End-of-Tenancy Cleaning - How to Get Your Rental Bond Back

When your tenancy ends, an end-of-lease clean is the last thing you want to think about (or do)! But if you want your bond back, it pays not to leave it to the last minute. Below, you’ll find everything you need to know about end-of-tenancy or exit cleaning to make getting your bond back in full a breeze.

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What is end-of-tenancy cleaning?

End-of-tenancy or end-of-lease cleaning is the process of deep cleaning a rental property after a tenant moves out. While it can be done by the tenant, property managers and landlords, the requirements usually depend on your tenancy contract. In general, leaving the property as clean (or cleaner than) it was when you first moved in is essential if you want your full bond returned.

What does an end-of-tenancy clean include?

There is often a lot of confusion around what move-out cleaning includes.

Under the legislation, tenants must leave the premises in a reasonably clean and tidy condition. The Real Estate Institute of New Zealand (REINZ) says that in 90% of cases, landlords and tenants take a different view of what “reasonably clean and tidy” means.

For example, some landlords will write clauses into a tenancy agreement that require the property and/or the carpets to be professionally cleaned. However, REINZ says that the current legislation does not mean rental properties must be cleaned to a professional standard. The Tenancy Tribunal appears to agree, stating that landlords cannot ask a tenant to do more than the Residential Tenancies Act requires them to do. As such, requirements for carpets to be professionally cleaned are likely to be deemed unenforceable.

REINZ currently recommends that landlords and property managers provide tenants with upfront expectations on the standard of cleanliness.

If you are unsure of your cleaning obligations before moving house, below you will find a checklist of cleaning tasks usually included in a professional end-of-tenancy cleaning service.

Your complete end-of-tenancy cleaning checklist

Getting your rental bond refund depends on how well you clean your property. This comprehensive guide breaks down every cleaning task by area, ensuring you don't miss anything during your move-out cleaning.

General areas and surfaces

Wall cleaning and surface dusting

Start at the top and work your way down. Use a microfibre cloth for general dusting, paying special attention to corners where cobwebs gather. Use a water and mild soap solution for scuff marks.

Skirting board cleaning and trims

Skirting boards collect significant dust and grime over time. Wipe them thoroughly with a damp cloth, then dry with a clean cloth.

Doors and door frames

Clean all doors and door frames thoroughly, paying special attention to frequently touched areas around handles. Don't forget the tops of door frames where dust accumulates.

Window cleaning

Tackle both inside and outside window washing if possible. Clean all window frames and window sills, ensuring no dust or streaks remain. For high windows, consider using an extension tool for safety.

Light fittings and electrical

Dust and clean all switches and bulbs carefully. Ensure all light fittings are free from insects and debris.

Living spaces

Living areas and bedroom cleaning

• Vacuum all carpets thoroughly
• Move and clean under furniture
• Wipe the fan blades of ceiling fans
• General dusting of all surfaces
• Clean all storage areas, including walk-in wardrobes, cabinets, drawers, and cupboards

Kitchen

Kitchen Cleaning

• Clean and degrease all countertops
• Removal of grease build-up on stovetop and backsplash
• Clean and sanitise all surfaces
• Empty and clean all drawers and cabinets

Appliance cleaning

• Oven interior and exterior
• Rangehood and filters
• Refrigerator inside and out
• Dishwasher, including filters and seals
• Wipe down all small appliances

Bathroom and laundry

Bathroom cleaning

• Clean and descale shower enclosure
• Wipe down wall tiles
• Toilet cleaning and disinfection
• Polish all mirrors and glass surfaces
• Clean all taps and fittings

Laundry Area

• Clean laundry tub
• Wipe down washing machine exterior
• Clean dryer lint filter
• Vacuum and mop floor and clean corners

Floors and carpets

Hard Floors

• Sweep or vacuum and mop all hard floor surfaces
• Pay attention to corners and edges
• Clean any grout lines

Final touches

On-Site Rubbish Removal

• Remove all personal items
• Clear all rubbish from the property
• Check all storage areas
• Don't forget patio, garden or garage cleaning

Final inspection preparation

Before your property manager's inspection:

• Open windows for ventilation
• Ensure all areas are completely dry
• Take photos of the completed cleaning

Frequently asked questions about end-of-tenancy cleaning

Why is end-of-tenancy cleaning important?

For tenants

If you're a tenant, exit cleaning is important because it is commonly a prerequisite for receiving your full bond refund. Leaving the rental property in good, clean condition also encourages the property owner or manager to provide a positive reference to support your tenancy applications in the future.

For landlords

The benefit of move-out cleaning for leasing agencies or landlords is knowing that the rental property has been thoroughly cleaned and is ready for the next tenant to move in. When a new tenant moves into an unclean and/or damaged property, it doesn't exactly set the best first impression of the place they are hoping to call home for the length of their tenancy.

Let's face it – the last thing anyone wants to be doing when they move into a new property is to clean up after the previous tenant. It's much easier if the new tenant has a clean house so they can start unpacking their belongings straight away. If you're still wondering why end-of-lease cleaning is important, consider how you would feel if you moved into a rental where it hadn't been done.

Does end-of-tenancy cleaning help me get my bond back?

Yes.

Meeting your cleaning responsibilities is one of the main conditions for receiving your bond back in full.

The property's condition is a major factor—it must be left undamaged, and the rent must be up to date. Your landlord or property manager will conduct a final inspection, and if professional services are required, the cost may be deducted from your bond refund.

What do landlords look for when completing a property inspection report?

When your tenancy ends, your property manager will conduct a thorough inspection. Here's what you need to know to maximise your chances of a full bond return.

