many leases end.
- Confirm Requirements – Double-check if your lease specifies professional carpet or pest treatments.
Final Thoughts
Bond cleaning in Brisbane isn't something tenants should take lightly. With thousands of dollars of your bond at stake, ensuring the property meets the standards expected by landlords and agents is essential. Whether you decide to do it yourself or hire professionals, preparation and attention to detail are key.
By understanding what's involved, budgeting for the end of lease cleaning cost, and following a thorough checklist, you'll give yourself the best chance of a smooth handover and a full bond refund.
After all, moving should be about new beginnings—not disputes over cleanliness.