A Guide to End of Lease Cleaning Tips and Costs

In Short

If you’re moving out of your rental property, you’ll need to complete an end of lease clean to get your bond back. While most people focus on the inside of the house, your outdoor areas also play a big part in the final inspection. In this updated guide, we’ll show you exactly what to include in your outdoor cleaning checklist, explain what’s included in an end of lease clean, and answer the big question: how much does an end of lease clean cost?

Why End of Lease Cleaning Matters

When you move out, your property must be left in the same condition as when you moved in, allowing for normal wear and tear. A thorough clean ensures you meet your rental agreement and avoid bond deductions. This means attention to both interior and exterior areas. You can read more about the rules of ending a tenancy on the NSW Fair Trading website.

At Simply Spotless, we know how stressful moving can be, so we’ve created this outdoor cleaning checklist to make your end of lease process smoother.

What Does an End of Lease Clean Include?

An end of lease clean covers every area of your home, from kitchens and bathrooms to outdoor spaces. Typical inclusions are:

• Interior cleaning: walls, windows, skirting boards, light fittings and appliances
  
• Carpets and floors: vacuuming and mopping throughout
  
• Bathrooms: deep cleaning and sanitising
  
• Kitchen: oven, stovetop and rangehood cleaning
  
• Outdoor areas: patios, balconies, lawns, garages and bins
  

You can view a full breakdown on our End of Lease Cleaning page.

How Much Does an End of Lease Clean Cost?

The cost of end of lease cleaning depends on property size, condition, and any extras you include. On average, the price ranges from $250 for small apartments to $600+ for large houses. Adding outdoor cleaning, carpet steam cleaning or wall washing may increase the total cost slightly.

You can get an instant quote for your property using our online booking form.

Outdoor Cleaning Checklist for End of Lease

Your agent or landlord will expect outdoor areas to be clean and tidy. Here’s what to focus on:

1. Gardens and Lawns

• Mow lawns and trim overgrown plants
  
• Weed garden beds and replace any dead plants
  
• Sweep or hose down pathways and patios

2. Balcony, Patio, Verandah or Deck

• Sweep away debris, cobwebs and dust
  
• Mop or pressure-wash the surface
  
• Wipe outdoor furniture if applicable

3. Pets

• Remove pet waste and fill in any holes in the yard
  
• Clean or repair any pet-related damage
  
• Deodorise outdoor areas if necessary

4. Pool or Spa

• Clear debris and clean the waterline
  
• Empty skimmer baskets and check filters
  
• Wash the area around the pool

5. Garage

• Sweep floors and remove cobwebs
  
• Degrease any oil stains
  
• Wipe shelves, benches and windows

6. Bins and Rubbish

• Empty all bins and wash them out
  
• Remove all rubbish from the property
  
• Dispose of cigarette butts, bottle tops and leftover debris

How Long Does an End of Lease Clean Take?

For most homes, an end of lease clean takes between 4 and 8 hours, depending on the size of the property and how much work is required. Adding outdoor cleaning and optional extras like carpet or oven cleaning will add more time.

FAQ: End of Lease Cleaning Questions

1. How much is an end of lease clean in Sydney?

In Sydney, prices generally range from $250 to $600 depending on the size of your home and the condition it’s left in. Simply Spotless offers transparent quotes with no hidden fees.

2. What does an end of lease clean include?

An end of lease clean includes every major area of the property. This means interior cleaning, kitchen and bathroom detailing, floor cleaning, and outdoor cleaning where applicable.

3. Can I do my own end of lease cleaning?

You can, but keep in mind that professional cleaners know exactly what property managers look for. Hiring professionals increases your chances of getting your bond back.

4. Do I need to clean the garden or outdoor areas?

Yes. Outdoor areas are part of your rental agreement. Overgrown lawns, dirty patios or rubbish left behind can all impact your final inspection.

Key Takeaways

• End of lease cleaning includes both indoor and outdoor areas 
• Costs range from $250 to $600 depending on property size
• Outdoor cleaning covers lawns, decks, garages, bins and pools
• Clean every area to avoid losing your bond
• Get a free quote for professional cleaning with Simply Spotless