Victorian guidanceLast checked: 2026-10-11

End-of-lease cleaning charges in Victoria: when can they be claimed?

Short answer

For Victorian rental agreements signed from 29 March 2021, a rental provider can't automatically require a professional end-of-lease clean. Consumer Affairs Victoria says this can be required where it's needed to return the property to its starting condition, allowing for fair wear and tear—for example, where it was professionally cleaned before you moved in—or where its condition calls for professional cleaning. You still need to leave the place reasonably clean.

Check the condition, not just the clause

Compare the entry and exit condition reports and dated photos. Look at each area said to need further cleaning, and ask for evidence of any professional cleaning before your tenancy if that is the reason claimed.

If the claim relies on a professional clean before you moved in, ask for evidence it was done immediately before your tenancy and that you were told about it at the time.

An invoice may show what the cleaner charged. It doesn't by itself establish that the renter owes the full amount. Ask which tasks were necessary and whether the claimed work is connected to the state of the property at the end of the tenancy.

What if your agreement started earlier?

The CAV rule described above refers to agreements signed from 29 March 2021. If your agreement started before that date, check the relevant agreement and current official tenancy guidance rather than assuming the same provision applies without qualification.

What to ask about a cleaning charge

Request the specific rooms or items said to be unclean, matching entry and exit records, the contractual basis for a professional clean, and an itemised quote or invoice. If the same bill includes damaged items or replacement, ask for those charges to be separated.

If some cleaning was needed but the cost seems excessive, you can ask other cleaners for a comparable quote to check the amount.

Source: Tenants Victoria's bond-dispute guidance.

You could write: “Please identify the areas said to need extra cleaning, provide the dated condition evidence and explain the basis for a professional clean. Please include an itemised quote or invoice so I can respond to each claimed amount.”

Next steps

For disputing a bond deduction, see Bond deductions in Victoria: what evidence to ask for. For carpet replacement rather than cleaning, see Can a Victorian landlord charge for new carpet or repainting?. Preparing evidence for a Victorian rental dispute explains how to organise the full evidence pack.

Your next step

Organise your rental evidence

Put your records, claimed charges and response into an evidence index you can copy or download.

Organise your rental evidence