Introduction
Moving out of a rental property in Melbourne is stressful. You’re packing boxes, arranging removalists, and handing over keys. But the most important detail for tenants is making sure the property is left reasonably clean. Your bond refund depends on it.
That’s why understanding how much does an end of lease clean cost is crucial. End of lease cleaning—also known as bond cleaning, vacate cleaning, or move out cleaning—is a detailed service designed to meet real estate standards. Done right, it helps you secure your deposit, avoid disputes, and reduce stress during your move.
In this guide, you’ll learn:
- What’s included in professional end of lease cleaning services
- End of lease cleaning price ranges in Melbourne
- Factors that influence bond cleaning prices
- Whether DIY cleaning is worth the risk
- How to book trusted end of lease cleaners Melbourne with a bond back guarantee
What Exactly Is the End of Lease Cleaning?
End of lease cleaning (sometimes called vacate cleaning or end of tenancy cleaning) is not your standard house clean. It’s a deep cleaning service designed to meet the strict expectations of property managers and landlords.
Unlike routine house cleaning Melbourne services, end of lease cleaning covers areas you probably haven’t touched since moving in—like exhaust fans, window tracks, oven trays, and shower grout. It also often includes professional carpet cleaning when required by your lease.
The service is guided by a real estate approved checklist, ensuring compliance with both your tenancy agreement and the Residential Tenancies Act 1997 (Vic).
Planning Your Move Out Cleaning
Tenants often underestimate the time required. Depending on your property size, end of lease cleaners Melbourne may need 3 to 10 hours, and sometimes a team of multiple cleaners.
Typical Cleaning Duration
| Property Type | Estimated Time | Number of Cleaners |
| 1-Bed Apartment | 3–5 hours | 1 cleaner |
| 2-Bed Apartment | 5–7 hours | 1–2 cleaners |
| 3-Bed House | 7–10 hours | 2 cleaners |
| 4+ Bed House | 8–12 hours | 2–3 cleaners |
If you add steam cleaning carpets or deep oven cleaning, expect extra time. For tenants juggling moving logistics, outsourcing this job saves significant stress.
What’s Included: The End of Lease Cleaning Checklist
A professional cleaning service typically covers the following areas:
General Areas
- Dusting skirting boards, shelves, and surfaces
- Removing cobwebs
- Cleaning light switches and fittings
- Vacuuming and mopping floors
- Cleaning internal windows and window tracks
Kitchen
- Oven cleaning (inside and out, including trays and racks)
- Degreasing stovetops and range hoods
- Wiping inside/outside of cupboards and drawers
- Scrubbing sinks and taps
- Cleaning splashbacks and benches
Bathrooms and Toilets
- Shower grout scrubbing
- Cleaning glass, mirrors, and exhaust fans
- Sanitising toilets, sinks, and bathtubs
- Polishing taps and fixtures
Bedrooms and Living Areas
- Cleaning wardrobes inside and out
- Wiping doors, handles, and air vents
- Dusting ceiling fans and air conditioners
- Spot-cleaning walls (where safe)
Laundry
- Cleaning laundry tubs, taps, and cupboards
- Removing lint from exhausts
Optional Add-Ons
- Professional carpet steam cleaning
- Balcony/garage detailing
- External windows
- Pest control if pets lived on the property
This detailed scope ensures your property meets inspection standards and maximises your chance of a secure bond deposit return.
How Much Does an End of Lease Clean Cost?
Now to the main question: how much does an end of lease clean cost in Melbourne?
The cost varies based on property size, condition, and services required.
Average Price Ranges
| Property Type | Excluding Carpet Cleaning | Including Carpet Cleaning |
| Studio | $225 | $315 |
| 1 Bed, 1 Bath | $300 | $390 |
| 2 Beds, 1 Bath | $340 | $450 |
| 2 Beds, 2 Baths | $390 | $500 |
| 3 Beds, 1 Bath | $405 | $545 |
| 3 Beds, 2 Baths | $450 | $590 |
| 3 Beds, 3 Baths | $530 | $670 |
| 4 Beds, 2 Baths | $520 | $695 |
| 5 Beds, 3 Baths | $655 | $830 |
Common Add-On Costs
- Carpet Steam Cleaning: $100–$200
- Oven Cleaning: $70–$100
- Windows (internal + ground-floor external): $10 each
- Balcony/Garage: $30–$100
👉 These figures represent the average end of lease cleaning cost in Melbourne. Large homes or heavily soiled properties can exceed $900 + .
What Factors Influence the Price?
Several variables affect the end of lease cleaning cost Melbourne:
-
Property Size & Type:
A 1-bedroom apartment costs less than a 4-bedroom house.
-
Bathrooms:
Each extra bathroom adds 30–60 minutes of work.
-
Condition:
Heavily soiled kitchens, mouldy bathrooms, or stained carpets increase costs.
-
Location:
Properties in metro Melbourne may attract slightly higher prices.
-
Add-On Services:
Carpet steam cleaning, pest control, and exterior windows add to the total.
DIY vs. Professional End of Lease Cleaning
Many tenants ask: Can I get my security deposit back if I don’t professionally clean?
Theoretically, yes—if you can meet the real estate cleaning requirements yourself. In practice, DIY often leads to missed spots (like oven trays, grout, or window tracks), and agents are quick to issue bond deductions.
DIY Cleaning Pros
- Lower upfront cost
- Full control over the process
DIY Cleaning Cons
- Takes days, not hours
- Requires buying/renting equipment (e.g., $40 carpet cleaner rental)
- High risk of missing items on the end of lease cleaning checklist
- Potential bond loss of $600+
Professional Cleaning Pros
- Fast turnaround (1 day for most homes)
- Bond back guarantee (free re-clean if the agent isn’t satisfied)
- Access to commercial equipment and cleaning solutions
- Reduced stress during move-out
For most tenants, booking end of lease cleaners Melbourne is the lower-risk, cost-effective option.
Choosing the Right Cleaning Company
Not all cleaning providers are equal. Some tenants complain about fake reviews, hidden costs, and poor quality. Here’s how to choose wisely:
1. Check Reviews:
Look for consistent ratings on Google, not just suspicious one-liners.
2. Ask About the Guarantee:
A true bond back guarantee means they’ll return for free if issues are raised.
3. Demand Transparent Pricing:
Get a written quote before booking. Avoid verbal promises.
4. Confirm Inclusions:
Ask if ovens, carpets, and windows are included or extra.
5. Ensure Insurance:
Professionals should be insured against damage.
This reduces the risk of falling for overpriced providers linked to real estate agent kickbacks.
Conclusion
End of lease cleaning isn’t just wiping down a few benches—it’s the last thing standing between you and your bond refund. If you’re stressing about how much an end of lease clean costs, you’re not alone. Price is part of it, but it’s not the whole story. What really counts is knowing the cleaners will show up, do the job properly, and back it with a bond return guarantee. That’s why so many renters in Melbourne go with O2O Cleaning. Clear pricing, hundreds of solid Google reviews, and a reputation for hassle-free results make them a go-to. Book them once, and you’ll see why people trust O2O to take the pressure off moving day.
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