The Cost of End-of-Tenancy Cleaning in Melbourne: What You Need to Know

When it comes to the end of a lease, one of the key considerations for both landlords and tenants is the cost of end-of-tenancy cleaning. In Melbourne, this cost can range widely, typically from $200 to $500. The pricing is influenced by the size of the property and the specific cleaning services required.

Typical Pricing Range

For a small 1-bedroom apartment, the cost might start around $200. However, for larger homes or those needing additional services such as carpet cleaning or window cleaning, the cost can range upwards to $400-500. It is advisable to obtain a tailored quote from a cleaning company to ensure the accuracy of the cost.

Property Manager's Role in Cleaning

Regardless of a tenant's efforts, a typical property manager will have a professional cleaning crew conduct a thorough cleaning of the property. This is done to ensure the residence is in a condition that meets the manager's standards. The cleaning crew usually begins once all necessary repairs have been completed to maintain a high level of reliability and operational readiness in areas such as mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and cosmetic aspects of the property.

Cost to Restore to Original Condition

The charges for end-of-tenancy cleaning are based on restoring the unit to its original condition. This can include minor repairs such as fixing a chip in the bathtub or broken tiles, or even major repairs such as replacing a kitchen countertop due to a hot pan burn. Any damages caused during the tenancy, beyond normal wear and tear, can result in additional costs to the tenant. These costs are often deducted from the security deposit.

Security Deposit and Property Damage

It is crucial to understand that the security deposit is used to cover any necessary cleaning and repairs to bring the property to its original state. Only damages considered to be beyond normal wear and tear will result in additional charges. In most cases, once you submit a security deposit, landlords are inclined to find any possible reason not to return it. However, a typical 500 Australian dollars (AUD) deposit is often sufficient to cover routine cleaning.

Common Pitfalls and Tips

Many tenants find it more sensible not to clean excessively or hire professional cleaning services before moving out. It is best to keep the property in a clean condition but avoid spending extra on elaborate cleaning services. Overdoing it might result in the manager still deeming the property unclean and using the deposit to cover the cost. For example, one tenant spent around 400 AUD on carpet shampooing and having a housekeeper clean the apartment, but the manager still declared it not clean enough and used the deposit to do it all over again.

Conclusion

In the world of real estate, it is a business, and landlords will find any reason to keep your deposit. By understanding the typical costs and potential pitfalls, tenants can avoid unnecessary expenses and negotiate fair conditions at the end of their lease.