Moving out of a rental property comes with one unavoidable question: what’s this vacate clean actually going to cost me? The frustrating truth is there’s no single answer. Your final bill depends on your property’s size, its current condition, and whatever your lease specifically requires.
Here’s a straightforward breakdown so you can budget properly—and decide whether professional cleaning makes sense for your situation.
Why Vacate Cleaning Costs Vary So Much
Perth tenants often hear quotes ranging from $260 to $700 or more. That’s a wide gap. The reason? Every property is different.
A one-bedroom apartment with a single bathroom won’t cost the same as a four-bedroom house with multiple living areas, carpeted bedrooms, and a double-storey layout. Professional cleaners calculate their pricing based on the specific work involved—not just the number of rooms.
The stakes are high, too. Analysis of WA Government bond data reveals that over $2.65 million in rental bond was withheld due to cleaning issues in September 2024 alone. That represented 22.2% of all bond deductions that month. Getting cleaning right isn’t just about ticking boxes—it’s about protecting your money.
What Determines the Price You’ll Pay
Several factors shape your final quote. Understanding each one helps you anticipate costs before you even pick up the phone.
Number of Bedrooms
Bedrooms form the base price for most quotes. More bedrooms mean more surfaces to clean—wardrobes, windows, light fittings, walls, and flooring all need attention.
Typical base pricing looks like this:
| Bedrooms | Base Price |
|---|---|
| 1 bedroom | $260 |
| 2 bedrooms | $300 |
| 3 bedrooms | $400 |
| 4 bedrooms | $430 |
| 5 bedrooms | $590 |
| 6 bedrooms | $700 |
These figures reflect the starting point before any add-ons.
Property Type
Where your property sits also matters. A unit inside an apartment building typically adds around $35 to the base price, while a house or multi-storey property adds approximately $55. Apartment buildings often have stricter strata requirements for cleaning standards, particularly in CBD high-rises.
Bathrooms
Bathrooms take significant time to clean properly. Soap scum, grout lines, exhaust fans, and fixtures all require detailed work. Most quotes include one bathroom in the base price. Additional bathrooms add:
| Bathrooms | Additional Cost |
|---|---|
| 2 bathrooms | $75 |
| 3 bathrooms | $200 |
| 4 bathrooms | $300 |
The price increase reflects the labour-intensive nature of bathroom cleaning—tiles, glass screens, and ventilation systems all demand thorough attention.
Living Areas and Storeys
Got an open-plan living and dining area? That counts as one. But if you’ve got separate formal and informal living spaces, expect your quote to climb. A second living area adds around $40, a third adds $100, and a fourth adds $180.
Multi-level properties also cost more. Double-storey homes add approximately $30, while three-storey properties add $90. Cleaners need extra time working through multiple levels and carrying equipment between floors.
Extra Areas
Properties with additional spaces see corresponding price increases:
| Extra Area | Additional Cost |
|---|---|
| Theatre room | $40 |
| Study or office | $30 |
| Separate toilet | $30 |
| Sunroom | $40 |
These rooms require the same attention as bedrooms—wall wiping, floor cleaning, window tracks, and light fixtures.
Carpet Steam Cleaning: A Common Add-On
Many Perth rental agreements specifically require professional carpet steam cleaning. Property managers often request receipts as proof that qualified technicians completed this work. If your lease includes this requirement, booking carpet steam cleaning services alongside your vacate clean ensures everything is handled in one visit.
According to Consumer Protection WA’s guidance on bond disputes, landlords can only charge tenants for actual costs incurred, not pre-estimated amounts. This means if carpet cleaning is required and you don’t do it, your landlord will hire someone and deduct the cost from your bond.
Professional carpet steam cleaning typically costs:
| Area | Cost |
|---|---|
| Bedrooms | $40 per room |
| Living rooms | $50 per room |
| Hallway or corridor | $20 |
| Stairs | $30 |
Hot water extraction—the professional term for steam cleaning—removes embedded dirt and allergens that regular vacuuming misses.
Blinds, Windows, and Balconies
These are the areas that catch tenants off guard. You might not think about blinds until the property manager runs a finger along the slats and frowns. Windows develop grime in the tracks that you stop noticing after a few months. And balconies? They collect everything from leaves to bird droppings.
Blind cleaning rates depend on the type:
| Blind Type | Cost Each |
|---|---|
| Venetian blinds | $10 |
| Vertical blinds | $7 |
| Roller blinds | $7 |
Outside window cleaning runs approximately $8 per window. If your property has ground-floor windows or accessible external glass, it’s worth adding to your quote—sparkling windows make a noticeable difference during inspections.
Balconies vary by size:
| Balcony Size | Cost |
|---|---|
| Small (under 8 sqm) | $20 |
| Medium (8–12 sqm) | $50 |
| Large (over 12 sqm) | $72 |
The Furnished Apartment Factor
Furnished rentals add another layer of complexity. If your lease covers a furnished property, fabric items typically require professional steam cleaning before you leave.
This can include:
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Single-seater couch | $35 |
| Two-seater couch | $65 |
| Three-seater couch | $105 |
| Mattress | $55 |
| Rug | $40 |
| Furniture wiping | $45 |
| White goods cleaning | $20 |
These extras add up quickly. A furnished two-bedroom apartment with a three-seater couch, mattress, and rug could add $200 or more to your cleaning bill.
