What is the meaning of bond cleaning? What does bond cleaning cost in Australia?

If you’ve recently rented or leased a property and are preparing to move elsewhere, you may have encountered the term “bond cleaning.” If you’re unsure about what this involves, we’ll provide you with a brief overview of what to expect and how to navigate the moving-out process.

What is the meaning of bond cleaning?

Bond cleaning, also known as end-of-lease cleaning or exit cleaning, is a thorough cleaning process performed when tenants are moving out of a rental property. It’s called “bond cleaning” because it’s often a requirement outlined in the lease agreement, and it’s essential for tenants to get their security deposit (bond) back.

The main goal of bond cleaning is to restore the property to its original condition, ensuring it is clean and well-maintained for the next occupants. It involves cleaning all areas of the property, including the interior and sometimes the exterior, to meet the standards set by the landlord or property manager.

Here’s a breakdown of what bond cleaning typically involves:

1. General Cleaning: This includes dusting, vacuuming, and wiping down surfaces in all rooms, such as living areas, bedrooms, bathrooms, and the kitchen. It’s essential to remove dust, dirt, and any stains to make the property look presentable.
2. Kitchen Cleaning: The kitchen is often one of the most used areas in a home and requires thorough cleaning. This involves cleaning appliances, countertops, cabinets, sinks, and floors. Grease and food residue should be removed to ensure a hygienic environment.
3. Bathroom Cleaning: Bathrooms can accumulate grime and mould, so thorough cleaning is necessary. Cleaning toilets, sinks, showers, bathtubs, mirrors, and tiles is essential. Removing soap scum, mould, and mildew helps maintain cleanliness and hygiene.
4. Floor Cleaning: All types of flooring, such as carpet, hardwood, laminate, or tiles, need to be cleaned appropriately. This may involve vacuuming, mopping, steam cleaning, or polishing to remove dirt and stains and restore the floor’s appearance.
5. Walls and Windows: Cleaning walls, windows, and window sills is often part of the bond cleaning process. Removing marks, fingerprints, and dust from these surfaces enhances the overall cleanliness of the property.
6. Exterior Cleaning (if applicable): Some rental agreements may require cleaning of exterior areas such as balconies, patios, or garages. Sweeping, washing, or removing any debris from these areas ensures they are tidy and well-maintained.
7. Garden Maintenance (if applicable): If the rental property has a garden or outdoor area, tenants may be required to mow the lawn, trim bushes, and remove weeds as part of the bond cleaning process.

It’s important for tenants to carefully follow the requirements outlined in their lease agreement regarding bond cleaning to ensure they meet the landlord’s expectations and maximize the chances of receiving their full security deposit back. Failure to adequately clean the property may result in deductions from the bond to cover the cost of hiring professional cleaners or repairing any damages caused during the tenancy.

In summary, bond cleaning is a comprehensive cleaning process conducted when tenants move out of a rental property to ensure it is left in a clean and presentable condition, meeting the standards set by the landlord or property manager to secure the return of the security deposit.

Why hire a bond cleaner?

Choosing to hire a bond cleaner offers numerous advantages:

1. Thorough Clean: Bond cleaners are skilled professionals equipped with the expertise, tools, and experience needed to perform a comprehensive and top-notch bond clean. They adhere to strict checklists to ensure every task is completed to the highest standards expected by real estate agents and landlords.
2. Efficiency and Reliability: Bond cleaners can efficiently complete the job in significantly less time compared to non-professionals. This is especially beneficial if you’re pressed for time, as bond cleaners can swiftly tackle the cleaning tasks with precision and reliability.
3. Time and Effort Savings: Moving involves a multitude of tasks such as packing, address changes, bill management, and coordinating with movers. Outsourcing the bond cleaning to professionals allows you to alleviate a major burden from your moving checklist, saving you valuable time and effort during the already stressful moving process.
4. Bond Back Guarantee: Many professional bond cleaning companies offer a Bond Back Guarantee, providing assurance that if your real estate or landlord finds any shortcomings, they will rectify them promptly until the bond is refunded.

What’s the average cost of bond cleaning in Australia?

