End of Lease Clean Up in Sydney: What Landlords and Tenants Need to Know

When a lease ends in Sydney, the clean-up process is often the biggest stress factor for tenants — and the point of highest scrutiny for landlords and property managers. Whether you're a tenant looking to get your bond back or a landlord ensuring your property is ready for the next renter, here's everything you need to know.

Legal Responsibilities in NSW

Under the NSW Residential Tenancies Act, tenants must leave the premises in a "reasonably clean" condition, similar to the condition it was in when the lease started, excluding fair wear and tear.

What's Legal and What's Not

Tenants are not legally required to hire professional cleaners or steam clean carpets unless the lease specifically states so. The law only requires the property to be left "reasonably clean." Likewise, landlords cannot demand receipts for professional cleaning unless that condition was in writing. Common myths include landlords claiming: "You must professionally clean the carpets" or "You have to repaint the walls" — these are not enforceable unless outlined in your lease and backed by the original condition report. Tenants also sometimes incorrectly assume, "It was dirty when I moved in, so I don't have to clean it now" — this will only hold up if your move-in condition report proves it.

Key responsibilities:

• Tenants: Must ensure the property is clean and free of rubbish. Professional cleaning is not mandatory unless specified in the lease.

• Landlords: Can only deduct from the bond if they can prove the need for extra cleaning with evidence (photos, reports).

  
  

Pro tip: Always complete a condition report with time-stamped photos when you move in and out. It’s your strongest legal protection.

How Much Does End of Lease Cleaning Cost in Sydney?

Property Size	Standard Clean	With Extras (Carpets, Oven, Windows)
Studio / 1 Bedroom	$200 – $250	Up to $350
2 Bedroom Apartment	$300 – $400	$450 – $550
3+ Bedroom House	$400 – $600+	$600 – $800+

Extras include:

• Carpet steam cleaning: $30 – $70/room

• Oven cleaning: $60 – $80

• Windows & tracks: $5 – $15/window

  
  

Booking last-minute can cost up to 25% more due to demand.

Common Mistakes Tenants Make:

• Leaving behind furniture or bulky rubbish.

• Not cleaning ovens, range-hoods, or inside cupboards.

• Forgetting windows, walls, or skirting boards.

• Not having proof of professional cleaning (if required).

• Assuming they can dispute bond deductions without evidence.

Landlord & Agent Expectations

Most Sydney property managers use a detailed checklist that includes:

• All rooms cleaned thoroughly.

• Carpets vacuumed or steam cleaned.

• Kitchens and bathrooms degreased and sanitised.

• Windows cleaned inside (and sometimes outside).

• Rubbish removed and garage/balcony cleared.

  
  

If any part of the property is dirty or cluttered, deductions can and often will be made from the tenant’s bond.

Rubbish Removal: The Hidden Dealbreaker

Rubbish left behind is one of the top reasons bonds are withheld. This includes:

• Broken furniture

• Mattresses

• Whitegoods

• Cardboard boxes or packing debris

  
  

Removaroo Rubbish Removal Sydney offers same-day pickups across all Sydney suburbs to help tenants clear the space before final inspection. Bookings start from $59/m³.

Typical Rubbish Removal Rates in Sydney:

Waste Type	Average Price per Cubic Metre
Furniture & Bulky Items	$150/m³
Garden Waste	$125/m³

Pro Tips to Secure Your Bond

• Use the original condition report as your cleaning checklist

• Take high-resolution photos of all rooms after cleaning

• Keep receipts for any professional services (cleaning or rubbish removal)

• Leave keys, remotes, and garage openers in a labelled envelope

Final Word: Don’t Risk It

With the average Sydney bond sitting at $2,400 for a 2-bedroom unit, the cost of proper cleaning and rubbish removal is a small investment for peace of mind. Whether you're a tenant or a landlord, following the right process ensures a smoother transition and less financial risk.

For last-minute clean-up and furniture removal, Removaroo Rubbish Removal is here to help — same-day service, all Sydney suburbs, fully insured and professional.