If you’ve just been asked to organise a “bond clean” at the end of your Queensland tenancy, you might be wondering how it differs from an “end-of-lease clean” — or whether they’re the same thing. This guide explains what both terms mean, what a standard bond clean covers in Brisbane, and how to protect your bond return. Note: this guide covers cleaning only — it is not about bundling cleaning with removalist services.
What is a bond clean (end-of-lease clean)?
A bond clean — also called an end-of-lease clean, vacate clean, or exit clean — is the comprehensive professional clean required at the end of a tenancy to return the property to its original condition. It is distinct from a regular domestic clean in both scope and thoroughness.
In Queensland, the Residential Tenancies Authority (RTA) sets out the standard a property must be returned to at the end of a lease. The property must be as clean as it was at the start — with allowance made for fair wear and tear. Damage or dirt beyond fair wear and tear can result in bond deductions.
What a bond clean typically covers
A standard professional bond clean in Brisbane includes:
- All internal walls, doors, and door frames (marks removed, scuffs wiped)
- Skirting boards, light switches, and power points
- Kitchen: oven (interior, racks, door), rangehood (filter and hood), benchtops, cupboards inside and out, sink
- Bathrooms and toilets: tiles, grout, mirrors, vanity, toilet, shower screens
- Laundry: tub, benchtop, and shelving
- Windows (interior), window sills, and tracks
- All floors: vacuum and mop hard floors, vacuum carpets
- Light fittings: clean covers and replace blown bulbs
What is NOT included in a standard bond clean
The following are usually charged as extras or are separate services entirely:
- Carpet steam cleaning — almost always a separate service, typically required under the lease and charged separately
- Exterior windows — outside window cleaning is a separate service
- Garage floor cleaning — often excluded unless specified
- Garden and lawn maintenance — completely separate from a bond clean
- Pest control — if required under the lease (common for properties with pets), this is a separate service
The bond clean vs the property manager’s inspection
The final inspection (conducted by the property manager after you vacate) compares the current state of the property against the entry condition report completed at the start of the tenancy. Key tips:
- Keep a copy of your entry condition report and use it as your own checklist before vacating
- The property manager must allow fair wear and tear — this includes minor scuffs on walls from furniture, gradual carpet wear, and similar normal use effects
- Damage beyond fair wear and tear (e.g. large wall holes, burns, broken fixtures) will result in bond deductions regardless of the cleaning quality
- If you disagree with a bond deduction claim, the RTA dispute resolution service is the correct process to follow
- A professional bond clean from a company with a re-clean guarantee provides the strongest protection for your bond
Planning your end-of-lease timeline
Coordinate your bond clean around your move-out and inspection dates:
- Book your bond clean for the day you move out or the day after (the property should be empty)
- Schedule your final inspection for the day after the bond clean
- Allow carpet steam cleaning on a separate day (carpets need time to dry before the inspection)
- Don’t forget to return keys on the correct date — late key return can extend your tenancy and incur additional charges
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between end-of-lease cleaning and a bond clean?
They are the same thing. “End-of-lease cleaning” and “bond clean” both refer to the professional clean required at the end of a tenancy to restore the property to the condition it was in at the start of the lease (allowing for fair wear and tear).
Is a professional bond clean compulsory in Queensland?
Under Queensland tenancy law, landlords cannot require tenants to hire a specific cleaning company. However, the property must be returned in the same standard of cleanliness as at the start of the lease. A professional clean is strongly advisable to meet this standard and protect your bond.
How much does a bond clean cost in Brisbane?
A standard bond clean in Brisbane typically costs $250–$600 for a 2–3 bedroom property, depending on the size and condition of the property. Larger homes or properties in poor condition cost more.
What does a standard bond clean include?
A standard bond clean covers: all internal surfaces (walls, skirting boards), kitchen (oven, rangehood, benchtops, cupboards inside and out), bathrooms and toilets, windows (inside), floors (vacuum and mop), and light fittings. Carpets and gardens are usually charged separately.
Do I need to clean the oven for a bond return?
Yes — the oven is one of the most commonly disputed items in bond inspections. A professional clean will address the oven interior, racks, and rangehood filter. DIY oven cleaning is rarely thorough enough to satisfy a property manager.
What happens if I can’t get the bond clean done before I move out?
You can arrange a bond clean after moving out — the property just needs to be empty. Schedule it for the day before or the day of your final inspection. Do not leave it until after the inspection.
Can I lose my bond over cleaning?
Yes — cleaning disputes are the most common reason for bond deductions in Queensland. A professional bond clean from a reputable company typically comes with a re-clean guarantee if the property manager is not satisfied.
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