End of Lease Cleaning: Complete Cost Breakdown for 2026

End of lease cleaning (also called bond cleaning or vacate cleaning) is one of the most important steps in moving out of a rental property. Get it right and you’ll get your full bond back. Get it wrong and you could lose hundreds — or even thousands — of dollars.

This guide covers exactly what end of lease cleaning costs in 2026, what’s included, and how to make sure you pass the final inspection.

End of Lease Cleaning Costs by Property Size

Property Size	Standard Clean	Deep Clean (with extras)
Studio / 1 bedroom	$250–$380	$350–$500
2 bedroom	$320–$480	$450–$650
3 bedroom	$400–$600	$550–$800
4 bedroom	$500–$750	$700–$1,000
5+ bedroom	$650–$950	$900–$1,300+

Prices are in AUD and based on 2026 national averages. Prices vary by city and property condition.

What’s Included in a Standard End of Lease Clean?

A professional end of lease cleaning service typically covers:

Kitchen

Oven cleaning (inside, outside, racks, trays, drip pans)
Rangehood degreasing (filter, exterior, interior)
Stovetop and splashback cleaning
Dishwasher interior clean
All cupboards and drawers wiped inside and out
Benchtops, sink, and tapware cleaned and polished
Fridge cleaned inside and out (if left for tenant)

Bathrooms & Toilets

Shower screen descaled and cleaned
Tiles and grout scrubbed (mould removal)
Toilet cleaned inside, outside, and behind
Vanity, mirror, and cabinets cleaned
Exhaust fan cover cleaned
Tapware polished, drains cleared of hair

All Rooms

Walls spot-cleaned (scuff marks, handprints)
Skirting boards wiped
Light switches and power points wiped
Light fittings dusted
Ceiling fans and air vents dusted
Windows cleaned (interior side)
Window sills and tracks cleaned
Doors and door frames wiped
Carpet vacuumed or hard floors mopped

Laundry

Washing machine tub cleaned
Dryer lint trap cleaned
Laundry tub and tapware cleaned
Cupboards wiped

Common Extras & Add-On Costs

Extra Service	Cost
Carpet steam cleaning (per room)	$35–$60
Carpet steam cleaning (whole house)	$150–$350
External window cleaning	$80–$200
Blind cleaning (per blind)	$10–$25
Wall washing (full walls, not spot)	$150–$350
Garage cleaning	$50–$150
Balcony / courtyard cleaning	$50–$120
Flea treatment (pet owners)	$80–$200

Carpet steam cleaning is almost always required by landlords in addition to the general clean. Many end-of-lease cleaners offer it as a package deal, which is usually cheaper than booking separately.

What Affects the Price?

Property condition

If the property hasn’t been regularly maintained, expect to pay 20–40% more. Heavy grease buildup in kitchens, mould in bathrooms, and ground-in carpet stains all require extra time and products.

City

Sydney and Melbourne are the most expensive cities for end-of-lease cleaning, with prices 15–25% above the national average. Adelaide, Brisbane, and Perth are generally cheaper.

Pets

If you had pets, the property likely needs additional treatments: flea treatment ($80–$200), extra carpet cleaning, and more thorough vacuuming. Pet hair in carpet and upholstery takes significantly longer to remove.

Smoking

Smoking indoors causes nicotine staining on walls, ceilings, and window coverings. This requires specialist cleaning and may cost an additional $200–$500+.

Bond-Back Guarantee: What It Actually Means

Most professional end-of-lease cleaners offer a “bond-back guarantee.” This means if the property manager identifies cleaning issues in the final inspection, the cleaner will return and address them at no extra cost.

Important conditions to check:

How long does the guarantee last? (48 hours? 7 days? Until the inspection?)
Does it cover all items or just specific ones?
Do you need to notify them within a specific timeframe?
Is the guarantee void if someone else enters the property after cleaning?

Choose a cleaner with at least a 72-hour guarantee — ideally one that lasts until your final inspection, whenever that falls.

DIY vs Professional: Is It Worth Hiring?

The case for professional cleaning

Property managers know what professional cleaning looks like — DIY cleans are often picked up
Professional cleaners have industrial-grade products and equipment
Bond-back guarantee means you’re protected if something is missed
Time savings: a professional team of 2–3 cleaners can do a 3-bedroom house in 4–6 hours

The case for DIY

You save $300–$600+
You can be as thorough as you want
Suitable if you’ve maintained the property well during your tenancy

Our recommendation: hire professionals for the general clean and carpet steam cleaning, especially if your bond is $1,500+. The cost of the clean ($400–$700) is small compared to the risk of losing part of your bond.

State-by-State Bond Rules

NSW

Maximum bond is 4 weeks’ rent. Landlords must lodge it with NSW Fair Trading. To claim the bond back, you and the landlord both submit claim forms. If there’s a dispute, it goes to the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT).

Victoria

Maximum bond is 4 weeks’ rent (for rent under $900/week). Lodged with the Residential Tenancies Bond Authority (RTBA). Disputes are resolved at VCAT.

Queensland

Maximum bond is 4 weeks’ rent. Lodged with the Residential Tenancies Authority (RTA). The RTA offers free dispute resolution before escalation to QCAT.

South Australia

Maximum bond is typically 4 weeks’ rent. Managed by Consumer and Business Services SA. Disputes go to the SA Civil and Administrative Tribunal (SACAT).

Tips to Get Your Full Bond Back

Take photos at move-in: Document the property’s condition when you move in. This is your evidence baseline for move-out.
Clean regularly during your tenancy: Oven, rangehood, shower grout, and carpet are the worst offenders. Regular maintenance prevents buildup.
Book early: End-of-lease cleaners book out fast at the end of each month and during peak moving season (December–January). Book 2–3 weeks ahead.
Use the condition report: Go through the original condition report item by item to ensure everything is addressed.
Don’t forget outside: Balconies, courtyards, garages, and garden maintenance are common bond deduction items.
Handle pest control separately: If your lease requires a pest treatment (common in Queensland), book a licensed pest controller and keep the receipt.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is end of lease cleaning mandatory?

Not technically — but your lease requires you to return the property in a “reasonably clean” condition (consistent with fair wear and tear). Professional cleaning is the most reliable way to meet this standard and get your bond back.

Can my landlord make me use a specific cleaner?

No. Your landlord or property manager cannot require you to use a specific cleaning company. You have the right to choose your own cleaner, as long as the result meets the required standard.

What if I disagree with the final inspection?

If the property manager claims the cleaning isn’t adequate, ask for specific items in writing. If you believe the claims are unreasonable (e.g., normal wear and tear being called “dirty”), dispute the bond claim through your state’s tenancy authority.

Do I need to steam clean the carpets?

It depends on your lease. Many leases require professional carpet steam cleaning at vacate. Even if not required, it’s recommended — visibly clean carpets are one of the first things property managers check.

When should I book the end of lease clean?

Book for the day after your last day in the property (after all furniture and belongings are removed). This gives the cleaners full access and prevents anything being dirtied after cleaning.

How We Collect These Prices

Our pricing data comes from real quotes and invoices from professional cleaning companies across all major Australian cities. We survey 50+ cleaning companies quarterly to ensure our data reflects current market rates.

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