End-of-lease cleaning, sometimes called bond cleaning or vacate cleaning, is one of those non-negotiables when you're moving out of a rental. Whether you’re in a studio apartment in Sydney or a family home in Melbourne, moving out comes with a checklist of tasks, and your rental bond usually depends on leaving the place spotless.
But what exactly does end-of-lease cleaning involve? How much does it cost? And do you really have to hire a professional cleaner, or can you do it yourself? In this guide, we’ll break it down for you: from cleaning checklists to pest control requirements, plus a cost comparison across major cities like Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide and beyond.
Let’s dive in.
End-of-lease cleaning is more than just a quick tidy; it’s a top-to-bottom reset of the property before you move, so it's ready for the next tenant. Often called bond cleaning or vacate cleaning, it goes well beyond regular housework and is usually a condition of your lease to help secure the return of your bond.
It includes:
Some agencies or landlords may also require things like garage or balcony cleaning, garden tidying, and professional carpet or pest treatment.
In most cases, vacate cleaning and end-of-lease cleaning are used interchangeably. They both refer to the detailed clean you complete when vacating a rental property.
Some professional cleaners may use slightly different terms depending on your state, but the services are usually the same.
The vacate cleaning cost will depend on the size of your home, your location, and any extras like carpet steam cleaning.
Here’s what you can expect across major cities.
| City | Estimated Cost |
| Perth | $350 – $550 |
| Adelaide | $300 – $500 |
| Sydney | $400 – $600 |
| Melbourne | $350 – $550 |
| Brisbane | $350 – $550 |
| City | Estimated Cost |
| Perth | $450 – $700 |
| Adelaide | $400 – $700 |
| Sydney | $500 – $800 |
| Melbourne | $450 – $700 |
| Brisbane | $450 – $700 |
Source: The Property Tribune
Note: Prices shown are general estimates only. Actual costs may vary depending on your state’s tenancy laws, local demand, and the level of cleaning required; especially if the carpets need deep cleaning or the property hasn’t been well maintained during the lease. Before booking, it’s worth searching for “end-of-lease cleaners near me” to compare local services and get accurate quotes.
If you’re also budgeting for the move itself, our guide on what it costs to move rental properties breaks down the expenses you’ll want to factor in alongside cleaning.
If you’ve had pets, pest control may be a condition of your lease and it's also quite a common reason for bond deductions.
Cost: Around $80–$150, depending on property size and pest type.
You can absolutely do it yourself, but it needs to meet the high standards of real estate agents and property managers.
Learn more about bond returns and dispute resolution via NSW Fair Trading.
No. Property managers often suggest cleaners, but you’re free to choose your own — as long as the results meet inspection standards.
Just be sure to:
It’s often the smallest things that cost the most, especially when it comes to your bond. Whether you’re going the DIY route or hiring a professional cleaner, there are always a few sneaky spots that tend to get overlooked. And unfortunately, they’re usually the things that property managers will zero in on during inspections.
Think oven trays, rangehood filters, and the tracks of sliding doors. Window sills that collect dust. Skirting boards. Inside cupboards and drawers (yes, even the ones way up high). Marks on walls that could be gently wiped away. And don’t forget outdoor areas like balconies, garages, or storage units, they’re part of the property too.
If you’re DIYing, these are the things you’ll want to double-check before handing the keys back. And if you’ve hired professionals, it’s worth walking through with the checklist (you’ll find one below) to make sure nothing’s been missed. A few extra minutes of detail could save you hundreds in withheld bond money.
Timing matters. Here’s a quick guide to when to book, clean, and do your final checks.
This checklist helps you cover every detail, whether you’re scrubbing yourself or hiring a professional.
General:
Bedrooms/Living:
Outside:
While there’s no law that says you must hire a professional, the Residential Tenancies Act in each state requires tenants to return the property in the same condition it was in at the start (excluding fair wear and tear). If the property isn’t cleaned to that standard, part (or all) of your bond could be withheld.
For an example of what’s involved in bond refunds and end-of-lease obligations, see the guidelines from Consumer Affairs Victoria, but be sure to check your own state’s tenancy authority for the most accurate information. You might also want to read our guide on Renting in Australia - What you need to know as a tenant for a broader run down of your rights and responsibilities.
If part of your bond is withheld and you disagree, you can apply for dispute resolution through your state’s tenancy authority. Each state has a process for tenants and landlords to resolve bond disagreements fairly.
A few final checks can make the difference between a full refund and a costly deduction.
Whether you’re scrubbing the skirting boards or checking off your final inspection list, the last days in a rental can feel like a whirlwind. Once the cleaning is sorted, the big move is next, and that’s where Upmove comes in.
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