Condition and Rental Agreement Requirements
Here’s something many tenants don’t realise: two properties of identical size can cost very different amounts to clean. The difference comes down to condition.
A property that’s been wiped down regularly and kept reasonably tidy throughout the tenancy needs standard cleaning. But a property with built-up grease in the rangehood, mould in the bathroom, or lingering pet odours? That needs more intensive work—and more time means higher costs.
Your rental agreement may also require specialist services. Some leases mandate:
- Tile and grout cleaning
- Pressure washing of exterior surfaces
- Professional oven cleaning
- Pest control or fumigation
If you want to understand exactly what’s expected before your final inspection, following an essential vacate cleaning checklist for Perth renters can help you identify every task your property manager will check.
DIY vs Professional Cleaning: The Real Cost Comparison
Plenty of tenants figure they’ll save money by cleaning the property themselves. Sometimes it works out fine. But the risk is real.
The WA Commissioner for Consumer Protection notes that only 34.6% of tenants received their full bond back in 2021. Think about that—roughly two-thirds of tenants lost at least some of their bond. Around 52.5% lost part of it, while 12.7% lost everything. Cleaning issues consistently rank among the top reasons for these deductions.
DIY cleaning means buying supplies, dedicating a full day (or more) to the work, and hoping your efforts meet the property manager’s standards. If they don’t? You’ll pay for professional re-cleaning anyway—often at premium urgent rates because you’re now racing the clock.
Professional cleaning with a bond-back guarantee removes this uncertainty. If any areas fail inspection, the cleaning company returns to fix them at no extra charge. For tenants who want peace of mind, choosing vacate cleaning services in Perth that guarantees final bond inspection success makes the move-out process significantly less stressful.
If you’re curious what a complete job looks like in practice, you can see the actual cost breakdown for a Perth deep cleaning project—including before-and-after photos and itemised pricing.
Getting an Accurate Quote
The best way to know exactly what you’ll pay is to request a quote specific to your property. When you call or fill out an online form, you’ll typically need to provide:
- Number of bedrooms, bathrooms, and living areas
- Property type (apartment, house, townhouse)
- Whether carpet steam cleaning is required
- Any additional areas like a study, theatre room, or separate toilet
- Current condition of the property
- Any specific requirements from your lease
Be honest about the property’s condition. Underestimating the work leads to problems on cleaning day—and potentially a higher bill when the team sees what’s actually involved.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average vacate cleaning cost for a 3-bedroom house in Perth?
A standard three-bedroom house with two bathrooms and two living areas typically costs between $475 and $550 for professional vacate cleaning. This includes all internal rooms, kitchen appliances, bathrooms, and general floor cleaning. Adding carpet steam cleaning for all bedrooms and the living area would bring the total closer to $650–$700.
Does vacate cleaning include carpet steam cleaning?
Standard vacate cleaning packages don’t always include carpet steam cleaning as a default service. Most Perth property managers require professional carpet cleaning with a receipt, so this is commonly added as a separate line item. Budget $40–$50 per room for professional hot water extraction carpet cleaning.
Can I claim vacate cleaning costs from my bond?
No, vacate cleaning is the tenant’s responsibility. Your landlord expects you to return the property in the same condition it was at the start of your tenancy, minus fair wear and tear. Cleaning costs come from your pocket, not your bond. Your bond protects the landlord against damage and unpaid rent.
How long does professional vacate cleaning take?
Timing depends on property size and condition. A one-bedroom apartment typically takes three to four hours. A three-bedroom house might take five to seven hours. Properties requiring additional services like extensive carpet cleaning, blind washing, or external window cleaning take longer.
What happens if I fail the final inspection after professional cleaning?
Reputable cleaning companies offer bond-back guarantees. If the property manager identifies issues during inspection, the cleaning team returns to address them at no extra cost. This typically needs to happen within a specified period—often seven to fourteen days. Always confirm guarantee terms before booking.
Why do property managers ask for cleaning receipts?
Receipts prove that qualified professionals completed the work to an acceptable standard. Property managers use these as evidence that the tenant fulfilled their cleaning obligations. Without a receipt, you may face disputes about whether the cleaning was adequate, even if the property looks clean.
Is it cheaper to clean the property myself?
DIY cleaning costs less upfront but carries higher risk. You’ll spend money on supplies and invest considerable time, with no guarantee the result will pass inspection. If it fails, you’ll pay for professional re-cleaning anyway—often at premium rates due to short notice. Most tenants find professional cleaning offers better value when factoring in time and risk.
What areas do tenants most commonly miss during vacate cleaning?
The usual suspects are exhaust fans (caked with dust and grease), oven interiors, rangehood filters, window tracks, light fittings, and the insides of cupboards and drawers. Outdoor areas like balconies and garages also catch people off guard. Working through a comprehensive cleaning checklist helps you avoid these common oversights.
Do I need vacate cleaning if my property looks clean?
Almost certainly, yes. There’s a big difference between “looks clean” and “inspection-ready clean.” Property managers check areas most tenants overlook—behind appliances, inside light fixtures, along skirting boards, and within window frames. Even a well-maintained property usually needs detailed end-of-lease cleaning to pass that final walkthrough.
How far in advance should I book vacate cleaning?
Book at least one to two weeks before your move-out date during normal periods. At the end of the month or during peak moving season (particularly December through February), you’ll want to book three to four weeks ahead. Last-minute bookings may incur surcharges due to scheduling pressure, and some companies won’t have availability at all.