DIY vs professional end-of-lease cleaning: which is right?
When a DIY bond clean is enough, when a professional end-of-lease clean is worth it, what to check in a cleaning quote, and what your lease may require.
Key takeaways
- A small, well-kept property can often be cleaned to entry standard yourself.
- Ovens, carpets and high windows are where professional help pays off most.
- A professional clean does not guarantee your bond; the entry report does.
Check your lease first
Some leases require professional carpet cleaning at the end of a tenancy, particularly where pets were allowed. Rules differ between states on whether a landlord can require professional cleaning, so check your lease and your state's tenancy authority.
When DIY usually works
A DIY clean can be enough when:
- The property is small and has been cleaned regularly
- The oven, rangehood and bathrooms are in good condition
- You have time before the final inspection
- Carpets are clean or the property has hard floors
When a professional is worth it
A professional end-of-lease clean is often worth it for larger homes, heavily used ovens, built-up soap scum or mould, pet hair, high windows, or when you are short on time during a move. Specialist carpet and oven cleaning can be booked separately.
What to check in a cleaning quote
Ask for a room-by-room list of inclusions, whether the oven, windows, blinds and walls are included, whether carpets are extra, and whether the cleaner offers a return visit if the inspection finds issues. Keep the receipt for your records.
Book it well
Schedule the clean after furniture is out and after any painting or repairs. Post an end-of-lease cleaning job free on Fixit247 with the property size, number of bathrooms and inclusions, and compare up to 3 obligation-free quotes from verified cleaners, where available.
General information only, reviewed for Australian conditions. Rules differ between states and territories and change over time, so confirm details with the relevant regulator. Call 000 in an emergency. Editorial policy
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