Quick Cost Summary
- 1 Bedroom Unit: $200-$400
- 2 Bedroom Unit: $300-$500
- 3 Bedroom House: $400-$700
- 4+ Bedroom House: $500-$900+
- Bond Back Guarantee: Usually included
End of Lease Cleaning Cost Structure
End of lease cleaning (also known as bond cleaning or exit cleaning) is a comprehensive deep clean required when vacating rental properties. Professional cleaning ensures you meet tenancy requirements and maximize bond recovery.
End of Lease Cleaning Pricing Methods
| Pricing Method | Rate Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Fixed Package Price | $200-$900+ | Standard properties, predictable costs |
| Per Room Rate | $60-$150 per room | Flexible cleaning scope |
| Hourly Rate | $40-$80 per hour | Additional cleaning, touch-ups |
| Per Square Metre | $3-$8 per m² | Large properties, commercial |
End of Lease Cleaning Costs by Property Size
Property size and complexity determine the base cost of end of lease cleaning:
Residential Property Pricing
Studio/1 Bedroom
- Studio apartment: $200-$300
- 1 bedroom unit: $250-$400
- 1 bedroom house: $300-$450
- Time required: 4-6 hours
2 Bedroom Properties
- 2 bedroom unit: $300-$500
- 2 bedroom townhouse: $350-$550
- 2 bedroom house: $400-$600
- Time required: 5-8 hours
3 Bedroom Properties
- 3 bedroom unit: $400-$600
- 3 bedroom townhouse: $450-$650
- 3 bedroom house: $500-$700
- Time required: 6-10 hours
4+ Bedroom Properties
- 4 bedroom house: $600-$800
- 5+ bedroom house: $700-$1,000+
- Luxury properties: $800-$1,500+
- Time required: 8-15+ hours
What's Included in End of Lease Cleaning
Professional end of lease cleaning covers all areas required for bond recovery:
Kitchen Cleaning Checklist
Kitchen Deep Clean
- Oven Deep Clean: Interior, racks, trays, glass door
- Stovetop & Rangehood: Burners, drip trays, filters
- Refrigerator: Interior, exterior, seals, coils
- Dishwasher: Interior, filters, seals, exterior
- Cupboards: Inside and outside, shelves, handles
- Benchtops & Splashback: Deep clean and sanitize
- Sink & Taps: Descale, polish, drain cleaning
Bathroom Cleaning Checklist
| Area | Cleaning Tasks | Special Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Shower/Bath | Tiles, grout, glass, taps, drains | Mould, soap scum removal |
| Toilet | Bowl, seat, cistern, base, surrounds | Disinfection, limescale |
| Vanity | Basin, taps, mirror, cupboards | Water marks, storage areas |
| Floors & Walls | Tiles, grout, skirting, exhaust fan | Deep clean, ventilation |
Living Areas and Bedrooms
- Floors: Vacuum carpets, mop hard floors, clean skirting boards
- Windows: Inside and outside (ground floor), tracks, sills
- Walls: Spot cleaning, scuff marks, light switches
- Ceiling Fans: Blades, motor housing, light fittings
- Built-in Storage: Wardrobes, cupboards, shelves
- Air Conditioning: Filters, vents, remote control
- Doors & Frames: Both sides, handles, hinges
Additional Services and Costs
Some properties require extra services beyond standard end of lease cleaning:
Common Add-On Services
Interior Extras
- Carpet steam cleaning: $150-$400
- Blind cleaning: $8-$25 per blind
- Garage cleaning: $80-$200
- Laundry deep clean: $50-$120
Exterior Extras
- Balcony/patio cleaning: $80-$150
- External window cleaning: $5-$15 per window
- Pressure cleaning: $200-$500
- Garden cleanup: $150-$400
Specialist Services
- Pest control treatment: $150-$300
- Mould treatment: $200-$500
- Smoke odour removal: $300-$800
- Pet odour treatment: $200-$600
Emergency Services
- Same-day service: +50-100% premium
- Weekend service: +20-40% surcharge
- Public holiday: +50-100% premium
- After-hours: +30-60% surcharge
Bond Back Guarantees
Most professional end of lease cleaners offer bond back guarantees:
Guarantee Terms
Typical Guarantee Coverage
- 100% Bond Back Guarantee: Return to re-clean if real estate fails inspection
- Time Limit: Usually 72 hours to 7 days after initial clean
- Coverage Scope: Items listed on original cleaning checklist
- Exclusions: Damage, pre-existing issues, additional items
- Documentation: Photos taken before and after cleaning
- Re-clean Promise: Free return visit to address any issues
Guarantee Limitations
- Property Damage: Pre-existing damage not covered
