When it’s time to move out of a rental in Brisbane, one thing stands between you and your bond refund: the final inspection. While tenants often focus on packing and moving, real estate agents are laser-focused on one thing— end of lease cleaning.
For them, it’s not just about tidiness. It’s about ensuring the property is ready for the next tenant, free from hygiene issues, and in the same condition as when you moved in (apart from normal wear and tear).
Understanding what real estate agents expect can save you from the most common reason tenants fail in end of lease cleaning inspection—missing key details or falling short of professional standards.
In this guide, we’ll break down what agents look for in Brisbane properties, why it matters for your bond, and how you can meet their expectations without unnecessary stress.
Why Real Estate Agents Are So Strict
Real estate agents have a duty to landlords. Their job is to make sure the property is:
- Clean and presentable for the next tenant.
- Maintained in line with the original entry condition report.
- Free of anything that could cause disputes or complaints.
If cleaning isn’t up to scratch, they don’t hesitate to arrange professional cleaners—and the cost comes straight out of your bond.
👉 Example: A couple moving out of a 2-bedroom unit in Newstead cleaned most of the property themselves but skipped the oven. The agent immediately noticed the greasy interior during inspection, arranged a professional oven clean for $160, and deducted it from their $2,200 bond.
What Agents Expect Room by Room
1. Kitchens
Kitchens are often the number one reason tenants fail in end of lease cleaning inspection. Why? Because they require more than surface cleaning.
Agents expect:
- Oven and stovetop spotless inside and out.
- Range hood filters grease-free.
- Cupboards wiped inside and outside (no crumbs or stains).
- Sink, taps, and splashbacks polished.
- Floors swept and mopped thoroughly.
👉 Tip: Even if you barely used your oven, clean it as if you cooked every night. Agents check it without fail.
2. Bathrooms and Toilets
Agents know bathrooms are a hotspot for neglect. They expect them to look hygienic and fresh.
Their checklist includes:
- Showers free from soap scum and mould.
- Grout lines clean and discoloured spots removed.
- Toilets sanitised inside, outside, and behind the base.
- Mirrors streak-free.
- Exhaust fans dusted.
👉 Example: A tenant in West End cleaned her bathroom but forgot to scrub the grout. The agent described it as “dirty” and deducted $100 for a grout deep-clean service.
3. Living Areas and Bedrooms
Tenants often assume these areas are “easy,” but agents check every detail.
They expect:
- Carpets vacuumed (and steam cleaned if required by lease).
- Skirting boards dusted and wiped.
- Ceiling fans free of dust.
- Windows and sills spotless.
- Blinds and curtains dust-free.
👉 Tip: Agents will run their hand across blinds and skirting boards—dust is a dead giveaway of rushed cleaning.
4. Floors and Carpets
One overlooked mark or stain can become an expensive deduction.
Agents expect:
- Hard floors swept and mopped.
- Carpets vacuumed in all corners, under wardrobes, and behind doors.
- Steam cleaning receipts if it’s in your lease or if you had pets.
👉 Example: A tenant in Chermside lost $250 of his bond because he didn’t organise professional steam cleaning, even though his lease clearly required it after having a dog.
5. Windows, Doors, and Walls
Agents are detail-oriented here. They don’t just look at glass—they look at frames, tracks, and handles.
They expect:
- Windows streak-free, both inside and outside (where accessible).
- Sliding door tracks vacuumed and wiped.
- Marks removed from walls (without damaging paint).
- Door handles and light switches free of fingerprints.
👉 Tip: Blu-tack or tape residue on walls is one of the sneakiest reason tenants fail in end of lease cleaning inspection in Brisbane.
6. Outdoor Areas
For houses and townhouses, the outside counts just as much as the inside.
Agents expect:
- Lawns mowed and garden beds tidy.
- Patios, balconies, and garages swept.
- Oil stains removed from driveways or garages.
- Cobwebs brushed from outdoor lights and windows.
👉 Example: A family in North Brisbane left the inside sparkling but ignored their backyard. Their landlord hired a gardener for $120 and deducted the cost from their bond.
Why Tenants Often Fall Short
Tenants usually don’t fail inspections because they’re careless—they fail because:
- They underestimate how detailed agents are. Wiping surfaces isn’t enough. Agents check hidden areas like window tracks, range hoods, and exhaust fans.
- They run out of time. Moving house is hectic, and cleaning often gets rushed at the end.
- They don’t follow the lease. Requirements like carpet steam cleaning or pest control (after pets) are overlooked.
- They assume “good enough” will do. But agents expect professional-level standards.
- They forget the little things. Blinds, skirting boards, and behind appliances are small oversights that lead to bond deductions.
Professional Cleaning vs DIY: What Agents Prefer
While DIY cleaning is allowed, real estate agents often prefer professional bond cleaning for one reason—it leaves less room for dispute.
Professional cleaners in Brisbane work with checklists that match agent expectations. They also provide receipts, which act as proof of service. Many even offer a bond back guarantee, meaning they’ll return free of charge if the agent isn’t satisfied.
👉 Example: A tenant in Fortitude Valley hired a professional cleaning company for $420. When the agent flagged dust on blinds, the cleaners returned the next day and fixed it at no cost. The tenant got their full bond back without stress.
How to Meet Agent Expectations and Pass Your Inspection
- Start early. Don’t try to clean everything the night before inspection. Spread it out over a few days.
- Use a checklist. Brisbane bond cleaners publish their checklists online—use them to guide your DIY clean.
- Empty the property first. It’s easier to clean thoroughly without furniture in the way.
- Take before-and-after photos. This protects you if disputes arise.
- Keep receipts. If your lease required professional carpet cleaning or pest control, agents will ask for proof.
Final Thoughts
Real estate agents in Brisbane aren’t trying to make life difficult—they’re protecting the landlord’s investment and ensuring the property is ready for the next tenant. But understanding their expectations is the key to passing your inspection and securing your bond.
Remember, the most common reason tenants fail in end of lease cleaning inspection is not major damage—it’s overlooked details like ovens, bathrooms, carpets, and outdoor spaces.
By paying attention to what agents care about, following a checklist, and considering professional cleaners when needed, you can move out smoothly and keep your full bond.
After all, why let simple cleaning oversights cost you hundreds of dollars when your bond is your money to take back?