Moving house can be exciting, but it also comes with one of the biggest responsibilities for tenants: leaving your rental property spotless so you can get your bond back. This is where bond cleaning comes in.

What is bond cleaning exactly?

Bond cleaning, also known as end of lease cleaning, is a comprehensive cleaning process tenants complete at the end of a rental agreement. It’s not just a quick tidy-up, it’s a top-to-bottom deep clean designed to meet the high standards of landlords and property managers.

The end of tenancy clean is simple: it’s about returning the property in the same condition you found it (minus fair wear and tear), ensuring you meet tenancy requirements and securing your rental bond refund.

Why bond cleaning matters

Bonds can amount to four weeks’ rent or more, depending on your lease. Failing to hand back a property in a 'reasonably clean' condition gives landlords grounds to withhold part (or all) of that money.

State tenancy bodies (such as NSW Fair Trading and the Residential Tenancies Authority in Queensland) outline that cleanliness disputes are among the most common reasons bonds are withheld. That’s why a thorough end of lease cleaning isn’t optional, it’s essential.

What is an end of tenancy cleaner?

An end of tenancy cleaner is a professional who specialises in end of lease cleaning. Unlike general cleaners, they know exactly what property managers look for in inspections. Their work is thorough, detail-oriented and backed by experience.

Choosing the right bond cleaner can save you stress, time and money by ensuring nothing is missed, like streak-free chrome fittings or spotless oven trays, which are often inspection deal-breakers.

How is bond cleaning different from regular house cleaning?

Think of bond cleaning as the 'gold standard' of cleaning.

• Regular cleaning keeps your home liveable and tidy.
• Bond cleaning goes further: every surface, fixture and fitting is cleaned to a professional standard.

For example, in regular cleaning you might vacuum carpets. In bond cleaning, carpets may require steam cleaning to remove stains and pet hair, depending on your lease agreement.

Does bond cleaning guarantee your bond back?

Many professional cleaners offer a bond back guarantee, if something doesn’t meet the property manager’s checklist, they’ll return free of charge to fix it. This assurance gives tenants peace of mind, especially during stressful moves.

What is included in a bond clean?

So, what is included in an end of tenancy clean? This professional service covers every part of the home, from floors and walls to ovens and cupboards. It’s about tackling all the areas most tenants overlook in their day-to-day cleaning.

Typical inclusions:

• Floors: Vacuuming carpets and mopping hard floors.
• Walls & surfaces: Spot cleaning walls, removing cobwebs, dusting skirting boards, wiping light switches and power points
• Kitchens: Cleaning stovetops, ovens, range hoods, cupboards, sinks and benchtops.
• Bathrooms: Scrubbing toilets, showers, bathtubs, mirrors and sinks until spotless.
• Windows & doors: Cleaning internal windows, tracks, frames and glass doors.
• Other spaces: Entryways, hallways, laundry and inside cupboards and wardrobes.

Are there other things that aren’t included? 

Yes, bond cleaning typically doesn’t include blind cleaning, cleaning of inaccessible light fittings and ceiling fans, and cleaning of the inside of appliances. 

Complete scrubbing of walls, cleaning of exterior balconies and garages and rubbish removal is not included either. 

These services are available but are generally charged separately to a standard bond clean. Whether you choose to clean yourself, or find a professional bond cleaner to take care of the job for you is totally up to you. 

But unless you’re confident you can clean to the required standard, and you’re happy to invest in all the products and equipment you’ll need, then a professional could be the best way to go.

Conclusion

So, what is a bond clean? It’s more than just a tidy-up, it’s a detailed, top-to-bottom cleaning process that ensures your rental meets inspection standards. From kitchens and bathrooms to hidden corners, an end of tenancy clean covers it all.

Whether you DIY or hire a professional bond cleaner, the key is to meet the standards of your landlord or property manager. Do it right, and you’ll walk away with your full bond—and peace of mind.