You’re moving out of your Melbourne rental soon and want your full bond back, but the place is a mess.
Before you panic, take a deep breath. Bond cleaning doesn’t have to be stressful or expensive if you know what to do.
This article will teach you everything from start to finish – the whole process demystified.
You’ll learn the exact cleaning tasks needed to pass inspection, whether to DIY or hire professional bond cleaning in Melbourne, top cleaning tips to save time and money, and what bond cleaning really costs.
(hint: it’s less than you think!), and how to guarantee you get your full bond back no matter what. With this guide, your bond return will be smooth sailing.
Why Is Bond Cleaning Important?
When renting a property, a bond is paid as a security deposit to cover any unpaid rent or damage to the property.
To get your full bond back when moving out, the property needs to be returned in the same condition as when you moved in, with fair wear and tear accepted. This is where professional bond cleaning comes in.
Bond cleaning, or end-of-lease cleaning, involves thoroughly cleaning the property to ensure it meets the standard of cleanliness outlined in your rental agreement.
There are a few key reasons why bond cleaning is so important:
- It guarantees the return of your full bond amount. Without proper cleaning, the landlord can claim part or all of your bond to cover the cost of cleaning the property after you leave.
- It speeds up the bond refund process. With a professional bond clean, the property will be ready for the next tenants to move in right away. This allows the bond refund to be processed more quickly.
- It leaves a good impression. Having the place professionally cleaned shows the landlord and agent that you respect the property. This can help if you need a reference for future rentals.
- It saves you time and hassle. Bond cleaning is a big job. Hiring a professional service means you can focus on moving out without the stress of having to do a full top-to-bottom cleaning of the property yourself.
- It provides peace of mind. Knowing the end-of-lease cleaning is handled by experienced professionals gives you confidence that the job will be done thoroughly and properly according to the rental agreement terms.
What Does Bond Cleaning Include?
Bond cleaning, also known as end-of-lease cleaning, refers to a deep cleaning of a rental property once tenants have moved out. The goal is to get the place looking as close as possible to the condition it was in before the tenants moved in. This helps ensure tenants get their full security deposit back.
As a tenant, there are several areas you’ll want to focus on to pass your final inspection with flying colours:
- Clean all rooms from top to bottom by dusting, wiping down surfaces and vacuuming carpeted areas. Mop hard floors like linoleum, tile and wood. Clean behind and under furniture, too.
- Clean windows inside and out, including sills and tracks. Wipe down or scrub any particularly dirty windows.
- Clean all appliances inside and out – ovens, stovetops, microwaves, refrigerators, dishwashers, etc. Remove built-up grease and grime.
- Clean all fixtures like light fixtures, fans, air vents, baseboards, and cabinet fronts. Dust and wipe them down.
- Clean bathrooms thoroughly, including toilets, showers, bathtubs, sinks, mirrors, floors, cabinets and counters. Scrub away soap scum and mildew.
- Clean closets and cupboards. Remove any leftover items and wipe down the shelves. Vacuum the tracks of sliding doors.
- Consider professional steam cleaning of carpets. DIY carpet cleaning may not be enough for end-of-lease standards. Get carpets looking like new.
- Don’t forget outdoor areas like decks, patios, garages and sheds. Do a final sweep and pick up any debris.
- Take photos of the clean and empty property as evidence in case of any disputes over the security deposit.
Bond cleaning is a big job but following this checklist and putting in the elbow grease to clean thoroughly can help avoid extra charges and ensure you get your full security deposit back.
Leaving the place spotless will also make the move-out process smoother and less stressful. The effort will be well worth it!
How Much Does Bond Cleaning Cost in Melbourne?
Bond cleaning in Melbourne typically ranges between $200 to $500 for a standard 3-bedroom home. The exact price will depend on several factors, including:
- The size and number of rooms in your home. More rooms and larger spaces will cost more to clean.
- The condition of your home. A home in poor condition with built-up dirt and grime will take longer to clean and cost more.
- Additional services requested. Things like carpet cleaning, oven cleaning, and external window washing will increase the total price.
- The cleaning company and packages offered. Established companies with stellar reputations and those offering eco-friendly products and packages may charge slightly higher rates.
As a renter in Melbourne, you are required to have your home professionally cleaned when moving out to receive your full rental bond back.
Bond cleaning companies like Clean To Shinespecialise in intensive end-of-lease cleans to meet the strict requirements of rental agents and landlords.
A standard bond clean typically includes:
- Vacuuming, mopping, and cleaning all floor surfaces, including carpets, tiles, and hardwoods.
- Wiping down all walls to remove marks and spillages.
- Cleaning interior windows, sills, and window tracks.
- Cleaning light fixtures, ceiling fans, air vents, and skirting boards.
- Scrubbing sinks, bathtubs, toilets, cupboards, mirrors, and shower screens.
- Wiping down and polishing kitchen benches, cabinets, appliances, and splashbacks.
- Emptying and cleaning rubbish bins, composting, and recycling.
- Tidying outdoor areas like balconies, patios, and garages.
- Mowing and edging lawns; pruning shrubs. (if requested)
When comparing bond cleaning in Melbourne, ask what is included in the service to determine the best value for your needs and budget. With a professional bond clean, you can rest assured you’ll get your full security deposit back.
How to Choose the Bond Cleaning Company?
When moving out of your rental property, hiring a professional bond cleaning in Melbourne can help ensure you get your full security deposit back.
But with so many companies to choose from, how do you decide? Here are some tips for finding a reputable company for your end-of-lease cleaning in Melbourne.
Inquire about their experience and expertise: An established company that specialises in bond cleans and has many years of experience will be familiar with the high standards required. Ask if they’re endorsed by real estate agents or any professional organisations.
Make sure they offer a satisfaction guarantee: A reputable bond cleaning company will guarantee their work and re-clean any areas that don’t meet your property manager’s standards. They want to ensure your full bond refund just as much as you do.
Check that they are fully insured and licensed: Proper insurance and licensing give you peace of mind that the job will be done safely and professionally. It also protects you in the unlikely event of any damage to your property.
Get an estimate for the job: Explain the full scope of work required and get an estimate of the total cost before booking. Look for a company that provides a fixed-price quote with no hidden fees. The price should be fair and reasonable for the level of service.
Discuss their cleaning process and what’s included: A thorough bond clean should include cleaning all rooms and surfaces in the property according to a comprehensive checklist. All carpets, windows, ovens, bathrooms, and appliances should be left spotless. Ask about anything extra that’s important to you, like inside cupboards or ceiling fans.
A professional bond cleaning service can save you time and hassle at the end of your lease. Choosing a reputable company using these tips will give you confidence in their work and the best chance of having your full bond returned.
Final words
So, there you have it, everything you need to know about bond cleaning in Melbourne. Whether you’re moving in, moving out, or just want your place sparkling clean, professional bond cleaners can help.
Remember to book ahead of time, be clear on what’s included and what’s extra, and do your research to find a reputable company with attention to detail.
With the right bond cleaning company like Clean To Shine, you can get your full rental deposit back and make moving hassle-free.
Stay on top of the cleaning, and don’t let grime take over. Your future self will thank you for it!