Move-out cleaning cost calculator
Move-out cleaning costs 40–90% more than a standard clean because everything empty gets touched: inside cabinets, oven, refrigerator, baseboards, blinds, and every window track. Typical range is $200–$600 for an apartment and $350–$900 for a house. Price yours below.
Estimated move-out clean
$414 – $612
Carpet steam cleaning
Not included
Estimated crew time
5.4 hours
A two-person crew halves the elapsed time.
Typical bond / deposit at risk
$1,243 – $2,449
Most disputes are cleaning-related.
Estimates are based on 2026 market averages and are a guide only — always get local quotes.
Move-out / end-of-lease cleaning prices (2026)
| Property | Cleaning only | With carpet steam |
|---|---|---|
| Studio | $150 – $250 | $220 – $340 |
| 1 bed apartment | $180 – $320 | $260 – $430 |
| 2 bed apartment | $230 – $420 | $330 – $560 |
| 3 bed house | $320 – $600 | $450 – $800 |
| 4 bed house | $420 – $850 | $580 – $1,100 |
| Oven deep clean (add-on) | $45 – $90 | — |
What landlords and agents actually inspect
Inspection reports are remarkably consistent about where deposits are withheld: the oven interior and racks, the refrigerator seals, window tracks and sills, extractor fan filters, skirting boards, and marks on walls. Floors and bathrooms matter, but they are rarely the reason money is kept — they are visible enough that tenants clean them.
If the tenancy agreement specifies professional carpet cleaning, keep the receipt. In most jurisdictions the agent can require evidence but cannot dictate which company you use.
Is a bond-back guarantee worth it?
Companies offering a bond-back or re-clean guarantee charge roughly 15–25% more, and the guarantee is normally limited to returning within 72 hours to redo flagged items — not to reimbursing your deposit. It is still usually worth it, because a free re-clean during a move week you no longer have keys for is genuinely valuable.
Book the clean for after the removalists leave and before the final inspection, and photograph every room afterwards with a timestamp. Photographic evidence resolves the majority of deposit disputes without escalation.
Frequently asked questions
How much does move-out cleaning cost?
$150–$250 for a studio up to $420–$850 for a four-bedroom house in 2026, before carpet steam cleaning. Condition and add-ons like ovens and interior windows move the number most.
Is move-out cleaning worth paying for?
Usually yes. A $300 clean protects a deposit that is commonly four to six weeks' rent, and agents deduct at commercial rates plus an administration fee when they arrange it themselves.
How long does an end-of-lease clean take?
Roughly 3–4 hours per 1,000 sq ft for one cleaner, so a two-bedroom apartment is a 5–7 hour job solo or about 3 hours for a two-person crew.
Do I need professional carpet cleaning to get my bond back?
Only if the lease requires it or the carpet is soiled beyond fair wear and tear. Where the lease does specify it, a receipt from any legitimate operator satisfies the clause.
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