A cheap vacate clean can become expensive the moment a property manager asks for a return visit. The End of Lease Cleaning Price List for Melbourne Rentals below gives you realistic guide prices, but the final cost should always reflect the property’s size, condition and the work needed to meet the outgoing condition report.
For renters, the goal is simple: leave the home clean, attend the final inspection with confidence and avoid avoidable deductions from the bond. For cleaners, it means allowing enough time for the areas that are often missed – ovens, bathrooms, skirting boards, inside cupboards, windows and carpets.
End of lease cleaning price list for Melbourne rentals
Most professional end of lease cleans are quoted by property type rather than a flat hourly rate. That is because a one-bedroom apartment with a clean oven and no carpet needs very different work from a three-bedroom house with pets, built-up bathroom scale and greasy kitchen surfaces.
The following ranges are a practical starting point for an empty, reasonably maintained property. They are guide prices only and generally exclude specialist extras unless stated in your quote.
| Property type | Typical end of lease cleaning price | |—|—:| | Studio or small one-bedroom apartment | $220-$320 | | One-bedroom apartment or unit | $250-$380 | | Two-bedroom apartment or unit | $320-$480 | | Two-bedroom townhouse or small house | $380-$550 | | Three-bedroom house or townhouse | $480-$700 | | Four-bedroom house | $650-$900+ |
A larger home is not the only reason a quote rises. Two properties with the same number of bedrooms can have very different cleaning requirements. A second bathroom, extra toilet, balcony, large glass doors, walk-in pantry, heavily soiled oven or neglected grout all add labour.
If a price seems far below the market, check what it includes before booking. Some low advertised rates cover only a basic clean, then add charges for the oven, internal windows, rangehood, blinds, wall marks or final inspection return work. A clear written scope is more useful than a headline price.
What a proper vacate clean should include
A professional end of lease clean focuses on the parts of a rental that are checked closely at inspection. This normally includes vacuuming and mopping hard floors, dusting reachable surfaces, wiping skirting boards, cleaning light switches, removing cobwebs, cleaning inside accessible cupboards and wiping doors and frames.
In the kitchen, the scope should cover the benchtops, splashback, sink, taps, cooktop, rangehood exterior and inside cupboards and drawers. Oven cleaning is often included in a full vacate service, but it is worth confirming. The oven, racks, trays and glass door are common inspection problem areas.
Bathrooms need detailed work rather than a quick wipe-over. A good clean addresses the shower screen, tiles, grout, taps, basin, toilet, bath, vanity and mirrors. Soap residue, mould staining and calcium build-up take extra time, especially in older properties with hard-water marks.
Bedrooms and living areas generally include floors, wardrobes, window sills, skirting boards and visible marks on doors and switches. Internal windows may be included where safely accessible. External windows, high glass and difficult balcony doors can sit outside a standard quote.
Extras that change the final price
Specialist services are often necessary for an inspection-ready result, but they should be priced clearly rather than appearing as a surprise on the day. Carpet steam cleaning is one of the most common extras. Depending on the number of rooms, condition and access, expect roughly $35-$60 per room, with a minimum call-out cost often applying.
Other common additions include:
- oven degreasing where it is not part of the base package, commonly $60-$120
- balcony, garage or storage-cage cleaning, often from $40-$150 depending on size and condition
- internal and external window cleaning, usually priced by number, size and access
- blind cleaning, wall spot cleaning and heavy mould treatment
- upholstery, mattress or leather cleaning where furniture is being left behind or cleaned for a handover.
Pest treatment may also be required when a pet has been kept at the property, particularly if it was a lease condition. This is separate from standard cleaning and should be arranged with an appropriately qualified provider where required.
Why condition matters more than bedroom count
End of lease cleaning prices are based on labour. A well-maintained three-bedroom rental can cost less to clean than a neglected two-bedroom unit because the time needed to remove grease, scale, pet hair and built-up dirt is lower.
Be upfront when requesting a quote. Mention pets, smoking, mould, stained carpets, a very dirty oven, furnished rooms, stairs, limited parking and whether utilities are still connected. These details help the cleaning team arrive prepared and reduce the chance of a revised price after they inspect the property.
Photos are useful, particularly for kitchens, bathrooms, carpet stains, balconies and windows. They give a cleaner a fair view of the job and give you a more accurate expectation of cost before moving day.
How to compare quotes without choosing on price alone
The cheapest quote is not always the most affordable outcome. If the work is incomplete, you may lose time arranging another clean while keys need to be returned. Compare the scope, not just the total.
Ask whether the quote covers the full property, including the oven and inside cupboards. Confirm whether carpet steam cleaning is included or separate, whether the cleaner follows the property’s condition report, and what happens if an agent identifies a cleaning issue at the final inspection.
A dependable provider should explain its re-clean process in plain English. No cleaner can control pre-existing damage, wear and tear, broken fittings or maintenance problems, but they should stand behind the cleaning work they have quoted to complete. Keep your entry condition report and take clear photos after the clean, especially of the oven, bathrooms, floors and any existing damage.
Practical ways to keep your vacate cleaning cost down
You do not need to spend the week before moving scrubbing every surface yourself. However, a little preparation can make the professional clean more efficient. Remove all belongings, rubbish and food from cupboards, defrost the fridge if it is staying, and ensure power and hot water remain connected until the work is finished.
If you have already cleaned some areas, tell the cleaner, but do not assume they can skip them without checking. A property manager assesses the finished condition, not who did each task. It is usually better to have one team take responsibility for the complete cleaning scope than leave gaps between DIY work and professional services.
Also check your lease and condition report early. Some agencies request carpet steam cleaning receipts, while others only require the carpet to be clean unless a pet clause applies. Following the written requirements helps you avoid paying for work that is not needed, while making sure essential services are not overlooked.
Booking around your final inspection
Book your end of lease clean once your move-out date is confirmed, particularly during busy periods such as late December, January and the end of university semesters. Ideally, the property should be empty before cleaning begins. This allows full access to cupboards, floors, wardrobes and walls, and avoids dust settling again after removalists leave.
Arrange carpet steam cleaning after all furniture is removed and before the final inspection. If possible, allow carpets time to dry with ventilation. Keep the receipt and a copy of the cleaning invoice with your condition report records.
For a clear quote, provide the property address, bedroom and bathroom count, whether it is furnished or empty, the moving date, photos of any heavily soiled areas and the services you need. High Power Cleaning Services can then scope the work properly, schedule the right team and help you hand back a clean rental without last-minute guesswork.
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