Moving out of a rental property is never just about packing boxes and hiring a removal truck. For tenants in Brisbane, one of the most important tasks before handing back the keys is end of lease cleaning. Whether you’ve lived in a modern apartment in South Brisbane or a family home in the suburbs, the cleaning requirements at the end of a tenancy can look slightly different depending on the type of property.
The key goal is always the same: return the property in the same condition it was at the start of your tenancy (excluding fair wear and tear). However, the layout, facilities, and expectations for apartments versus houses can affect what needs to be done, how long it takes, and what costs might arise.
In this guide, we’ll break down the differences in cleaning requirements between Brisbane apartments and houses, with practical examples and tips for avoiding issues like handling bond deductions later on.
In Queensland, the rental bond—usually equal to four weeks’ rent—is held by the Residential Tenancies Authority (RTA). Landlords and property managers rely on final inspections to decide whether tenants get their bond refunded. If cleaning is not up to standard, they can use part of your bond to pay for professional services.
Example: A tenant in New Farm skipped window cleaning because their apartment was on the 10th floor and “hard to reach.” The property manager hired professionals to clean them, deducting $150 from the bond.
This is why understanding the requirements specific to your property type is essential.
Example: A tenant in a Fortitude Valley apartment forgot to clean balcony glass panels. The property manager deducted $80 for a contractor to polish them.
Many apartments come with integrated appliances like dishwashers and microwaves. Tenants must clean these thoroughly.
Cleaning exterior windows may not always be possible in high-rise apartments. In such cases, property managers usually focus only on what’s accessible to tenants from the inside.
Example: A tenant in a Kedron house left overgrown grass and garden waste. The landlord hired gardeners for $250, deducted from the bond.
Houses have more rooms and surfaces to cover, which means more time cleaning walls, skirting boards, and fixtures.
Similar to apartments, houses require thorough carpet and upholstery cleaning. In larger homes, this often means additional costs and time. Curtains and blinds, particularly in older houses, also need dusting or washing.
BBQs, pools, or outdoor furniture provided with the rental must be cleaned. Tenants often overlook these, leading to bond deductions.
| Area | Apartments | Houses |
|---|---|---|
| Size of Property | Generally smaller, easier to clean. | Larger spaces, more rooms, more effort. |
| Outdoor Cleaning | Balconies, courtyards, sliding doors. | Lawns, gardens, driveways, garages, sheds. |
| Carpet/Upholstery | Usually bedrooms/living spaces only. | More extensive, may include multiple rooms. |
| Appliances | Often integrated (dishwasher, microwave). | May include larger standalone appliances. |
| Windows | Limited accessibility in high-rises. | All windows, inside and outside. |
Example: A tenant in a West End apartment hired professionals for carpet and upholstery cleaning and kept the receipts. When the property manager claimed the carpets weren’t done, the receipts and photos helped avoid unfair deductions.
Whether you’re leaving a city apartment or a family home in the suburbs, the end of lease cleaning process in Brisbane demands attention to detail. Apartments may be smaller, but often require focus on appliances and balcony areas. Houses, on the other hand, demand more extensive work—particularly for gardens and outdoor features.
By planning ahead, arranging professional carpet and upholstery cleaning where necessary, and documenting your efforts, you’ll not only meet expectations but also reduce the risk of handling bond deductions later on.
The ultimate goal is simple: a smooth move-out process and a full bond refund in your account—so you can focus on your next chapter stress-free.