- Unreasonable Requests: Items beyond normal cleaning scope
- Time Limits: Must notify within guarantee period
- Access Requirements: Must provide property access for re-clean
- Payment Terms: Usually requires full payment before guarantee
Factors Affecting End of Lease Cleaning Costs
Several factors influence the final cost of your bond cleaning:
Property Condition Impact
Condition-Based Pricing
Standard Pricing
- Regular tenant cleaning maintained
- No excessive wear and tear
- Standard soil and grime levels
- All fixtures in working order
Premium Pricing (+30-100%)
- Neglected cleaning over long periods
- Heavy grease, grime, or staining
- Mould, pest, or odour issues
- Smokers or pet-related cleaning
Property Features and Complexity
- Multiple Bathrooms: +$80-$150 per additional bathroom
- Pool/Spa: +$200-$500 for basic cleaning
- Multiple Levels: +20-30% for stairs and access
- High Ceilings: +$100-$300 for specialized equipment
- Luxury Finishes: +20-40% for delicate materials
- Remote Location: +$50-$200 travel surcharge
Regional End of Lease Cleaning Pricing
Cleaning costs vary across Australian cities and regions:
Sydney
- 1 bedroom: $250-$450
- 2 bedroom: $350-$550
- 3 bedroom: $500-$750
- Highest rates, premium market
Melbourne
- 1 bedroom: $230-$400
- 2 bedroom: $320-$500
- 3 bedroom: $450-$700
- Strong competition, good value
Brisbane
- 1 bedroom: $200-$380
- 2 bedroom: $300-$480
- 3 bedroom: $400-$650
- Good value with quality service
Perth & Adelaide
- 1 bedroom: $200-$350
- 2 bedroom: $280-$450
- 3 bedroom: $380-$600
- Most competitive pricing
Timing and Scheduling Considerations
Proper timing is crucial for successful end of lease cleaning:
Optimal Scheduling Strategy
Timing Recommendations
- Book Early: 1-2 weeks before lease end date
- Complete After Removal: All belongings moved out first
- Weekday Preference: Better availability and rates
- Buffer Time: Allow 2-3 days before inspection
- Weather Consideration: Indoor/outdoor cleaning coordination
- Final Inspection: Schedule after cleaning completion
Peak Season Considerations
- Peak Moving Periods: End of December, January, March
- Holiday Seasons: Christmas/New Year, Easter periods
- Booking Pressure: 2-3 week advance booking recommended
- Premium Rates: +20-50% during peak demand
- Limited Availability: Reduced cleaner availability
DIY vs Professional End of Lease Cleaning
Compare DIY cleaning versus professional bond cleaning services:
Cost and Value Comparison
| Aspect | DIY Approach | Professional Service |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Cost | $100-$300 (supplies + equipment) | $200-$900+ (full service) |
| Time Investment | 15-40+ hours over several days | None (4-12 hours by professionals) |
| Equipment Needed | Purchase/rent cleaning equipment | Professional-grade equipment included |
| Bond Risk | Higher risk of failed inspection | Bond back guarantee typically included |
| Convenience | High stress, physical effort | Hands-off, guaranteed results |
When Professional Cleaning Makes Sense
- High Bond Values: $2,000+ bonds warrant professional service
- Time Constraints: Moving deadlines and scheduling pressure
- Complex Properties: Large homes, multiple bathrooms, specialty surfaces
- Poor Property Condition: Significant cleaning challenges
- Stress Reduction: Moving is stressful enough without cleaning worries
- Guarantee Value: Bond back guarantees provide peace of mind
Choosing the Right End of Lease Cleaner
Selecting experienced, insured cleaners is crucial for bond recovery:
Essential Cleaner Qualifications
- Public Liability Insurance: Minimum $5-10 million coverage
- Bond Cleaning Experience: Specialized in end of lease cleaning
- Local Knowledge: Understanding of local real estate standards
- Equipment Standards: Professional-grade cleaning equipment
- Positive Reviews: Recent testimonials from successful bond recoveries
Questions to Ask Potential Cleaners
- Do you specialize in end of lease cleaning?
- What does your bond back guarantee cover?
- Can you provide a detailed cleaning checklist?
- How do you handle failed inspections?
- What is your experience with [your real estate agent]?
- Do you provide before and after photos?
- What payment terms do you offer?
