Moving house is stressful enough without the added worry of losing your rental bond. For most tenants in Australia, that bond represents thousands of dollars held as security. To get it back in full, you’ll need to meet strict cleaning standards set by landlords and property managers.
That’s where a bond clean checklist comes in. With the right plan—and possibly the right professional support—you can move out with confidence, knowing your property is spotless and inspection-ready.
Why Bond Cleaning Matters
Property managers and landlords are legally entitled to withhold some or all of your bond if the property isn’t returned in its original condition (fair wear and tear excluded). End-of-lease cleaning, also known as “bond cleaning” or “exit cleaning,” ensures:
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The property meets inspection requirements
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Your bond is refunded without disputes
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Future rental references stay positive
Skipping or rushing the bond clean is one of the top reasons tenants lose money when they move out.
DIY vs Professional Bond Cleaning
Some tenants consider handling the clean themselves. While DIY can seem cheaper, it comes with risks:
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Time: A full bond clean often takes 10–20 hours, depending on the property size.
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Equipment: Carpet steamers, oven cleaners, and grout scrubbers aren’t always available at home.
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Standards: Professionals know what property managers look for—tenants may overlook critical areas.
Professional services like AustClean deliver peace of mind by using trained teams, specialised equipment, and a detailed checklist aligned with rental standards.
The Essential End-of-Lease Bond Clean Checklist
Here’s a comprehensive end-of-lease cleaning checklist covering every room. Use it as your personal guide or as a reference when hiring professionals.
General Areas (All Rooms)
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Dust and wipe down all walls, ceilings, and skirting boards
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Remove cobwebs from corners and ceilings
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Clean windows, window sills, and tracks
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Wash curtains or clean blinds
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Wipe doors, handles, and light switches
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Dust fans, air conditioners, and vents
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Vacuum and mop all floors, including under furniture
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Remove all rubbish and personal items
Kitchen
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Clean oven inside and out, including trays and racks
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Degrease rangehood filters and exhaust fan
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Wipe stovetop and splashback
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Clean cupboards inside, outside, and handles
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Empty and wipe pantry and drawers
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Clean and sanitise sink and taps
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Wipe benchtops and polish stainless steel surfaces
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Clean dishwasher and fridge (if included with property)
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Mop and disinfect floors
Bathroom & Toilet
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Scrub shower, tiles, grout, and screens to remove soap scum
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Clean bathtub, basin, and taps
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Disinfect toilets inside and out
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Polish mirrors and glass surfaces
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Wipe vanity units inside and out
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Remove mould from ceilings and corners
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Wash or replace shower curtains if required
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Mop floors with disinfectant
Bedrooms
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Vacuum and mop floors
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Clean wardrobes and cupboards (inside and outside)
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Dust light fixtures, fans, and skirting boards
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Wipe doors, handles, and windows
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Remove all personal belongings
Living Areas
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Dust and wipe all surfaces
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Clean entertainment units, shelves, and built-ins
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Vacuum carpets and rugs (steam cleaning may be required by your lease)
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Wash windows and wipe glass doors
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Mop floors and polish surfaces
Laundry
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Clean inside and outside of laundry tub
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Wipe washing machine or dryer if provided
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Clean behind appliances
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Wipe cupboards, shelves, and taps
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Mop floors
Outdoor Areas (if applicable)
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Sweep patios, balconies, and driveways
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Remove cobwebs from exterior walls and eaves
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Tidy garden beds and mow lawns (if specified in lease)
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Clean outdoor furniture and BBQs (if included)
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Empty outdoor bins
Commonly Overlooked Areas
Many tenants miss small details that landlords and property managers always check:
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Skirting boards and door frames
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Rangehood filters
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Window tracks
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Exhaust fans in bathrooms
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Light switches and power points
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Behind and under appliances
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Garage floors and storage areas
Neglecting these can cost part of your bond, even if the rest of the house looks clean.
How Professionals Ensure You Pass Inspection
Professional bond cleaners follow a strict checklist designed to satisfy property managers. At AustClean, the process includes:
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Detailed inspection: Ensuring no area is overlooked
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Specialised equipment: Steam cleaning carpets, sanitising bathrooms, and degreasing ovens with professional-grade tools
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Guaranteed results: Many services, including AustClean, offer bond-back guarantees—giving you confidence your property will pass final inspection
Cost of Bond Cleaning in Australia
On average, professional end-of-lease cleaning costs range from $250–$600 depending on the property size, location, and required services. While this might sound like a big expense, compare it to a bond of $2,000 or more—it’s a small price to secure a full refund.
Factor in the value of your time, too. Spending 20 hours scrubbing for an uncertain outcome rarely makes sense when professionals can guarantee results in half the time.
Final Tips for Tenants
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Book early: Bond cleaning appointments fill up quickly around rental turnover dates.
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Check your lease: Some require professional carpet or pest treatments.
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Keep receipts: Proof of professional cleaning can prevent disputes.
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Do a walk-through: Before handing in keys, inspect the property against this checklist.
Conclusion: Secure Your Bond with Confidence
The end of a lease doesn’t have to mean losing money. With this bond clean checklist, you’ll know exactly what to do—or what to expect from professionals—to meet landlord expectations.
DIY is possible, but for most tenants, hiring experts like AustClean is the safer, smarter investment. After all, getting your bond back in full means starting fresh in your new home without financial stress.
Because when it comes to end-of-lease cleaning, the question isn’t whether you can afford professional help—the real question is whether you can afford not to.