Understanding the end of lease clean cost early makes moving out calmer, cheaper, and far less risky.
If you have ever worried about agent scrutiny, unexpected add-ons, or whether DIY will actually pass inspection, you are not alone.
This expert guide explains the pricing levers, shows realistic cost ranges, maps out a room-by-room approach, and clarifies when to hire professionals—so you can hand back the keys with confidence and recover your full bond.
How Pricing Works: The Factors That Shape End of Lease Cleaning Quotes
Most quotes follow the same logic even if they look different on the surface.
Prices reflect time on site, level of difficulty, and the extras required to match the Exit or Property Condition Report.
Ask cleaners to connect each factor to minutes or dollars in your quote for full transparency.
- Property size and layout
More rooms and bathrooms increase task counts and travel between zones, which extends labour time. - Current condition
Built-up grease in ovens, mould in showers, heavy dust on blinds, nicotine residue, and pet hair all demand slower methods and repeat passes. - Access and logistics
CBD parking, long lift waits, key pickup, and security procedures add non-cleaning time that still affects the final invoice. - Surface sensitivity and risk
Stone benchtops, brass taps, and specialty coatings require gentle chemistry and extra care to avoid damage. - Optional extras
Wall washing, external glass, blind cleaning, and carpet steam cleaning are usually outside a base scope and priced as add-ons. - Seasonality and timing
Month-end Saturdays, pre-holiday weeks, and same-day requests book out quickly and often carry surge pricing.
A credible team explains these inputs in plain language and documents inclusions and exclusions before you pay a deposit.
Vague answers and “we’ll see on the day” are signals to keep comparing.
End of Lease Clean Cost: Typical Ranges and Common Scenarios
Use these brackets as a planning baseline and then adjust for the factors above.
Regional differences and property condition will move the number up or down.
- Studio / 1-bed, 1 bath: $220–$300
- 2-bed, 1 bath: $280–$380
- 2-bed, 2 bath: $320–$420
- 3-bed house: $380–$520+
- Large homes / townhouses: $500–$700+
Frequent add-ons
- Carpet steam cleaning: $20–$40 per room
- Deep oven cleaning: $40–$90 depending on buildup
- External windows / balcony glass: from $60+
- Wall spot cleaning or full wall wash: $40–$150+ based on rooms and marks
Request a fixed quote with a written scope and a line for each add-on you approve.
Clear paperwork protects you from hidden fees and “unexpected charges” after the job starts.
DIY vs Professional: Time, Tools, and Risk Compared
DIY can be cost-effective for small, well-maintained apartments, but the true cost is your time and the risk of failing the first inspection.
DIY realities
- You will purchase chemicals, pads, blades, rubbish bags, and sometimes hire a steam or extraction machine.
- A typical apartment requires 8–15 hours for a thorough exit clean.
- Missing oven glass, shower tracks, or window runners is the most common reason for re-cleans and bond deductions.
Professional service advantages
- Two-person teams move faster, bring tools for grout haze, limescale, and rangehood filters, and work in a consistent top-to-bottom flow.
- Many offer a bond back guarantee with a rectification window, so inspection comments are fixed promptly without extra cost to you.
- You pay more upfront but buy certainty, documentation, and speed—vital when schedules are tight or standards are strict.
Practical rule of thumb
Choose DIY for light wear and limited scope.Choose a professional End of lease cleaning service when carpets need hot water extraction, showers have scale, ovens are heavily used, or you have no buffer for a second visit.
How Agents Inspect: Aligning With the Exit Condition Report
Clean strategically by matching the way property managers check a home against the Exit Condition Report.
Target high-scrutiny areas early, then close with edges and floors.
- Kitchen
Degrease splashbacks and rangehoods.
Remove oven rails and trays for separate soaking and glass polishing.
Wipe inside cabinets and reset handles. - Bathroom
Pre-treat shower screens and grout lines.
Scrub tap bases, silicone edges, and drain covers.
Rinse, squeegee, and hand-dry glass to prevent streaks. - Living and bedrooms
High dusting first, then blinds, door tops, and skirting.
Clean wardrobe mirrors and tracks.
Vacuum along edges before a full mop. - Throughout the property
Window sills, sliding tracks, light fittings, vents, and switch plates show up in photos and inspections—treat them like “must pass” items.
Carry a short cleaning checklist on your phone and take time-stamped photos as you finish each room.
Photos beat memory during quality assurance inspections and help resolve disputes quickly.
Add-Ons That Change the Quote: What to Approve Upfront
Some tasks are time sinks and require different tools or techniques.
Decide early whether you will include them and add them to the scope.
- Carpet steam cleaning for pet odour or visible soiling
- Wall spot cleaning or full wall wash for scuffs and crayon marks
- Blind and shutter detailing when dust is heavy
- External glass for balcony or road-facing windows
- Appliance interiors such as fridges and dishwashers if they were part of your tenancy
Bundling several extras in one visit often lowers the per-item price.
If your timeline is tight, schedule the bond clean after furniture removal so the crew can reach edges and tracks without delays.
Reducing Costs Without Risking Your Bond
Lower the invoice by reducing labour time—not by cutting standards.
A little preparation goes a long way.
- Empty all cupboards and drawers and place items in boxes.
- Defrost the freezer 24–48 hours before cleaning day.
- Remove hooks and fill small nail holes where permitted.
- Take rubbish and recycling out in advance.