- Can you provide recent customer references?
Real Estate Agent Expectations
Understanding real estate standards helps ensure successful bond recovery:
Common Inspection Failure Points
Areas That Often Fail Inspection
- Oven Interior: Burnt-on grease, racks, glass door
- Bathroom Grout: Mould, soap scum, discoloration
- Window Tracks: Built-up dirt and debris
- Skirting Boards: Dust, scuff marks, pet hair
- Light Fixtures: Dead bugs, dust accumulation
- Carpet Stains: Spots that require professional treatment
- Rangehood Filters: Grease buildup and odours
Documentation and Evidence
- Entry Condition Report: Compare with entry inspection
- Before/After Photos: Document cleaning completion
- Cleaning Receipts: Proof of professional cleaning
- Checklist Completion: Signed off by cleaning company
- Guarantee Certificate: Bond back guarantee documentation
Payment Terms and Pricing
Understanding payment structures helps budget for end of lease cleaning:
Common Payment Options
Payment Structures
- Full Payment Upfront: Most common, often required for guarantees
- Deposit + Balance: 50% booking deposit, 50% on completion
- Payment on Completion: Full payment after cleaning finished
- Bond Recovery Split: Payment from bond recovery (rare)
- Payment Methods: Cash, card, bank transfer, PayPal
Hidden Costs to Watch For
- Travel Charges: Distance-based fees for remote properties
- Access Fees: Difficult access or high-rise surcharges
- Supply Costs: Premium cleaning products or equipment
- Weekend/Holiday Rates: Premium timing surcharges
- Re-clean Fees: Additional costs for guarantee claims
- Parking Fees: CBD or restricted parking areas
Why Choose Mates Rates for End of Lease Cleaning?
0% Service Fees for Cleaners
Unlike Airtasker's 10-20% fees, our verified bond cleaners keep 100% of their quoted price, meaning better value for your end of lease cleaning.
Low 10% Fee Capped at $60
You'll only pay a 10% service fee capped at maximum $60, compared to Airtasker's uncapped fees that could add $20-$90+ to your bond cleaning bill.
Bond Back Guarantee Specialists
All cleaners are experienced in end of lease cleaning with bond back guarantees and knowledge of Australian rental standards.
Local Real Estate Knowledge
Australian-owned platform connecting you with cleaners who understand local real estate agents, property managers, and inspection requirements.
Cost-Saving Tips
Budget Optimization Strategies
- Book Early: Avoid peak season and last-minute premium rates
- Pre-Clean Prep: Basic cleaning reduces professional time needed
- Package Deals: Combine with carpet cleaning or pest control
- Weekday Booking: Avoid weekend and holiday surcharges
- Multiple Quotes: Compare 3-5 cleaners for best value
- Local Cleaners: Avoid travel fees with nearby professionals
Maximizing Bond Recovery
- Professional Service: Higher success rate than DIY cleaning
- Documentation: Keep all cleaning receipts and photos
- Communication: Discuss specific concerns with property manager
- Prompt Action: Address any inspection failures immediately
- Know Your Rights: Understand tenancy laws in your state
Ready to Get End of Lease Cleaning Quotes?
Connect with verified end of lease cleaning professionals for your bond cleaning needs. Get detailed quotes with bond back guarantees, transparent pricing and low fees.
✓ Compare quotes from verified bond cleaners ✓ 0% fees for professionals ✓ Low 10% fee capped at $60
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does end of lease cleaning cost in Australia?
End of lease cleaning costs $200-$400 for 1 bedroom properties, $300-$500 for 2 bedroom properties, and $400-$700+ for 3+ bedroom houses, including bond back guarantees.
Do I legally need professional end of lease cleaning?
While not legally required, most rental agreements specify professional cleaning standards. Professional cleaning significantly increases bond recovery success rates.
What happens if the property fails inspection after cleaning?
With a bond back guarantee, the cleaning company returns to address any issues free of charge within the guarantee period (usually 72 hours to 7 days).
How long does end of lease cleaning take?
Professional end of lease cleaning takes 4-6 hours for small properties and 8-15+ hours for large houses, depending on size and condition.
Should I be present during the cleaning?
You don't need to be present, but many tenants prefer a final walkthrough to ensure all areas are covered according to the checklist.
How much can I save using Mates Rates instead of Airtasker?
With Airtasker's 10-20% uncapped fees, you could save $20-$180+ on a $200-$900 end of lease cleaning by using Mates Rates' low 10% service fee capped at maximum $60.