A typical end of lease cleaning cost in Canberra runs $280 to $650, depending on the size of the property, its condition, and whether carpets need a professional steam clean. A small one-bedroom unit sits at the bottom of that range; a larger family home with carpets throughout sits at the top. Below we break down exactly what you'd pay by property size, what moves the number up or down, and how to make sure a cheap quote doesn't end up costing you your bond.
How much does end of lease cleaning cost in Canberra?
As a rough guide, here's what a standard bond clean costs in Canberra by property size. These are typical ranges for an empty property in average condition — carpet steam cleaning is often quoted separately (more on that below).
- Studio / 1 bedroom — $280 to $350
- 2 bedroom — $320 to $450
- 3 bedroom — $420 to $580
- 4+ bedroom / house — $550 to $750+
The right number for your place depends on the factors below, which is why any cleaner worth booking will give you a quote rather than a flat price over the phone.
What affects the price of a bond clean
Two identical-sized units can be quoted hundreds of dollars apart. Here's what moves the price:
- Property size — more rooms, bathrooms and floor area means more hours. This is the biggest single factor.
- Condition — a place that's been kept tidy cleans faster than one with built-up oven grease, mould in the bathroom, or marked walls. The dirtier it is, the more it costs.
- Carpets — professional carpet steam cleaning is usually a separate line item (see below).
- Extras — exterior windows, walls washed (not just spot-cleaned), blinds, the garage, balcony, or a fridge/oven left full all add to the quote.
- Furnished or empty — an empty property is quicker and cheaper to clean. Cleaning around furniture takes longer.
Is carpet steam cleaning included?
Usually it's quoted separately. Most Canberra end of lease quotes price the general clean and the carpet steam clean as two line items, because not every property has carpet. Expect roughly $35 to $45 per room, or around $120 to $200 for a typical unit's worth of carpeted rooms.
It matters because many ACT leases specifically require a professional carpet clean, and agents often ask for the receipt as proof at inspection. If your lease has that clause, a DIY vacuum won't meet it — budget for the steam clean. Our full end of lease cleaning checklist covers where carpets sit among the things agents check most.
Fixed price vs hourly — what to ask for
Always ask for a fixed-price quote with a defined scope, not an hourly rate. An hourly rate has no ceiling — if the clean takes longer than expected, the bill grows, and you have no way to budget. A fixed price for a clearly listed scope (every room, oven, carpets, the lot) means you know the number before anyone starts, and the cleaner carries the risk if it takes longer.
This is how we quote every end of lease clean: a fixed price built around the REIACT checklist and ACT tenancy requirements, with the scope agreed up front. No surprises on the invoice.
Why a cheap quote can cost you your bond
The cheapest quote isn't always the smart buy. A bond clean that's priced well below the ranges above is often skipping something — the oven, inside the cupboards, the carpets, or the exterior windows. If the agent fails the inspection on what was skipped, the landlord can bring in their own cleaner and deduct it from your bond, and you've paid twice while still losing money.
The whole point of paying for a bond clean is getting your full bond back. A quote that covers everything on the condition report, with carpets and a receipt, protects the deposit you're trying to recover. We see renters in Canberra lose more to a withheld bond than they ever saved on a bargain clean.
Frequently asked questions
How much is a bond clean in Canberra?
A standard end of lease clean in Canberra typically costs between $280 and $650, depending on property size and condition. A 1-bedroom unit is usually $280–$350; a larger house can be $550–$750 or more. Carpet steam cleaning is often quoted on top.
Is carpet cleaning included in end of lease cleaning?
Usually it's a separate line item, around $35–$45 per room. It's worth including, because many ACT leases require a professional carpet clean with a receipt before the agent will sign off.
Do you offer a fixed price?
Yes. We quote end of lease cleans as a fixed price with a defined scope, so you know the cost before we start and it won't blow out by the hour.
Is end of lease cleaning cheaper if the place is empty?
Generally, yes. An empty property is faster to clean than one full of furniture, so quotes are usually a little lower once you've moved everything out.
Get an exact price for your Canberra place
Ranges are a guide — the real number depends on your property. Get a free, fixed-price quote for an end of lease clean and we'll give you an exact figure for your place, carpets and receipt included. We clean across Canberra and the ACT, and the quote is free. Request yours here.
Written by the Grime Reapers team.