When it’s time to move out of a rental property, most Melbourne tenants are focused on the big things: booking movers, setting up the new home, cancelling services, and making sure everything is packed. End of lease cleaning can quietly cause a lot of stress and cost you hundreds of dollars if it’s not done right. Check the real bond dispute stats and cleaning checklist. Whether you’re leaving a one-bedroom flat in Brunswick or a four-bedroom home in Dandenong, your final clean can make or break your bond return.
🧾 The Real Stats Behind Bond Disputes in Victoria
Let’s start with the facts.
According to the Victorian Residential Tenancies Bond Authority (RTBA), there were over 53,000 bond disputes in the state of Victoria in 2023 alone.
Out of those, cleaning was the most common reason tenants lost money involved in a staggering 67% to 70% of bond disputes.
To put that in perspective:
That’s around 35,000+ cleaning-related bond disputes in one year.
The average amount lost per tenancy due to cleaning issues? Between $250 to $500 — sometimes more for larger homes or properties in poor condition.
These aren’t rare occurrences. Every week, hundreds of tenants in Melbourne are caught off guard when their real estate agent or landlord points out dust in the blinds, grime in the oven, or missed spots on the carpet.
🧹 Why Is Cleaning Such a Big Deal for a Bond Dispute?
Cleaning is often underestimated. Many renters believe a basic vacuum, a wipe-down of the benchtops, and a mop of the floors will be enough. Unfortunately, that’s rarely the case.
Landlords and property managers expect a “professional standard” clean similar to how the place looked when you moved in. That means:
- No streaks on mirrors or glass
- No dust in ceiling vents or fans
- Skirting boards cleaned
- Shower grout scrubbed
- Oven fully degreased
- Carpets professionally steamed (not just vacuumed)
Even minor things like leaving a few hairs behind in the bathroom or not wiping inside the cupboards can be reasons for a claim on your bond.
💸 Cleaning Costs vs Bond Loss: What’s More Expensive?
Let’s talk numbers.
Here’s what professional end of lease cleaning typically costs in Melbourne (2024 average prices):
🏠 2-bedroom apartment: $300 – $400
🏡 3-bedroom house: $450 – $600
🔥 Oven cleaning: $40 – $60 (often included in package deals)
🧼 Carpet steam cleaning: $80 – $150 depending on rooms and condition
🐶 Pet odour/stain treatment: $50 – $100 (if required)
Compare that to the average bond deduction of $250–$500 for cleaning, and hiring a professional often ends up being more affordable, and it saves you 6–8 hours of labour and stress.
Many companies (like ours) even offer a 7-day free re-clean guarantee, so if the agent raises a concern, you’re covered at no extra cost.
📊 What Do Tenants Say?
According to a survey by Tenants Victoria, 1 in 3 renters in Melbourne felt their bond was unfairly withheld. Over 45% of renters who cleaned the property themselves still had money deducted. Those who used a professional cleaning company with a bond-back guarantee were three times more likely to get their full bond returned. So while DIY cleaning might feel like the cheaper option, it comes with a much higher risk of losing your money.
🚨 Top Cleaning Areas That Lead to Bond Deductions
Want to know where agents are most likely to look — and where tenants most commonly go wrong?
Here are the top 10 cleaning hotspots that lead to bond claims:
- Oven & Rangehood – Baked-on grease, burnt residue, and filters not cleaned.
- Shower Tiles & Grout – Mould, soap scum, and water stains in bathrooms.
- Carpets – Pet hair, stains, and dust left in corners.
- Window Tracks & Sills – Commonly overlooked and full of dust and dead bugs.
- Skirting Boards – Often missed, but show up in every walkthrough inspection.
- Kitchen Cupboards (inside & out) – Crumbs, stains, and grease around handles.
- Walls & Light Switches – Marks, fingerprints, and cobwebs.
- Ceiling Fans & Air Vents – Dust build-up is a red flag for property managers.
- Blinds – Dusty slats are one of the most common agent complaints.
- Garage & Outdoor Areas – Spider webs, leaves, and dust in corners.
✅ Tips to Protect Your Bond
If you’re determined to clean the property yourself, here are a few tips to help you meet expectations:
📸 Take photos before and after cleaning to show what you’ve done.
🧽 Use quality products – especially on glass, grout, and stainless steel.
🪟 Don’t forget windows, blinds, and flyscreens.
🛁 Scrub showers with mould remover, not just soap.
📅 Time your cleaning close to the final inspection to avoid dust settling again.
📄 Cross-check with your original condition report to ensure all items are returned to the same level of cleanliness.
Still, keep in mind that even a solid DIY clean doesn’t come with a re-clean guarantee — so if your agent finds fault, you might end up paying a cleaner anyway.
🧼 Why Choose End of Lease Cleaning Melbourne?
At End of Lease Cleaning Melbourne, we’ve helped thousands of renters across the city move out stress-free and get their full bond back.
Here’s what sets us apart:
✅ Same-day vacate cleaning at no extra cost
✅ 7-day free re-clean policy — for total peace of mind
✅ Friendly, professional cleaners who are all background-checked
✅ Eco-friendly, safe cleaning products
✅ Service across all of Melbourne — North, South, East, and West
📞 Book Your Clean Today
Don’t risk losing part of your bond because of dust in a corner or a dirty oven. Let our team take care of it so you can focus on settling into your new place.
📱 Call us on 0457 162 458
🌐 Book online: www.end-of-leasecleaningmelbourne.com.au
We’re here to help make your move-out simple, smooth, and sparkling clean.
