5 things to look for in a bond clean (and 3 red flags to avoid)

Look for five things in a bond clean: a free come-back if the agent flags anything, a clean built around the REIQ checklist, a fixed price, clear inclusions and real reviews. Watch for three red flags: no come-back promise, a price that seems too cheap and no written checklist. Your bond is on the line.

1. A free come-back if anything is flagged

Good end-of-lease cleaners stand behind their work. If your property manager flags a cleaning issue within a set window, they come back and fix it free. Get the promise and the time limit in writing.

2. A clean built on the REIQ checklist

Queensland agents inspect against the REIQ end-of-lease standard. A cleaner who works to the same checklist is cleaning to the standard you’ll be judged on.

3. A fixed price

A bond clean should be quoted as a fixed price based on size and condition. An hourly rate can balloon on the day.

4. Clear inclusions

Know what’s included before you book. Carpet steam cleaning is often an extra. A good cleaner tells you upfront. That way nothing’s left for the agent to flag.

5. Real reviews

Look for recent reviews that mention getting the bond back. A handful of detailed stories beats a wall of generic five-star ratings.

3 red flags

• No come-back promise. If they won’t stand behind the clean, why should you?
• Too cheap. A price well below everyone else usually means a rushed job and a failed inspection.
• No written checklist. No standard means no accountability.

Written by Edward O'Rourke, Righto. → Related: Bond cleaning