The bond cleaning industry has become an integral part of Australia’s rental property market. As rent prices continue to rise across the country, particularly in major cities, the importance of bond cleaning services is becoming increasingly apparent for both tenants and landlords. But how exactly does professional end of lease cleaning impact rent prices and the wider rental market?
What is Bond Cleaning?
For those unfamiliar, bond cleaning refers to the professional cleaning service conducted at the end of a tenancy agreement to meet the cleanliness standards for return of the rental security deposit, known as the bond. The bond is typically 4-6 weeks rent paid by the tenant and held by the landlord or property manager during the lease term.
To recoup the full bond when vacating, tenants are required to thoroughly clean the property and return it to the same condition it was in at the start of the tenancy, per the condition report. Landlords can deduct cleaning costs from the bond if the property is not cleaned to a satisfactory standard.
Hiring professional bond cleaners takes the effort out of end of lease cleaning for tenants. Cleaners use industrial equipment and supplies to meticulously clean the entire property – including carpets, windows, oven, walls etc. The service saves tenants time and ensures the property meets the expected handover condition.
The Rising Popularity of Bond Cleaning
Bond cleaning has grown enormously in Australia over the past decade in line with booming property rental prices. With the median rent for a Sydney house now over $550 per week and Melbourne not far behind, losing even part of a 4-week bond to cleaning deductions can be hundreds of dollars down the drain.
Tenants are increasingly willing to pay professional cleaners to guarantee full bond refund and avoid potential disputes. And the convenience factor shouldn’t be underestimated. Who wants to spend their last weekend scrubbing the property after already moving out belongings?
Landlords recognise the benefits too. A thorough end of lease clean means properties are returned in leasable condition, avoiding additional downtime between tenancies. Using professional cleaners also reduces the likelihood of bond cleaning disputes.
How Bond Cleaning Affects Rent Prices
It’s clear bond cleaning has become a standard part of the rental process. But what impact does this have on the market? Here are three key ways professional end of lease cleaning influences rent prices:
1. Allows landlords to maximise rental income
Regular bond cleaning ensures properties are well maintained and consistently rented at market value. Minimising vacancy periods enables landlords to maximise rental yield. The demand for tenants coupled with low rental stock has pushed rent prices up across Australian capital cities. Bond cleaning facilitates this by keeping properties tenanted.
2. Cleanliness boosts rent ability
Professional bond cleaning presents properties in their best possible condition. The cleanliness and tidiness add kerb appeal and make properties more attractive to prospective tenants. Well presented properties in good condition rent faster and enable landlords to achieve higher prices.
3. Bond cleaning costs passed onto tenants
Landlords factor the cost of end of lease cleaning into rent prices by including it in the overall operating costs used to determine market rent. In areas where professional cleaning is standard, rents will be set higher to cover this expense. Costs are indirectly passed onto tenants this way.
The Importance of Bond Cleaning for Tenants
While bond cleaning contributes to rising rents, it remains an important service for tenants to consider:
- Using professional cleaners provides peace of mind the property will satisfy end of lease cleaning requirements. This guarantees full bond refund.
- It saves significant time and effort compared to cleaning yourself. No need to spend hours scrubbing floors, walls, carpets etc on your move out weekend.
- Cleaners use specialised techniques and industrial equipment not available to regular households. This raises standards.
- Any issues or areas missed by cleaners will be promptly fixed at no extra cost, before bond inspection.
While adding to costs, bond cleaning is a small price to pay for the benefits it provides tenants in securing full bond refund and reducing rental property stress.
Conclusion
The prevalence of professional bond cleaning across Australia’s rental market has contributed to rising rents, especially in Sydney and Melbourne. By enabling landlords to maximise occupancy and rental yields, regularly cleaning properties between tenants puts upwards pressure on prices. Costs are also indirectly passed onto tenants as part of overall operating expenses factored into rent.
However, bond cleaning remains a valuable service for tenants despite the impact on rent. It guarantees the property meets handover standards and saves significant time and effort at the end of a lease. As rents increase, paying professional cleaners continues to be money well spent for rental peace of mind.
What is included in end of lease cleaning?
Bond cleaning involves thoroughly cleaning the entire rented property including all rooms, carpets, windows, appliances, cabinets, walls etc. Everything the tenant is responsible for maintaining per the lease must be returned to pre-rental standard.
When should I book bond cleaners?
Ideally 2-3 weeks prior to your lease end date. Reputable companies can book out in peak seasons, so don’t leave it to the last minute. Communicate your desired handover date when booking.
How much does bond cleaning cost?
On average $300-$500 for a 2 bedroom apartment. Larger houses cost more. Many companies provide free quotes for exact pricing based on property size and inclusions.
Can I clean the property myself?
Yes, tenants can choose to clean the property themselves to save money. However, to meet handover standards completely it is advisable to hire professional cleaners with the right equipment, skills and experience.
