How much does end of tenancy cleaning cost in Australia?
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Key takeaways
- Most end of tenancy cleaning jobs in Australia land between A$250–A$850 — known locally as bond cleaning (end of lease cleaning).
- Rental bonds are lodged with state government authorities and disputes go to state tribunals, which compare exit condition against the entry condition report. Leases commonly require carpet steam cleaning and pest treatment only where specific conditions (e.g. pets) apply.
- Prices below are researched national ranges, updated July 2026 — not quotes.
End of Tenancy Cleaning prices by job size in Australia
| Job size | Low | Typical | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bed unit Bond clean to agency checklist, oven and range hood included | A$250 | A$330 | A$450 |
| 2-bed unit Full bond clean with windows, tracks and wet areas descaled | A$320 | A$430 | A$600 |
| 3-bed house Whole-house bond clean; carpet steam cleaning quoted per room extra | A$450 | A$600 | A$850 |
Per-unit rates
| Unit | Low | Typical | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| per hour (per cleaner) | A$40 | A$55 | A$75 |
What affects the price
- Job size and scope — bigger or more complex jobs move you up the ranges above.
- Access and condition — hard-to-reach areas, older properties or neglected maintenance add labour time.
- Materials and quality level — where materials are involved, the grade you choose often matters more than labour.
- Urgency — same-day or out-of-hours work usually carries a premium.
- Where you live — large metros in Australia typically run above the national range; smaller towns below it.
How to save
- Get at least three quotes and compare like-for-like scopes, not just totals.
- Be flexible on timing — off-peak slots are often cheaper.
- Bundle related tasks into one visit to spread call-out costs.
- Agree the scope in writing up front to avoid change-order surprises.
How to hire a end of tenancy cleaning pro in Australia
- Check your state's condition report rules — bonds are held by state authorities (RTBA in Victoria, NSW Fair Trading, RTA in Queensland), not the landlord
- Book a cleaner who works to the REI/agency bond-clean checklist for your state
- Confirm a bond-back re-clean guarantee (72 hours is standard) in writing
- Include oven, range hood, and tracks/screens — the classic bond-deduction items
- If your lease was pet-approved, check whether flea treatment and carpet steam cleaning are required clauses
- Keep the invoice; bond claims are arbitrated by the state tribunal (VCAT, NCAT, QCAT) against the entry condition report
Red flags
- 'Bond back guarantee' claims with no written re-clean terms
- Quotes that exclude the oven or windows to look cheap
- Operators without public liability insurance
- Pressure to pay cash with no invoice — you need the invoice for the tribunal
How Handld researches prices
These are researched estimates, not quotes and not our transaction data. We compile ranges from published sources — national statistics, trade bodies and incumbent cost guides — normalise them to AUD, and adjust city pages by a population-based cost tier. Last updated July 2026. Basis: Airtasker and hipages bond cleaning price guides; Queensland RTA / state tribunal guidance.
Frequently asked questions
Can I do the end of tenancy clean myself?
Legally yes in most markets — you are obliged to meet a cleanliness standard, not to hire a company. In practice, ovens, limescale, and carpet stains are where DIY cleans fail checkout inspections, so budget serious time and proper products if you go that route.
What is the difference between a deep clean and an end of tenancy clean?
An end of tenancy clean follows an agency-style checklist designed to pass a checkout inspection, covering inside appliances and cupboards in an empty property. A deep clean is done in a furnished, lived-in home and is scoped room by room rather than to an inventory standard.
Do cleaners bring their own equipment for a move-out clean?
Yes. End of tenancy crews arrive with professional products, oven-cleaning chemicals, and often steam or hot-water extraction machines. You only need to provide access, power, and running water.
Should carpets be professionally cleaned at move-out?
If the carpets were professionally cleaned before you moved in, or your lease requires it, yes — keep the receipt. Otherwise vacuuming plus spot-cleaning to match the move-in condition is generally enough.
Do I need professional cleaning to get my deposit back?
You need to return the property in the same state of cleanliness as when you moved in, allowing for fair wear and tear. Cleaning disputes are the single most common reason deposits get docked, so a professional clean with an invoice is cheap insurance on larger deposits.
Is end of tenancy cleaning guaranteed?
Reputable companies offer a re-clean guarantee, usually 48-72 hours, meaning they return free of charge if the landlord or agent flags missed areas at checkout. Always confirm the guarantee window in writing before booking.
Is carpet steam cleaning mandatory at end of lease in Australia?
Not automatically. Blanket 'must steam clean' clauses are generally unenforceable unless justified — for example a pet clause, or carpets professionally cleaned at entry. You must return carpets to their documented entry condition, so check the entry condition report first.
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