Most tenants don’t lose their bond because the place is trashed — they lose it because the clean doesn’t meet inspection standards. Across Australia, rental authorities and consumer bodies consistently show that around 80% of tenants lose between $200 and $1,000 due to inadequate end-of-lease cleaning. Walls, ovens, bathrooms, and carpets are the most common problem areas.
Under Australian tenancy laws, properties must be returned in a “reasonably clean” condition and match the entry condition report, allowing for fair wear and tear. Miss that standard, and the bond gets hit.
This is where professional rental bond cleaners make sense. A good bond cleaner can save you 10–20 hours of work, handle problem areas properly, and most importantly, offer a bond-back guarantee if the agent isn’t satisfied.
This guide shows you exactly how to hire the right rental bond cleaner, what to check, what to avoid, and how to protect your bond.
Average cost: $250–$600 for a 2–4 bedroom home.
Step 1: Understand Your Bond Cleaning Needs
Review Your Lease & Entry Condition Report
Before contacting cleaners, review:
- Your lease agreement
- The entry condition report
- Any photos taken at move-in
Compare entry and exit condition carefully. Pay close attention to:
- Walls and doors
- Ovens and rangehoods
- Bathrooms and mould-prone areas
- Carpets and window tracks
If carpets, pest control, or outdoor areas are mentioned in the lease, they’re not optional — they must be cleaned to inspection standard.
Budget and Timing
Bond cleaning costs depend on property size, condition, and location.
Typical bond cleaning costs in Australia:
- 1-bedroom unit: $200–$300
- 2–3 bedroom home: $350–$500
- 4-bedroom house: $500+
| City | Avg 2–3 Bed Cost |
| Brisbane | $350–$450 |
| Sydney | $450–$550 |
| Melbourne | $400–$500 |
Book 2–4 weeks before your final inspection to secure availability and avoid last-minute price hikes.
Step 2: Research Bond Cleaning Providers
Use Trusted Platforms
Start with reputable Australian service platforms:
- hipages.com.au
- Oneflare
- ServiceSeeking
Filter for cleaners with:
- 4.8+ average rating
- 100+ genuine reviews
- Experience specifically in bond cleaning, not general house cleaning
Avoid Facebook-only businesses with no online footprint or reviews.
Check Credentials Properly
Before shortlisting, verify the following:
ABN & Business Legitimacy
- Confirm active ABN via the ATO
- Avoid cash-only operators
Public Liability Insurance
- Minimum $5 million coverage
- Protects you if property damage occurs
Bond-Back Guarantee
- Must be written, not verbal
- Should include:
- 100% bond-back promise
- Free re-clean within 48–72 hours if agent raises issues
Red flag: “We clean well but can’t guarantee bond return.”
Step 3: Shortlist and Compare Cleaners
Get 3–5 Detailed Quotes
When requesting quotes, provide:
- Property size and layout
- Photos of kitchens, bathrooms, walls
- Any known issues (mould, grease, pets)
Ensure quotes clearly list what’s included, not just a flat price.
A proper bond clean checklist must include:
- Walls and doors
- Oven and rangehood
- Bathrooms and toilets
- Floors and skirting boards
- Window tracks and frames. Learn, how to clean windows properly.
Evaluation Checklist (Use This)
| Factor | What to Ask | Red Flags |
| Experience | How many bond cleans completed? | Less than 2 years |
| Services | Full bond checklist included? | Missing oven or walls |
| Guarantee | Bond-back with re-clean? | No guarantee |
| Equipment | Steamers & pro chemicals? | Basic household tools |
| Insurance | Public liability cover? | No proof |
Sample questions to ask:
- “Do you re-clean if the agent isn’t happy?”
- “How often do you deal with bond disputes?”
- “What’s excluded from this quote?”
Step 4: Vet and Select the Right Cleaner
Read Reviews Properly
Don’t just look at star ratings. Read recent reviews on:
- ProductReview.com.au
- Yelp
Look specifically for mentions of:
- Successful bond returns
- Agent inspections
- Re-cleans after issues
Avoid cleaners with complaints about “agent not satisfied” or “extra charges after booking”.
Interview Your Top 2–3 Choices
A quick phone call reveals a lot.
Ask:
- “How do you handle stubborn stains or mould?”
- “How often do agents request re-cleans?”
- “Are your staff police-checked?”
Professional cleaners will answer confidently and clearly.
Step 5: Finalise the Booking
Before confirming:
- Get written confirmation of:
- Scope of work
- Total price (no hidden fees)
- Date and time
- Access method (keys, agent access)
Pay after inspection where possible, or at least after job completion.
Common Pitfalls & Pro Tips
Mistakes to Avoid
- Choosing the cheapest quote
- Booking without a written checklist
- Assuming carpets or pest control are included
State-Specific Notes
- QLD: Exit condition form is mandatory
- VIC: Minimum 14 days’ notice to vacate. Check our vacate cleaning services.
- NSW: Property must match entry report condition
Common Add-ons
- Carpet steam cleaning: $80–$150
- Pest control: $100–$200
- Garden tidy-up: $100–$200
5 questions to ask before booking:
- Is the bond-back guarantee written?
- What’s excluded from the price?
- How fast is the re-clean?
- Do you work with property managers?
- Are supplies and equipment included?
Post-Hire Prep & Follow-Up
Before cleaners arrive:
- Remove personal items
- Empty cupboards and wardrobes
- Defrost fridge
Attend the final inspection if possible. If a dispute arises, bond claims can be escalated through:
- RTA (QLD)
- NSW Fair Trading
- Consumer Affairs Victoria
- Walls, doors, and skirting boards
- Kitchen, oven, and rangehood
- Bathrooms and toilets
- Floors and window tracks