The cost of end-of-lease cleaning can range from approximately $200 for a one-bedroom house to $750 or more for a larger house with five bedrooms or more. However, prices vary due to several factors, and it’s advisable to obtain quotes from at least three bond cleaners in your area.

When seeking professional cleaners, inquire about any potential hidden costs such as cancellation fees, and ensure clarity regarding what services are included in the quoted fee.

How do bond cleaning costs compare across different states?

Bond cleaning costs in Australia vary across states due to factors such as supply and demand, regional hourly rates, and the cost of local equipment and materials.

• Melbourne: Bond cleaning in Melbourne typically starts at around $160 for a studio or small one-bedroom, with prices increasing based on property size and condition.
• Perth: End-of-lease cleaning costs in Perth depend entirely on the property’s size and condition, but a three-bedroom, two-bathroom unit might cost approximately $400.
• Sydney: Hourly rates for bond cleaning services in Sydney can be higher compared to other cities, ranging from $250 to $750+ depending on property size. Seeking multiple quotes is advisable.
• Adelaide: Bond cleaning services in Adelaide start from around $150 for a small studio or one-bedroom unit, with hourly rates typically lower than in Sydney. Costs vary based on property size and the complexity of the cleaning.
• Brisbane: For a one-bedroom, one-bathroom house in Brisbane, the average price for bond cleaning services is around $200 to $250, with prices increasing for larger properties. With numerous cleaning services available, obtaining multiple quotes is recommended.

How can I reduce the cost of bond cleaning?

While it’s possible to lower the cost of bond cleaning, it’s crucial not to compromise on the quality of the clean, as this may jeopardize the return of your deposit. Investing in professional bond cleaning is strongly recommended.

Here are some strategies to consider:

1. Partial Hiring: Instead of opting for a full bond clean, you could hire cleaners to assist you. Many professional cleaning companies offer hourly rates, typically ranging from $35 to $60 per hour. By hiring cleaners for specific tasks, you may reduce overall costs while still ensuring a thorough clean.
2. DIY Cleaning: Another option is to undertake the bond cleaning yourself. However, be prepared for a lengthy and exhausting task, especially if you lack cleaning equipment and chemicals. Purchasing these supplies may add to the costs unless you already have them on hand.
3. Negotiate with the Cleaning Company: Discuss with your bond cleaning company to explore potential cost-saving measures. For instance, you could handle simpler tasks like vacuuming and mopping, while leaving more intricate jobs such as oven cleaning and window track cleaning to the professionals. This way, you can tailor the cleaning service to suit your budget without compromising on essential aspects.

However, it’s essential to bear in mind that prioritizing price alone may not guarantee high-quality cleaning services. Professional cleaners bring expertise, experience, and specialized equipment to the table, making them a worthwhile investment for ensuring the property meets the required standards for bond refund.

Therefore, while seeking ways to reduce costs, it’s crucial to prioritize the quality of the cleaning service to safeguard your deposit.

Additional services

Depending on the cleaning company you select, there may be optional services available for an additional fee that are not included in the standard bond cleaning package. For instance, carpet cleaning is often offered as an extra service that you might find beneficial. When budgeting for your bond clean, it’s important to factor in the cost of any additional services you require. It’s also helpful to inform the cleaning company promptly about any extra services you need.

If your property includes a lawn, driveway, or garden, tidying up these areas may also be considered an extra service. Providing details to the cleaning company about the size of the property, specific areas requiring cleaning, and preferred timing allows for a more accurate price quote.

Expert tip: cost reduction strategies

If you’re concerned about the expenses involved, there are ways to minimize your spending before your move.

One approach is to maintain the cleanliness of the property consistently from the beginning, potentially eliminating the need for a bond cleaning service altogether. If you have a busy schedule and find it challenging to clean the rented space regularly, scheduling professional cleaners on a weekly or fortnightly basis can be a practical solution. This ensures that when it’s time to move, there’s minimal cleaning required.

Seek professional assistance

To ensure you receive your full bond deposit, it’s crucial to hand over the property you previously rented or leased in good condition. Before you can claim your bond, a real estate agent, along with the landlord or property owner, will inspect the space. While a government-provided checklist serves as their guide, landlords may have additional requirements beyond legal mandates. It’s essential to thoroughly review your contract and seek clarification on any unclear points.