Bond Cleaning Made Simple: Your Ultimate Move-Out Checklist

Bond Cleaning Made Simple: Your Ultimate Move-Out Checklist

Bond Cleaning Made Simple

When it comes to moving out of a rental property, one of the most important tasks on your to-do list is bond cleaning. Often referred to as an end-of-lease clean, bond cleaning ensures that the property is returned to the same condition it was in at the start of your tenancy, accounting for fair wear and tear. A thorough clean is essential to receiving your full bond back, and it’s also a way of leaving the property in great condition for the next tenant.

At Us Real Estate, our Property Management team often helps guide both tenants and Rental Providers through the process, ensuring expectations are clear and that everyone walks away with peace of mind. Below, we’ve outlined what you need to know about bond cleaning, along with a checklist to make sure nothing gets missed.

✨ Why Bond Cleaning Matters

Your bond is a security deposit paid at the start of your tenancy, usually equal to four weeks’ rent. It’s held in trust by the Residential Tenancies Bond Authority (RTBA) and can only be claimed by the tenant once the property has been inspected and deemed to be in satisfactory condition. If the property requires additional cleaning, repairs, or has damage beyond fair wear and tear, part or all of the bond may be withheld.

A comprehensive bond clean minimises disputes and helps ensure a smooth, stress-free end to your tenancy.

📝 The Bond Cleaning Checklist

While every property is different, the following areas should always be addressed during a bond clean:

🛋️ General Living Areas & Bedrooms

  • Dust and wipe down all surfaces, skirting boards, and window sills
  • Vacuum and mop all floors
  • Clean inside and outside of wardrobes, cupboards, and drawers
  • Remove cobwebs from ceilings and corners
  • Clean light fittings, switches, and power points
  • Wipe doors, handles, and doorframes

🍳 Kitchen

  • Clean oven, stovetop, rangehood, and exhaust fan thoroughly
  • Wipe down all cupboards and drawers, inside and out
  • Remove grease and grime from splashbacks and benchtops
  • Clean sink, taps, and drains
  • Mop and disinfect the floor
  • Check and clean behind appliances if applicable (fridge, dishwasher, etc.)

🚿 Bathrooms & Toilets

  • Scrub shower screens, tiles, and grout
  • Clean bathtub, basin, and taps
  • Wipe mirrors and cabinetry
  • Disinfect toilet inside and out
  • Remove soap scum, mould, and limescale
  • Mop and disinfect the floor

🧺 Laundry

  • Wipe down sink, taps, and benchtops
  • Clean cupboards, shelves, and walls
  • Sweep and mop the floor

🪟 Windows & Walls

  • Clean windows inside and out (where accessible)
  • Wipe down window frames and tracks
  • Spot-clean walls and remove marks where possible

🌿 Outdoor Areas

  • Sweep verandahs, patios, and balconies
  • Remove weeds and tidy up gardens (if applicable)
  • Empty and clean bins
  • Clean garage floor and remove cobwebs

🧹 Hiring Professionals vs. DIY

Some tenants choose to tackle the bond clean themselves, while others opt to hire professional cleaners. Professional cleaners are often experienced in meeting the requirements of property managers and Rental Providers, which can save you time and stress. However, if you choose to do it yourself, ensure you allow enough time—bond cleaning is far more thorough than a regular weekly clean and can often take multiple days.

At Us Real Estate, we often recommend professional cleaning if tenants are unsure or pressed for time. It’s an investment that can make the difference between receiving your full bond back and facing disputes.

❗ Commonly Missed Items

In our experience, some of the most frequently overlooked items during a bond clean include:

  • Rangehood filters
  • Skirting boards and doorframes
  • Window tracks
  • Exhaust fans
  • Behind and under appliances
  • Light switches and fittings

Paying attention to these small details can go a long way in ensuring your inspection goes smoothly.

🔑 Bond Cleaning and Fair Wear & Tear

It’s important to remember that tenants are not responsible for fixing damage caused by fair wear and tear. For example, faded paint or worn carpet in high-traffic areas is considered reasonable over the course of a tenancy. However, stains, burns, or deliberate damage are not. A good rule of thumb is that bond cleaning focuses on returning the property to its original standard of cleanliness, not necessarily brand-new condition.

🤝 How Us Real Estate Can Help

Bond cleaning can feel overwhelming, but you don’t need to navigate it alone. At Us Real Estate, our Property Management team is here to help make rental living fair, informed, and stress-free. Whether you’re a tenant preparing to move out or a Rental Provider wanting to ensure your property is maintained to the highest standard, we can provide guidance, connect you with trusted local trades, and help ensure the bond process runs smoothly.

🛎️ Speak to a Local Expert

At Us Real Estate, our Property Management team is committed to balancing the needs of both Rental Providers and tenants. We stay informed of local trends, market data, and compliance changes so you don’t have to navigate it alone.

Whether you’re preparing for a bond clean, considering a rent review, or want advice on managing your rental property, we’re here to help with honest, experienced guidance.

Contact Our Property Management Team:
📞 Tamika Thurgood – 0401 431 484
✉️ [email protected]

📞 Monique Robins – 03 8762 0128
✉️ [email protected]

Let’s make rental living fair, informed, and stress-free – together. ✨