For tenants in Brisbane, moving out of a rental property isn't just about packing boxes and calling removalists. One of the most important—and sometimes stressful—tasks is bond cleaning. Also called end of lease cleaning, it's the process of returning your rental home to the condition it was in when you first moved in, aside from fair wear and tear.
But what exactly are the rules for bond cleaning in Brisbane? Do tenants have to follow specific cleaning standards? Can landlords demand professional services? And what happens if you miss something?
This article breaks down the rules, expectations, and common pitfalls of bond cleaning so you know exactly what to do to get your full bond back.
The Legal Framework: Tenant Obligations Under the RTA
In Queensland, bond cleaning rules are governed by the Residential Tenancies Authority (RTA). The RTA outlines tenants' responsibilities when vacating a property. According to the guidelines, tenants must:
- • Leave the property reasonably clean and in the same condition as at the start of the tenancy (allowing for fair wear and tear).
- • Ensure all fixtures, fittings, and appliances are working and clean.
- • Remove rubbish and personal belongings.
- • Hand back all keys, garage remotes, and security cards.
This doesn't mean you're required by law to hire professional cleaners, but your property manager or landlord can claim cleaning costs from your bond if the property isn't up to scratch.
Entry and Exit Condition Reports: The Benchmark for Cleaning
The entry condition report is one of the most important documents for bond cleaning. When you first move in, you and your property manager complete this report to note the condition of the property. When you move out, the exit condition report is compared against the entry report.
For example:
- • If the carpets were steam cleaned before you moved in, your landlord may reasonably expect the same upon exit.
- • If the oven was spotless at the start of the lease, it must be spotless at the end.
- • If the bathroom tiles were free of mould, they should look the same when you leave.
This report forms the benchmark for what's considered "reasonably clean."
What Real Estate Agents Typically Expect
While the law only requires you to leave the property clean and undamaged (beyond fair wear and tear), in practice, real estate agents have higher expectations. They know prospective tenants want to move into a home that feels fresh, not "lived in."
That's why many agencies encourage or even insist on professional bond cleaning services. Common expectations include:
Kitchen
Oven, stovetop, rangehood, cupboards, and splashbacks spotless.
Bathrooms
Mould-free showers, scrubbed tiles, disinfected toilets, polished mirrors.
Living Areas
Walls free from marks, skirting boards dusted, windows cleaned.
Outdoor Areas
Balconies, patios, and yards swept and tidy.
Carpets
Professionally cleaned if required in the lease or entry report.
Carpet Cleaning During End of Lease Cleaning
Carpets are a major sticking point in Brisbane bond cleaning disputes. The rules are straightforward: you don't have to pay for professional carpet cleaning unless your lease agreement requires it, or unless carpets are soiled beyond normal wear.
However, in reality, most property managers expect professional carpet cleaning. This is especially true if:
- • Carpets were freshly cleaned when you moved in.
- • You had pets in the property.
- • There are visible stains or odors.
For instance, imagine a tenant in Fortitude Valley who lived in a carpeted apartment for two years. Even with regular vacuuming, those carpets will inevitably show signs of wear. A professional steam clean ensures they match the entry condition, and without it, the agent may deduct cleaning costs from the bond.
So while not always a strict legal rule, professional carpet cleaning is often the practical rule if you want to avoid disputes.
DIY Vs. Professional End of Lease Cleaning in Brisbane
One of the biggest decisions tenants face is whether to do the cleaning themselves or hire professionals. Let's look at both sides.
DIY End of Lease Cleaning
Pros:
- • Saves money.
- • You control the process.
- • Works if the property is small or well-maintained.
Cons:
- • Time-consuming and exhausting.
- • Easy to miss details like skirting boards, blinds, or oven trays.
- • If you fail inspection, the agent may deduct money from your bond and bring in professional cleaners anyway.
Professional End of Lease Cleaning
Pros:
- • Thorough and efficient—cleaners know what agents look for.
- • Comes with a bond-back guarantee in most cases.
- • Saves you stress and time, especially if you're juggling moving logistics.
Cons:
- • More expensive.
- • Quality varies depending on the company.
The rule of thumb? If you're confident you can clean to a professional standard, DIY might work. But if you're in doubt—or your lease specifies professional cleaning—it's safer to book experts. Choosing between DIY Vs. Professional end of lease cleaning in Brisbane often comes down to your budget, the size of the property, and your tolerance for risk.
Common Mistakes Tenants Make During Bond Cleaning
Even well-intentioned tenants can lose part of their bond because of overlooked details. Here are some common mistakes:
- × Forgetting outdoor areas. Balconies, driveways, and courtyards often get ignored.
- × Neglecting the oven. Agents always check ovens, and grease build-up is a red flag.
- × Not cleaning fans and air vents. Dusty fans immediately show a lack of detail.
- × Skipping pest control after having pets. Many leases require this.
- × Leaving stains on carpets. Even a small mark can cause bond deductions.
Being thorough and systematic prevents these costly oversights.
How to Avoid Bond Disputes Over Cleaning
To ensure you don't lose money unnecessarily, follow these steps:
Look for specific clauses about cleaning and carpets.
This is your reference point.
Documenting your effort can help if there's a dispute.
If your lease requires professional carpet or pest treatment, proof is essential.
Ask questions upfront to clarify expectations.
By being proactive, you can prevent disagreements and walk away with your full bond intact.
Final Thoughts
So, what are the rules for bond cleaning in Brisbane? At its core, the rule is simple: return the property in the same clean condition it was at the start of your tenancy, minus fair wear and tear. But in practice, it often means going above and beyond to meet real estate standards.
Whether it's carpet cleaning during end of lease cleaning, scrubbing the oven, or deciding between DIY Vs. Professional end of lease cleaning in Brisbane, tenants need to balance effort, cost, and peace of mind.
In many cases, hiring professionals saves time, stress, and the risk of bond deductions. But no matter which route you take, knowing the rules and expectations puts you in the best position to get your bond back in full.