Let’s be honest — not every tenant leaves a property the way they found it.
At #1 Property Centre, we’ve seen it all. Dirty ovens, broken blinds, mystery stains on carpets, leftover furniture, garbage in the yard, and entire pantries still full. Sometimes it's laziness, sometimes it's a last-minute panic move. Either way, someone has to clean it — and it’s usually not going to be the landlord footing the bill.
Here’s a look behind the scenes at what really gets left behind at the end of a tenancy — and who ends up paying for the mess.
The Most Common “Extras” Left Behind
We’re not talking about a forgotten sock or two. These are the repeat offenders we find over and over again:
- Ovens and stovetops caked in grime
- Mouldy showers and soap scum build-up
- Dirty windows and cobwebs everywhere
- Hair in the drains (yes, it’s gross)
- Food left in fridges, cupboards, and freezers
- Rubbish piles in the shed or under the house
- Pet hair everywhere
- Lawns knee-high or garden beds left to die
And don’t even get us started on what’s left behind in the garage.
What Are Tenants Actually Required to Clean?
Under Queensland tenancy laws, tenants must return the property in the same condition it was in at the start of the tenancy, less fair wear and tear. That includes proper cleaning — not just a quick vacuum and wipe-down.
If the property was professionally cleaned before move-in, tenants are expected to meet that same standard when they leave.
We’re not talking about perfection. We’re talking about reasonable, thorough cleaning — and if it’s not done, it’s not passed.
What Happens When It’s Not Cleaned Properly?
If cleaning is missed or poorly done, here’s what happens:
- We note it in the exit inspection
- We give the tenant the chance to return and fix it
- If they don’t, we arrange professional cleaning
- The cost is deducted from their bond
And yes, we include the invoice with the claim — no funny business, just fair.
Can Tenants Dispute It?
Absolutely. If they believe they left the place clean and we don’t agree, they can dispute the bond deduction through the RTA or take it to QCAT.
But the entry and exit reports don’t lie — if the cleaning wasn’t up to scratch, it’s on them. This is why we take good condition photos at the start and end of every tenancy.
A Few Real Cleaning Confessions We’ve Seen:
- Microwave with a full plate of food still inside
- Cat poop in the garage (no cat on the lease)
- Moldy pizza in the oven
- Fish tank water emptied onto the carpet
- Piles of dirty clothes left behind “for charity”
- Used mattress dumped in the backyard
Safe to say, cleaning bills can add up fast.
Landlords: Don’t Panic — It’s Covered
If the tenant hasn’t cleaned to standard, you won’t be out of pocket. The bond is there for a reason, and we follow the proper process every time. If we manage your property, we’ll handle it — no stress, no chasing, no awkward phone calls.
Tenants: Want Your Bond Back?
Here’s the simple checklist:
- Book a proper cleaner (preferably someone with end-of-lease experience)
- Clean the oven, bathroom, windows, fans, and floors
- Remove everything that wasn’t there at the start
- Tidy the yard, mow the lawn, and sweep outdoor areas
- Check your entry condition report and match it
Do that? You’ll get your bond back. Don’t? Well… we’ve got a cleaner on standby.
The Bottom Line
Cleaning at the end of a lease isn’t optional — and it’s not a quick once-over. Tenants are expected to return the property properly cleaned, and if they don’t, we sort it out and the cost comes from the bond.
At #1 Property Centre, we make sure properties are handed back the right way — and when they’re not, we take action fast.
Need help with end-of-lease expectations? Whether you're a landlord or tenant, we’ve got you covered.