The ACT's rules for end of lease cleaning in Canberra
The standard
Under the standard terms, you leave the home in substantially the same state of cleanliness and condition as it was at the start, fair wear and tear excepted. Your own entry condition report is the measure, not a show home.
Professional cleaning
The ACT Government's Renting Book says you're not required to use professional cleaning services at the end of a tenancy. The only exception is carpets, if your agreement says so and the landlord has evidence it was done at the start.
The final inspection
You and the landlord or agent inspect the home together and sign a condition report based on it. Bring every key, because a tenant who doesn't hand them back may be treated as still in possession and asked to pay for lost rent.
The bond
Your bond sits with the ACT Revenue Office. For a full refund, the landlord gives you the form within 3 working days after the tenancy ends. If they want part of it, the form must give reasons and estimated costs within 10 working days. You've got 2 weeks to dispute it, and it then goes to ACAT.
Pets
A landlord can't ask for extra bond because you have a pet, but they can put a reasonable condition about cleaning on their consent. Look at what you agreed before you book.
What Canberra end of lease cleaners usually cover
An end of lease clean is a one-off clean of the whole home once your things are out, before the final inspection. It usually covers the kitchen and inside the cupboards, the bathrooms and toilets, inside wardrobes, skirting boards, light switches, doors and floors. The oven, inside windows, carpet steam cleaning and wall marks are add-ons.
If your home has a wood heater, let it go out days before you leave, empty the cold ash and tell the business about the hearth. The flue is a separate trade, and the ACT Government's advice is to get a professional to clean it before winter.
In an apartment near the light rail or in Belconnen, book the lift and check the rules on parking. In a Tuggeranong or Woden house, the job is usually bigger, so give the room count.
Your last week in a Canberra rental
Find the entry report
Look at the copy you signed at the start. You had 2 weeks to return it, and it's what the final inspection is checked against.
Read the agreement for carpets and pets
Those are the two places to look for a cleaning term. If neither applies, the ACT Government says you're not required to use a professional.
Move out first
Get everything out, including the bins and whatever's in the shed. A clean starts once the home is empty.
Do the clean, then the inspection
Walk through with the entry report, take dated photos, then meet the landlord or agent with your keys.
Canberra bond cleaning: clean to the entry report
Read the entry condition report first, and clean to it. If the carpets aren't in your agreement, you don't have to pay for a professional carpet clean, so only add it if they need it. Get what's included and any re-clean terms in writing, and keep your photos from the last day.