Hiring an end of lease cleaner: what to ask, what to avoid
Two end of lease quotes for the “same” job often aren't the same job at all — the gap is usually scope: what's included, what's billed as an extra, and what you confirmed before you booked. Here's how to tell a fair deal from an expensive one, grounded in real pricing data.
The one that catches most people out
Comparing only on price
$250 excluding oven/carpets isn't cheaper than $420 including everything.
Questions to ask an end of lease cleaner
Most overcharging hides in the scope, not the headline price. These pin it down before you commit.
- 1
Does your quote include carpet steam, or is that extra?
If it's extra, expect around $30–60/room.
- 2
Is oven deep clean part of the price, or charged separately?
If it's extra, expect around $40–80.
- 3
Will I be charged extra for full window wash?
- 4
Is balcony/patio included, or an add-on?
If it's extra, expect around $30–60.
- 5
Can you put the full scope and the final price in writing before any work starts?
Scope disputes are the single most common complaint. A written list is what protects you.
- 6
Is GST included in the price you have quoted?
A sole trader under $75k turnover can legally leave GST off, which makes a quote look about 10% cheaper than a registered business for the same work.
Three checks that take five minutes
Check the licence
For licensed trades, ask for the licence number and confirm it on your state's fair-trading or licensing site before you book. Unlicensed work can void your insurance.
Confirm they're insured
Public liability cover protects you if something gets damaged on the job. If an operator can't confirm it, that's a red flag.
Insist on a written quote
A fair quote itemises the scope, names what's excluded, and states whether GST is included. Verbal quotes are where disputes start.
Other mistakes worth avoiding
Booking last minute
Urgent bookings cost 20-50% more.
No written inclusions
Get a written list. Scope disputes are the top complaint.
Ignoring bond-back guarantee
They return free if agent rejects.
What's usually included, and what costs extra
Usually included
- ✓Kitchen surfaces, stovetop, sink
- ✓Bathroom/toilet scrub
- ✓Mopping/vacuuming all floors
- ✓Skirting boards
- ✓Dusting lights/fans
- ✓Inside cupboards/drawers
- ✓Cobweb removal
- ✓Window sills
Usually charged extra
- +Carpet steam · $30–60/room
- +Oven deep clean · $40–80
- +Full window wash
- +Balcony/patio · $30–60
- +Garage · $40–70
- +Blinds · $10–15/blind
- +Wall marks
- +Mould treatment
What pushes the price up: heavy soiling/mould, carpet steam included, oven deep clean, window/blind cleaning, garage/outdoor area, same-day urgency, weekend/holiday booking, difficult access, pets.
End of Lease Cleaning questions, answered
Do I need it for my bond?+
Bond-back guarantee worth it?+
Clean before they arrive?+
How far ahead to book?+
Already have a quote?
Check it against real end of lease prices in 30 seconds, then walk in knowing exactly what to ask.