Moving house is stressful enough without the added pressure of a bond inspection hanging over your head. Too often, tenants lose part of their bond — not because they didn’t clean, but because certain tasks were overlooked.
At Manhattan Maids, we’ve seen it all. In fact, property managers often call us in to finish the job when a tenant has missed the mark. Here are the most common pitfalls — and how to avoid them so your bond comes back in full.
1. Skipping the Details Property Managers Notice
Tenants usually wipe down the benches and vacuum the floors — but forget the “small” things like skirting boards, door tracks, blinds, and light switches. These areas collect months (sometimes years) of dust and grime, and they’re often the first places property managers check.
Walls are another big one. Once the furniture is gone, scuff marks, stains, and built-up grime become all too obvious. Property managers are especially strict about wall cleanliness, so taking the time to remove every mark is essential to passing inspection.
2. Neglecting the Oven and Rangehood
No one enjoys cleaning the oven — which is why so many tenants leave it until the very end. By then, baked-on grease feels impossible to tackle. Unfortunately, a dirty oven is a red flag at inspection and almost always results in bond deductions.
Insider Tip: Pop your rangehood filters in the dishwasher for a quick and sparkling clean.
3. Forgetting Carpets and Soft Furnishings
Vacuuming won’t cut it if you’ve lived in a property for more than a year. Stains, pet odours, and ground-in dirt linger long after the furniture is gone. You’ll also see dents from furniture legs, which only come out with steam cleaning. Nearly every lease agreement requires professional carpet cleaning, and many property managers request a receipt.
Insider Tip: Book your carpet steam cleaning early — mid-week can be cheaper, and it gives you time to air out the property before inspection. Always make carpets the last job you tackle.
4. Windows: Inside, Outside, and Tracks
Tenants often clean the inside of windows but forget the external glass, tracks, and flyscreens. In coastal areas like Perth and the Gold Coast, salt and dust build up fast, leaving streaks that inspectors won’t miss.
Window and sliding door tracks are another common oversight. These require a vacuum nozzle and a good scrub to get properly clean.
Insider Tip: Don’t just spray and wipe. Remove screens and wash them in soapy water, then clean the tracks with a brush and vacuum.
5. Outdoor Areas and Rubbish Bins
Balconies, courtyards, and bins are frequently ignored — but property managers always check them. Cobwebs, leaves, and overflowing bins can all cost you part of your bond when cleaners are brought in.
Insider Tip: Leave outdoor areas until last and don’t forget to put the bins out for collection before handing back the keys.
The Best Advice for Vacate Cleaning
Vacate cleaning isn’t just about making the property look clean — it’s about meeting the strict standards property managers expect. Every square inch of the property needs attention, and it often takes far longer than tenants anticipate.
Professional vacate cleaning services like Manhattan Maids work with detailed checklists developed over 15 years. That’s why we never miss a thing — and why we’re confident in offering a bond cleaning guarantee.
About the author
Written by Tabitha Wellman, Business Manager, Manhattan Maids Pty Ltd
Manhattan Maids is a professional, women-led cleaning company delivering premium residential, Airbnb, and corporate housing cleaning services across Perth, Sydney, Melbourne, Gold Coast, and Dunsborough.
Founded on the belief that everyone deserves a clean, welcoming space without the stress, we specialise in reliable, high-quality, hotel-standard cleaning — with a personal touch. Whether it’s preparing homes for guests, helping busy families, or supporting property managers, we’re committed to making life easier, healthier, and a little more beautiful for every client we serve.
To find out more about our services, contact Camilla on 0451 624 772 or vipclient@manhattanmaids.com.au | www.manhattanmaids.com.au.
