Bond cleaning in Townsville

An end of lease clean booked for after the truck leaves, plus how the RTA exit condition report and bond refund work.

What the law expects at move-out

In Queensland, the Residential Tenancies Authority (RTA) says a tenant must return the property "in the same condition it was in at the start of the tenancy, less fair wear and tear", after "a thorough clean" (RTA exit condition report). Fair wear and tear means the normal deterioration that comes from everyday living, such as faded curtains or worn carpet in walkways. Dirt, grease, marks and damage beyond that can be claimed against the bond.

Your entry condition report is the starting point. Find it before you start cleaning and compare each room with how it was described and photographed when you moved in.

The exit condition report

When you leave, you fill in an exit condition report and return it with the keys. The property manager or owner then inspects the property and must send you a completed copy within three business days (RTA). Take your own dated photos of every room after the clean, including inside the oven, cupboards and bathroom, in case of a dispute.

How the bond refund works

The RTA sets out the process (RTA bond refunds):

1. Lodge a Refund of rental bond (Form 4) online through RTA Web Services, or by post. Emailed forms are not accepted.
2. If both parties agree, the RTA aims to process the refund the same day, and the money can take up to 3 business days to reach your account.
3. If the property manager claims part of the bond, any undisputed amount is released, and the parties have 14 days to lodge a Dispute resolution request (Form 16).
4. The property manager must give you supporting evidence for a claim within 14 days.

This is general information. Check the RTA website or call the RTA if you are unsure about your situation.

Book the clean after the truck leaves

A bond clean works best in an empty home. Book the cleaner for after the removalist has finished, ideally the same day or the day after, and before your lease end date and key return. That way:

• The cleaner can reach every wall, floor and cupboard.
• Marks left by moving furniture can be cleaned up.
• You are not paying rent on two homes while waiting for a cleaner.

If you are booking a removalist through this site, tick "Add a bond clean?" on the quote form, or choose "Bond clean" as the job type.

What a bond clean usually covers

Every cleaner's checklist is a little different, so ask for theirs in writing. A typical vacate clean includes:

• Kitchen: oven, cooktop, rangehood and filters, splashback, benches, cupboards and drawers inside and out, sink and taps.
• Bathrooms and laundry: shower screens, tiles and grout, toilet, vanity, mirrors, exhaust fans, laundry tub and taps.
• All rooms: skirting boards, doors and door frames, light switches, power points, windowsills and tracks, inside wardrobes, cobwebs.
• Floors: vacuum and mop hard floors; carpet cleaning is often separate, so check your lease and quote.
• Windows: inside glass, and outside glass that can be reached safely.
• Extras: walls spot-cleaned, blinds, ceiling fans, garage, patio and outdoor areas.

Ask whether the cleaner will return if the property manager raises a cleaning item after the inspection, and on what terms. We do not offer or promise any bond refund guarantee; any re-clean policy is the cleaner's own and should be in writing.

Prices

We have not found a reliable published price range for bond cleaning in Townsville, so the price guide shows it as "Typical range, confirm with provider". Price usually depends on the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, the condition of the property, and extras such as carpets, windows and outdoor areas. Request a quote and choose "Bond clean".

Other services