Full Bond Cleaning Checklist: What’s Included & What’s Not? – Leaving a rental property can be stressful, especially if your bond is affected by your end-of-lease house inspection. A Full Bond Cleaning Checklist: What’s Included & What’s Not explains to tenants exactly what property managers and landlords expect before the home is inspected. Bond cleaning, or end-of-lease cleaning, is a deep clean of all the major areas of the property. However, not all the services are always included, which tenants should keep in mind.
What Is Full Bond Cleaning?
Bond cleaning is the cleaning required when tenants move out of a rental property. It is the cleaning carried out to return the property to its original state, so tenants receive a full bond refund. Professional cleaners will generally adhere to an end-of-lease cleaning checklist that has been authorized by property managers or real estate agents. Common terms used for bond cleaning include:
- End of lease cleaning
- Vacate cleaning
- Exit cleaning
- Rental property cleaning
- Deep cleaning services
A Full Bond Cleaning Checklist: What’s Included
Most professional bond cleaning services cover all readily accessible surfaces in the property. Here is a room-by-room list.
1. Kitchen Cleaning
The kitchen must be thoroughly cleaned for the final rental inspection. This usually includes:
- Cleaning of oven interiors and exteriors
- Removing grease from range hoods and stovetops
- Cleaning splashbacks and countertops
- Cleaning the inside and outside of cupboards and drawers
- Sanitising sinks and taps
- Vacuuming and mopping floors
- Cleaning of light fittings and switches
2. Bathroom and Toilet Cleaning
Bathrooms accumulate dirt quickly, so they need to be deep cleaned because soap scum, dirt, and mould quickly accumulate. Included tasks often cover:
- Scrubbing shower screens and tiles
- Cleaning bathtubs and sinks
- Sanitising toilets
- Removing soap scum and limescale
- Cleaning vanity units and mirrors
- Wiping the exhaust fans
- Mopping floors
“Having a comprehensive bond cleaning checklist can prevent many disputes between tenants and landlords at the final inspection of the property.”
3. Bedrooms and Living Areas
Bedrooms and living areas are also cleaned thoroughly. Services usually include:
- Dusting skirting boards and surfaces
- Removing cobwebs
- Spot-cleaning walls
- Vacuuming carpets
- Mopping hard floors
- Cleaning wardrobes and shelves
- Cleaning doors, handles, and switches
4. Window and Glass Cleaning
Standard bond cleaning often incorporates internal windows. This may include:
- Cleaning internal window glass
- Wiping tracks and sills
- Dusting blinds
- Cleaning sliding doors
5. Laundry Area Cleaning
We tend to forget about the laundry area, but it is part of many general end-of-lease cleaning services. Included tasks:
- Cleaning of sinks and taps
- Wiping cupboards
- Removing dust and lint
- Mopping the floor
- Cleaning internal windows
What is Typically Not Part of a Bond Clean?
Not all cleaning jobs are included in a basic package. Additional charges may apply depending on the condition of the property.
Carpet Steam Cleaning
Carpets are generally vacuumed as part of the service, but there can often be an additional charge for steam cleaning. Many landlords require receipts for professional carpet steam cleaning.
Exterior Window Cleaning
External windows are usually excluded, especially in multi-storey buildings, due to safety concerns.
Pest Control
Flea or insect treatments are not generally part of bond cleans unless they are requested as pest control cleaning.
Wall Washing
Minor wall spot cleaning may be included; however, full wall washing is usually considered an extra service.
Balcony, Garage, and Outdoor Areas
Extra charges may apply for outdoor areas such as garages, patios, or balconies if a deep cleaning is necessary.
Mould Removal and Damage Repair
Light mould can be removed by professional cleaners, although the treatment of widespread mould or property damage repair is usually excluded.
What Makes Bond Cleaning Essential?
Bond cleaning is crucial for getting your rent deposit back. Property managers compare the condition of the property to the original entry report. Even small overlooked areas can reduce your chances of receiving the full bond refund. Hiring professional bond cleaners offers several benefits:
- More chances of full bond return
- Less stressful move
- Time-saving deep cleaning
- Better compliance with lease agreements
- Specialist equipment and cleaning products
Tips for a Successful End-of-Lease Clean
To improve your chances of passing the final inspection, follow these practical tips:
- Start packing well before moving day.
- Bring along a comprehensive bond cleaning checklist.
- Focus on bathrooms and kitchens.
- Remove all personal items before cleaning.
- Keep receipts for professional cleaning services.
- After cleaning is finished, check the property.
How Long Does Bond Cleaning Take?
Bond cleaning can take several hours, depending on the property’s size and condition.
- 1-bedroom apartment: 4-6 hours
- 2-bedroom home: 6-8 hours
- Large homes: 8-12 hours+
It is common for professional cleaners to work as a team to aid in the speed and efficiency of the process.
Conclusion
For tenants about to vacate, a proper bond cleaning checklist makes sure nothing important is missed. It clearly outlines what cleaning tasks are included and excluded, so that tenants can have no confusion or disputes over cleaning.
The Bond Cleaning Brisbane provides professional end-of-lease cleaning services that meet property manager standards. Their experienced team helps tenants get the rental property ready for inspection.
FAQs
Does bond cleaning guarantee a full bond refund?
Bond refund can only be guaranteed by the landlord or property manager, and not any cleaning service.
Is oven cleaning a part of the bond cleaning?
Yes. Deep oven cleaning is generally included in most professional bond cleaning packages.
Do I need carpet steam cleaning?
Professional carpet steam cleaning is often needed by the landlord, especially if any pets were kept in the property.
Are outdoor areas included in bond cleaning?
There may be a charge for basic cleaning, though garages, patios, and balconies often incur extras.
Can I do my own bond cleaning?
Yes, but a professional bond cleaning company will know inspection requirements and will give you a better chance of receiving your full bond refund.
