Moving house in Brisbane is exciting, but it often comes with one daunting responsibility—end of lease cleaning. If you've ever rented before, you'll know that this step is crucial for getting your bond money back. For first-time renters, however, the whole process can feel overwhelming.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about end of lease cleaning Brisbane, from what it is, why it matters, what's included, and whether you should DIY or hire professionals. By the end, you'll have a clear understanding of how to approach it without unnecessary stress.
What Exactly is End of Lease Cleaning?
End of lease cleaning—often called bond cleaning in Brisbane—is a thorough cleaning of the property you've been renting before you hand back the keys to your landlord or property manager. The purpose is to return the property to the same condition it was in when you first moved in (allowing for fair wear and tear).
Unlike regular weekly cleaning, end of lease cleaning is deep, detailed, and often involves areas you rarely think about. For example:
- Cleaning the inside of ovens and range hoods
- Washing windows and sliding door tracks
- Removing dust from ceiling fans and skirting boards
- Scrubbing bathroom grout
Think of it as resetting the property for the next tenant.
Why Does End of Lease Cleaning Matter So Much in Brisbane?
Brisbane's rental market is competitive, and landlords are very particular about the condition of their properties. Your bond deposit—usually equal to four weeks' rent—is held by the Residential Tenancies Authority (RTA) in Queensland. This money is only refunded once the property manager is satisfied with the final inspection.
If the property is not cleaned to the expected standard, they can deduct cleaning costs from your bond.
👉 Example: Imagine your rent is $550 a week, and your bond is $2,200. If the property manager finds greasy kitchen cupboards or stained carpets, they may hire professional cleaners and take $300–$500 (or more) directly out of your bond. That's a lot of money lost for something you could have avoided.
What's Included in a Standard End of Lease Clean?
Most end of lease cleaning services in Brisbane follow a fairly standard checklist, although it may vary slightly by property size or condition. Here's a breakdown room by room.
1. Kitchen
The kitchen is one of the toughest areas because grease and grime build up over time.
- Oven, stovetop, range hood, and exhaust fan cleaned thoroughly
- Cupboards and drawers wiped inside and out
- Benchtops, splashbacks, and sinks scrubbed
- Dishwasher cleaned (including filters)
- Floors vacuumed and mopped
👉 Example: Even if you never used the oven much, property managers will always check it. A faint layer of baked-on grease could still cost you money if left behind.
2. Bathrooms & Toilets
Bathrooms must look spotless.
- Showers scrubbed (including glass, tiles, and grout)
- Toilets disinfected inside and out
- Mirrors polished
- Cupboards and drawers wiped
- Floors disinfected and mopped
👉 Example: Soap scum on shower screens is one of the most common reasons tenants lose part of their bond.
3. Bedrooms & Living Areas
These areas might look fine at a glance but need detailed cleaning.
- Carpet vacuumed (and sometimes professionally steam cleaned if required by lease)
- Wardrobes cleaned inside, including mirrors and tracks
- Skirting boards, light switches, and doors wiped
- Windows cleaned (inside, sometimes outside if accessible)
- Blinds dusted
4. Laundry
- Sink and taps cleaned
- Cupboards wiped inside and out
- Floors cleaned
5. Outdoor Areas (if applicable)
For houses and some townhouses in Brisbane:
- Balconies, patios, and garages swept and cobwebs removed
- Outdoor windows washed
- Garden tidied (sometimes tenants are responsible for mowing and weeding)
DIY End of Lease Cleaning vs. Hiring Professionals
One of the biggest decisions tenants face is whether to clean the property themselves or hire a professional bond cleaning company in Brisbane.
✅ DIY Cleaning
Pros:
- Saves money if you already have the right cleaning supplies
- You control the cleaning quality
Cons:
- Time-consuming (expect a full weekend for a 2–3 bedroom home)
- Physically exhausting
- If you miss areas, you risk losing part of your bond
✅ Professional Cleaning
Pros:
- They use a detailed checklist aligned with real estate expectations
- Many offer a bond back guarantee
- Saves time and effort during an already stressful move
Cons:
- Costs more upfront (anywhere from $200 to $600+ depending on property size)
👉 Example: Sarah, a university student in West End, decided to do her own bond clean. She spent two full days scrubbing, but her property manager still flagged streaks on the oven glass and dusty skirting boards. She lost $250 of her bond when the agency hired cleaners anyway.
👉 Example: A family moving out of a 4-bedroom home in North Brisbane paid $550 for professional bond cleaning. While it seemed expensive, the cleaners guaranteed their work, and the family got their full $2,400 bond refunded.
How Much Does End of Lease Cleaning Cost in Brisbane?
Prices vary depending on the property size, condition, and whether extras are needed. Here's a general idea:
- 1-bedroom unit: $200–$300
- 2-bedroom unit/townhouse: $300–$400
- 3-bedroom house: $400–$550
- 4+ bedroom house: $500–$700+
Extras That Add to the Cost:
- Carpet steam cleaning (often required in leases with pets)
- Pest control (especially if you had a cat or dog)
- Outdoor window cleaning
- Garage or patio deep cleaning
👉 Tip: Always confirm what's included in the quoted price to avoid hidden costs.
Common Mistakes Tenants Make (And How to Avoid Them)
Even well-intentioned tenants often make errors that cost them bond money.
- Forgetting hidden spots – air vents, light fittings, and behind appliances are often checked.
- Not steam cleaning carpets when required – many leases in Brisbane specify this.
- Leaving marks on walls – blu-tack or tape residue can cause bond deductions.
- Rushing the clean – a quick once-over is never enough.
- Not keeping receipts – if you hire professionals, proof of service can protect you during disputes.
When Should You Book Your End of Lease Cleaning?
Timing is key. Most tenants in Brisbane book their bond clean the day after moving out all furniture but before handing back the keys.
👉 Example: If your lease ends on the 30th, you might move out on the 28th, book cleaning for the 29th, and do the final inspection on the 30th. This avoids cleaners working around boxes or furniture.
Tips for a Smooth End of Lease Cleaning Experience
- Read your lease carefully. It often outlines specific cleaning requirements.
- Take photos before and after cleaning as evidence.
- Check the entry condition report. This shows the state of the property when you first moved in.
- Communicate with your property manager. Some agencies are stricter than others.
- If hiring professionals, book early. End-of-month slots in Brisbane fill up fast.
Should You Always Hire a Professional in Brisbane?
While it's not mandatory, most tenants in Brisbane choose professional cleaners—especially for larger properties or when time is short. The cost often outweighs the risk of losing a big chunk of your bond.
However, if you're confident in your cleaning skills and the property is small or well-maintained, DIY may be a reasonable option.
Final Thoughts
End of lease cleaning in Brisbane is more than just a quick tidy—it's a detailed process designed to return the property to its original condition and secure your bond refund. Whether you tackle it yourself or hire professionals, the key is preparation, attention to detail, and understanding your obligations as a tenant.
Remember: the cleaner the property, the smoother the handover and the quicker you'll see your bond back in your account.
Moving is stressful enough. By planning your end of lease clean properly, you'll leave on good terms with your property manager and free up mental space for your next chapter.