- Label keys, access paths, and make sure hot water is on.
These simple steps can save an hour or more on site and keep your end of lease cleaning prices closer to the initial quote.
Choosing the Right Team: Practical Vetting to Avoid Headaches
Protect yourself from scammers and unprofessional operators by checking operations, not slogans.
Shortlist two providers and compare in writing.
Look for:
- A clear list of inclusions and exclusions
- A written bond back guarantee with a 24–72-hour rectification window
- Before-and-after photos on request and real job galleries
- Public liability insurance and a valid ABN
- 4.7★+ average reviews mentioning punctuality and re-cleans
- Fixed pricing rather than “we’ll decide on the day”
- Prompt, direct communication and simple booking links
If you need a reliable Melbourne team with fast response times, learn more about end of lease cleaning and book with O2O Cleaning.
Timeline That Actually Works: From Booking to Handover
Spreading tasks protects your energy and your bond.
- Two weeks out
Book cleaners, confirm parking, lift access, water and power.
Share the building rules and preferred key handover method. - One week out
Empty cupboards, patch walls if allowed, and start decluttering.
Order boxes and arrange council hard-waste pickup if needed. - Two days out
Move out completely so cleaners can access edges, tracks, and high areas.
Reserve lift time if your building requires it. - Cleaning day
Walk through with your checklist and take photos of each finished area.
Send the invoice and photos to your agent for a smooth file close.
Special Cases: Leaving Australia, VCAT, and Unusual Requests
If you move overseas before handover, you can still protect your security deposit return.
Authorise a local contact, store dated photos, and keep invoices and your property condition report handy.
Most documentation and bond processes can be handled online.
For disputes in Victoria, VCAT accepts clear evidence and time-stamped photos.
You can usually attend by phone or video.
Professional cleaners who offer bond-back support can liaise with agents and action re-cleans within the guarantee window.
Requesting and Reading a Fixed Quote: Closing the Gaps
Get clarity before you commit.
Ask these specifics and insist they appear on the quote:
- Are oven and rangehood included?
- Are windows internal only or internal and external?
- Do blinds, tracks, and flyscreens form part of the scope?
- Is carpet cleaning true hot water extraction or just a surface refresh?
- Are there access or parking surcharges?
- What is always excluded, regardless of condition?
Confirm crew size, start time, and expected duration.
Good teams answer in minutes and set realistic expectations.
Requesting and Reading a Fixed Quote: Closing the Gaps
Get clarity before you commit.
Ask these specifics and insist they appear on the quote:
- Are oven and rangehood included?
- Are windows internal only or internal and external?
- Do blinds, tracks, and flyscreens form part of the scope?
- Is carpet cleaning true hot water extraction or just a surface refresh?
- Are there access or parking surcharges?
- What is always excluded, regardless of condition?
Confirm crew size, start time, and expected duration.
Good teams answer in minutes and set realistic expectations.
FAQs
What is the typical price range for a professional end-of-lease clean?
Prices vary by location and condition, but a standard 3-bedroom house commonly falls around $350–$450, with broader ranges from about $150 to $1,200+ depending on scope and extras. Smaller properties often start from $200.
Which factors increase the final cost the most?
Bathrooms with scale, ovens with baked-on grease, carpets needing extraction, and external window cleaning add time.
Property size, current condition, and access constraints in high-rise buildings also move the price.
What do common add-ons cost?
As a guide: Carpet cleaning $80–$200 or a base plus per-room fee; Oven cleaning $70–$150; Wall washing $150–$400 or about $20 per wall for spot removal; Window cleaning often priced per window for hard-to-reach glass.
How does property size affect the quote?
Larger footprints require more passes and setup.
Indicative brackets seen across major cities: Studio $150–$350, 2-bed $250–$550, 3-bed $400–$800, 4-bed $400–$800+ depending on condition and extras.
Can cleaning cost exceed my bond?
It can if the home requires extensive remediation.
Thorough preparation and a team with a bond back guarantee reduce this risk and curb disputes.
Is it mandatory to hire professional cleaners?
No.
Your duty is to return the property reasonably clean.
Professionals simply increase the chance of passing first time and offer rectification if the agent requests changes.
What if the agent still says it isn’t clean?
Share the notes with your provider.
A genuine bond-back policy includes a prompt re-clean at no extra cost within the stated window.
Average bond cleaning prices in Sydney vs Melbourne?
Sydney often runs higher due to labour rates and access.
Melbourne is steadier but still varies by suburb and season.
How long does a move-out clean take?
A two-bed, one-bath unit usually takes 4–6 hours with a two-person crew.
Larger homes need longer or more cleaners.
What if cleaners refused to return to rectify issues?
Escalate with your documentation and consider lodging a dispute.
Choosing reputable providers up front avoids this scenario.
Conclusion: Why Knowing End of Lease Clean Cost Pays Off
Clarity around end of lease clean cost helps you plan the budget, prioritise the right rooms, and avoid re-cleans or deductions.
When your scope mirrors the agent’s inspection workflow and your provider offers a clear rectification window, you protect your bond and your timeline.
If you want a fast, low-stress exit, book a team that explains the scope, documents the work, and stands behind a written guarantee.
Explore end of lease cleaning for detailed service outlines, or contact O2O Cleaning to secure a fixed quote and a schedule that matches your move-out date.
Clients choose this route for dependable communication, transparent pricing, and quick turnarounds—exactly what you need when every day before handover counts.
