Moving out of a rental property in Perth comes with a long list of jobs, and bond cleaning is usually the one tenants worry about most. Whether you’re doing it yourself or hiring a professional, it’s normal to have questions about what’s included, how long it takes, and what happens if your property manager isn’t satisfied with the result.
This bond cleaning Perth FAQ answers the questions we hear most often from tenants preparing for their final inspection, so you know exactly what to expect before, during, and after the clean.
Cost, Duration, and What’s Covered
How much does bond cleaning cost in Perth?
Prices vary depending on the size of the property, its condition, and how many bedrooms and bathrooms it has. A one-bedroom unit will naturally cost less than a large four-bedroom house. Additional factors that can affect price include:
- Whether carpets need steam cleaning
- The general condition of the property, including how much built-up grime or neglect there is
- Extras such as oven detailing, wall spot cleaning, or garage cleaning
- Access issues, such as multi-storey properties or limited parking
Rather than relying on a flat rate, it’s best to get a quote based on the specific property so there are no surprises on the day.
How long does a bond clean take?
Most standard bond cleans take anywhere from three to eight hours, depending on the size of the home and how much attention each room needs. A small, well-maintained unit might be finished in a few hours, while a larger family home with years of tenancy wear could take a full day or longer.
If carpet cleaning or additional detailing is required, this can add extra time on top of the standard clean.
What is actually included in a bond clean?
A bond clean, sometimes called an end of lease clean or exit clean, is a thorough top-to-bottom clean of the entire property. It’s more detailed than a regular weekly clean and is designed to bring the property back to the condition noted on your original entry condition report.
Typical inclusions cover:
- Kitchen: benchtops, cupboards inside and out, rangehood, oven, cooktop, and sink
- Bathrooms and toilets: tiles, grout, showerscreens, mirrors, and fittings
- All floors: vacuuming and mopping throughout
- Skirting boards, light switches, and door frames
- Interior windows and tracks
- Ceiling fans, light fittings, and air conditioning vents (dusted and wiped)
- Wardrobes and built-in storage
It’s worth checking with your cleaning provider exactly what’s included in their standard package, since some inclusions like oven detailing or blind cleaning are sometimes offered as add-ons rather than being bundled in automatically.
Do I need to be there during the clean?
You don’t need to be present the whole time, but it’s helpful to be there at the start to unlock the property and point out anything specific, and again at the end to do a walkthrough. Many tenants arrange access with their cleaner or agent and collect keys once the job is finished.
Carpet Cleaning, Windows, and Outdoor Areas
Is carpet cleaning included in a bond clean?
This is one of the most common points of confusion. Carpet steam cleaning is often listed as a separate service rather than being automatically bundled into a standard bond clean, even though many lease agreements require carpets to be professionally cleaned before you vacate.
Check your lease carefully. If it specifies professional carpet cleaning, keep a copy of the invoice or receipt, as your property manager may ask for proof that it was done by a professional rather than a home carpet cleaner.
What about window cleaning, inside and out?
Interior window cleaning is generally included as part of a standard bond clean, covering glass, frames, and tracks. Exterior window cleaning is often treated differently, especially for two-storey homes or properties where external access is difficult.
If you want the outside of your windows cleaned as well, it’s best to confirm this with your cleaning provider ahead of time, as it may involve an additional charge or a separate booking.
Are outdoor areas included in bond cleaning?
This depends on what your lease originally covered and what was noted on your entry condition report. Outdoor inclusions can vary quite a bit, so it’s worth clarifying which of the following apply to your situation:
- Sweeping paths, patios, and entryways
- Cleaning garages or carports
- Cobweb removal from eaves and outdoor walls
- Balcony or courtyard cleaning
Lawns, gardens, and pool maintenance are usually treated as separate services and are not typically part of a standard bond clean. If your lease requires the yard to be left in a particular condition, you may need to arrange this separately.
What isn’t usually included in a bond clean?
To avoid confusion on the day, it helps to know what generally falls outside a standard bond cleaning service:
- Garden maintenance, lawn mowing, and pool cleaning
- Pest control treatments
- Removal of rubbish or bulky items left behind
- Repairs, such as patching walls or fixing fixtures
- Exterior window cleaning (unless specifically requested)
If any of these apply to your property, it’s worth arranging them separately and well before your final inspection date.
Bond Back Guarantees and Handling Disputes
What does a bond back guarantee actually mean?
A bond back guarantee, sometimes advertised as a re-clean guarantee, generally means that if your property manager identifies cleaning issues during the final inspection, the cleaning company will return to fix those specific issues at no extra cost, within an agreed timeframe.
It’s important to understand that this guarantee applies to cleaning standards only. It does not cover bond deductions for other reasons, such as damage to the property, unpaid rent, or issues unrelated to cleanliness. Always read the terms of any guarantee carefully so you know exactly what it covers.
What should I do if my property manager isn’t happy with the clean?
If your property manager raises concerns after the final inspection, don’t panic. Here’s a practical approach:
- Ask for specific, written feedback on what needs attention rather than a general comment
- Compare the feedback against your entry condition report to check it’s a fair like-for-like comparison
- Contact your cleaning provider promptly if a re-clean guarantee applies, and provide the feedback you received
- Keep all communication in writing, including emails or messages, in case you need to refer back to them later
Acting quickly is important, as most re-clean guarantees have a limited window, often a few days after the original clean, in which issues need to be reported.
What if there’s a dispute about the bond itself?
If you and your property manager can’t agree on cleaning standards or bond deductions, tenants in Western Australia can raise the matter through the appropriate tenancy dispute resolution process. Having clear documentation helps enormously here, including:
- Your entry condition report
- Photos taken before you vacated
- Invoices or receipts for cleaning and carpet cleaning
- Any written correspondence about the state of the property
Keeping this paperwork organised from the start of your tenancy can save a lot of stress if a disagreement does arise later.
How can I improve the chances of getting my full bond back?
A few simple steps can make the process smoother:
- Book your bond clean with enough time before your final inspection in case anything needs touching up
- Compare the finished result against your original entry condition report room by room
- Take your own photos once the clean is complete, before handing back keys
- Clarify inclusions like carpets, windows, and outdoor areas with your cleaner ahead of time
- Keep all receipts and reports until your bond is fully refunded
Final Thoughts
Bond cleaning doesn’t need to be stressful once you know what to expect. Understanding what’s included, clarifying extras like carpets and outdoor areas, and knowing your options if a dispute arises puts you in a much stronger position when it’s time to move out. If you’re ever unsure about what a specific bond clean covers, it’s always worth asking directly before booking so there are no surprises at your final inspection.
