5 Essential Steps to Prepare Your Rental Home for the Bond Cleaners

Preparing your rental home properly before bond cleaners arrive can make the difference between a smooth bond return and costly delays or deductions. While professional bond cleaners handle the heavy lifting, tenants still have responsibilities to ensure the cleaning process is efficient, thorough, and inspection-ready. Many bond disputes arise not because cleaners did a poor job, but because access issues, clutter, or missed preparations prevented them from cleaning certain areas properly.

In Brisbane and across Australia, real estate agents expect properties to be returned in the same condition as at the start of the tenancy, allowing for fair wear and tear. By taking a few essential steps before the cleaners arrive, you help them deliver a higher standard of cleaning and reduce the risk of re-cleans, extra charges, or inspection failures.

This guide outlines five essential steps to prepare your rental home for bond cleaners, helping you save time, money, and stress while maximising your chances of receiving your full bond back.

5 Essential Steps to Prepare Your Rental Home for Bond Cleaners

1. Remove All Furniture and Personal Belongings

One of the most important steps before a bond clean is ensuring the property is completely empty. Bond cleaners are required to clean every accessible surface, including areas that are often hidden by furniture or appliances.

Why does this matter?

• Cleaners cannot legally or safely move heavy furniture
• Dust, debris, and stains often collect underneath beds, couches, and fridges
• Agents will inspect behind doors, inside wardrobes, and along skirting boards
• What to do before cleaners arrive
• Remove all furniture, rugs, and décor
• Clear wardrobes, cupboards, drawers, and storage areas
• Empty garages, balconies, and sheds, if included in the lease

Leaving items behind may result in those areas being skipped, which could lead to inspection failures or the need for a return visit.

2. Disconnect Appliances and Utilities (Where Required)

Bond cleaners typically clean appliances such as ovens, rangehoods, and bathrooms, but some appliances need to be disconnected or prepared beforehand.

Appliances to prepare

• Refrigerator: Empty, defrost, and unplug
• Washing machine: Disconnect hoses and drain water
• Dishwasher: Remove dishes and clean the filter if required
• Dryer: Empty the lint trap and unplug

Utility access

• Ensure electricity and water remain connected on cleaning day
• Hot water may be needed for effective steam or deep cleaning
• Gas access may be required for oven testing (if applicable)

If utilities are disconnected too early, cleaners may not be able to complete the job to the required standard.

3. Remove Excess Rubbish and Perform a Light Pre-Clean

While bond cleaners handle deep cleaning, they are not responsible for rubbish removal unless explicitly agreed. Excess waste can slow down the process or result in additional charges.

What should you remove?

• Household rubbish and food waste
• Old cleaning products and chemicals
• Personal hygiene items
• Cardboard, bottles, and loose debris
• Light preparation tasks
• Sweep or vacuum excessive dirt
• Wipe obvious food spills
• Remove sticky residues or personal messes

This step allows cleaners to focus on detailed bond-level tasks such as grout cleaning, grease removal, and sanitising surfaces.

4. Report Damage, Maintenance Issues, or Special Requirements

Bond cleaners clean — they do not repair. Any existing damage or maintenance issues should be addressed or documented before cleaning day.

Common issues to flag

• Broken light fittings or power points
• Cracked tiles or chipped paint
• Leaking taps or mould caused by structural issues
• Burn marks or permanent stains

Why is this important?

• Cleaners may be blamed for pre-existing damage
• Agents may assume damage occurred during cleaning
• Proper documentation protects your bond

Notify your property manager and cleaners in advance if there are areas that may not improve with cleaning alone.

5. Provide Clear Access and Entry Instructions

Access issues are a common reason bond cleans run late or are incomplete. Make entry simple and stress-free.

Best practices

• Leave keys in a lockbox or an agreed-upon location
• Provide alarm codes if necessary
• Ensure pets are removed from the property
• Confirm parking access for cleaner vehicles
• Final checks before leaving
• Windows unlocked if needed
• Balcony and garage access available
• All rooms are clearly accessible

Good access allows cleaners to complete the job efficiently and thoroughly without unnecessary delays.

Bonus Tip: Book Add-On Services Early

Many properties require additional services beyond a standard bond clean. These should be booked in advance to avoid last-minute issues.

Common add-ons

• Carpet steam cleaning
• Pest control (mandatory if pets are kept)
• Wall washing or spot stain removal
• External window cleaning

Real estate agents often require receipts for these services, so booking them together can simplify your bond return process.

FAQs: Preparing for Bond Cleaners

1. Do I need to be present during the bond clean?

No. Most tenants are not present. As long as cleaners have access and instructions, your presence is not required.

2. Should I clean before bond cleaners arrive?

Only lightly. Remove rubbish and personal mess, but do not waste time deep cleaning — that’s what you’re paying professionals for.

3. What happens if I leave furniture behind?

Cleaners may be unable to clean those areas, which could result in failed inspections or additional charges for return visits.

4. Do bond cleaners fix damage?

No. Bond cleaners only clean. Repairs, repainting, or maintenance must be handled separately.

5. Can cleaners guarantee my bond return?

No cleaner can legally guarantee bond return, but experienced bond cleaners significantly reduce the risk of deductions.

6. What if the agent requests a re-clean?

Many professional bond cleaners offer a free re-clean within a set period, provided preparation steps were followed correctly.

7. Do I need carpet cleaning even if carpets look clean?

Yes, if carpets were professionally cleaned before you moved in or if required in your lease agreement.

Final Thoughts

Preparing your rental property properly before bond cleaners arrive is one of the smartest steps you can take at the end of a tenancy. By removing belongings, ensuring access, managing utilities, and communicating clearly, you allow cleaners to deliver the high standard real estate agents expect.

A little preparation goes a long way — helping you avoid disputes, delays, and unnecessary bond deductions while making your move-out experience far less stressful.