Before the inspection

• Download a blank property inspection report from the Tenancy Services website
• Reference your initial inspection report from move-in day
• Keep receipts for any professional cleaning services, including Rug Doctor hire

Key areas of inspection

Interior Surfaces and Walls

• Signs of water damage, mould, or dampness
• Wall cleaning quality and condition
• Peeling paint, cracks, or stains
• Condition of wall tiles

Flooring and Floor Coverings

• Overall floor condition and cleanliness
• Carpet stains, marks, or odours
• Condition and cleanliness of skirting boards

Fixtures and Appliances

• Inventory check of all included items
• Cleaning of the appliances—inside and out
• Condition of mirrors and bathroom fixtures
• Laundry tub and washing facilities

Security Elements

• Functionality of all doors and door frames
• Lock and security system operation
• Condition of security screens

Electrical Components

• Operation of switches and bulbs
• Condition of light fixtures
• Functionality of power points and fans
• Working condition of extractor fans

Windows and Treatments

• Quality of inside and outside window washing
• Condition of window sills and tracks
• Cleanliness and functionality of blinds/curtains
• Window opening mechanisms

Bathroom and Plumbing

• Condition of shower enclosure and bath
• Toilet cleaning quality
• Sink and tap functionality
• Any leaks or drainage issues

External Areas

• Exterior surface cleaning results
• On-site rubbish clearance
• Garage cleaning standard
• Garden and grounds maintenance

How much does an end-of-tenancy clean cost?

The cost of hiring professional move-out cleaners will depend on the size of your house (number of stories, bedrooms, etc.), current condition, and cleanliness. Your location may also affect the cost of the service.

Whether you live in a small or large house, regardless of its condition or location, move-out cleaning services will set you back more than standard house cleaning services—for good reason. An end-of-lease clean is a heavy-duty cleaning service that targets every corner of the house.

You can typically expect to pay around NZ$310 for the end-of-lease cleaning of a standard 3-bedroom house with one kitchen, one bathroom, and one living area.

The table below provides a general estimate of the cost of an end-of-tenancy clean in New Zealand.

End-of-tenancy cleaning costs:

• 1-bedroom standard house: $60 - $200
• 2-bedroom standard house: $80 - $300
• 3-bedroom standard house: $150 - $500
• 4-bedroom standard house: $250 - $650

Be careful when comparing end-of-tenancy cleaning prices between different professional cleaning services.

Check:

• The reputation of the cleaning company (check testimonials and Google reviews)
• What is included (and not included) for that price
• The cost of extras required

Companies providing professional end-of-tenancy cleaning services often advertise very low prices; however, upon closer inspection, these are for one bedroom and one bathroom only (additional bedrooms and bathrooms will increase the price).

Some may also charge extra for oven cleaning, carpet shampoo, and outside or inside window cleaning.

Professional carpet cleaning prices

Deep carpet cleaning (such as a shampoo clean or steam clean) is considered an additional service (and cost) and may not be required as part of the end-of-lease cleaning. Also, the cost and time needed to clean the carpets can vary significantly from house to house, depending on the amount and condition of the carpet.

Some carpet cleaning services may charge extra for a premium service for heavy-duty cleaning, which is completed faster and/or requires less drying time.

Move-out cleaning prices for carpets on average:

• Small house (1 or 2 bedrooms): $100 – $210
• Medium house (3 bedrooms): $120 – $280
• Large house (4 bedrooms): $180 – $340

You should also consider that the cheapest option (whether for carpet or a full end-of-lease cleaning) may reflect the quality of clean you can expect.

Who pays for the end-of-tenancy clean?

Generally, tenants do not have to pay for a professional end-of-lease cleaning service unless it is a condition of the tenancy contract. However, if the tenant has caused hard stains or damage that they can't remove themselves, they will need to hire an end-of-lease cleaning company or ask for the cost of the professional service to be deducted from the bond.

Can my landlord make me pay for the cleaning?

A landlord or property manager cannot require you to pay for professional move-out cleaning services unless it is a condition of your agreement or you have caused damage or stains not removed before the final inspection. As long as you leave the property reasonably tidy and in good condition, your landlord cannot make you pay for professional cleaners (including carpet cleaning).

How long does a bond refund take?

In New Zealand, the bond refund process typically takes 10 working days after submitting all required documentation.

Should I DIY or hire a professional exit cleaning service?

Unless written in the tenancy agreement, it is up to you whether you carry out the move-out cleaning job yourself or hire a professional cleaning service. However, failure to leave the property reasonably tidy and in good condition is one of the most common reasons that deductions are made from a tenant's rental bond.

If you are thinking about DIY end-of-lease cleaning, consider weighing the cost of your time to the cost of paying for professional cleaning services. While it may be cheaper to do it yourself, you will likely need to commit to a full day of cleaning for a standard three-bedroom house.

You may also need to purchase cleaning supplies or hire extra cleaning equipment.

Achieve professional results and save with Rug Doctor

Want to save money on your exit clean cost? Here's how to get your bond back with Rug Doctor's help:

• Professionally cleaned results at a fraction of the cost
• Flexible hire periods to suit your schedule
• Powerful machines and cleaning products capable of removing tough dirt, pet, food and oil stains

Our cleaning machines are available at convenient locations across New Zealand, including hardware stores and supermarkets. Use our free cost calculator to see how much you could save by hiring a Rug Doctor machine and then find your nearest stockist.

Updated July 11, 2025

Author: Gina Gibbs

Gina is the Business Manager at Rug Doctor NZ. With over 20 years at Rug Doctor, she's dedicated to helping New Zealanders keep their homes clean and healthy. Outside of work, Gina enjoys hiking, reading, and enjoying Vietnamese and Asian fusion cuisine. Oh, and let's not forget her expertise in cleaning up after everyone, especially her two kids!