You’re packing up your rental, feeling accomplished, until you glance under the couch. What greets you? A tumbleweed of dog hair that could rival a small rodent. Moving out with pets is an adventure filled with unexpected surprises—like fur-lined baseboards and scents you’d rather not identify. Don’t worry, though! Make your place spotless and impress your landlord with this guide.
Understanding your responsibilities
It’s important to know your responsibilities when you move out of your pet-friendly rental. This is especially true if you want a smooth bond refund.
Renting with pets – Legal basics in Australia
The laws about renting with pets vary across states:
- NSW, VIC, ACT – Tenants can keep pets unless landlords object and prove why pets are unsuitable.
- QLD, NT, WA, SA, TAS – Landlords can ban pets for any reason.
Additionally, tenants in strata properties may need body corporate approval to keep pets. Always check these regulations before bringing a pet home.
If a tenant wishes to get a pet during their tenancy, they must request written approval from the property manager or owner. The property manager/owner has 14 days to respond in writing, stating:
- Whether the request is approved or denied.
- Any conditions for approval or the reason for refusing the request.
If the property manager/owner approves a pet, the tenancy agreement should list the number and types of animals allowed, along with any specific terms, such as indoor/outdoor restrictions or requirements for pest treatment or carpet cleaning.
Lease agreement: What to look for
Your lease agreement is your guide to understanding end of lease cleaning obligations. Pay special attention to clauses about:
- Pet ownership – These often include rules for pet-related cleaning, like removing fur or deodorising carpets. A detailed cleaning checklist will be in handy to avoid missing key areas. Professional carpet cleaning isn’t a standard clause in tenancy agreements. However, if they have allowed a tenant to keep a pet, they may include this condition as part of the agreement. Make sure you follow it to avoid bond deductions.
- “Reasonable wear and tear” vs. pet damage – Bond cleaning for pet owners isn’t just about tidying up. It’s about restoring the property to its original condition, aside from normal wear and tear. While some signs of use are expected, pet scratches, stains, and odours go beyond that and must be dealt with. Tenants are responsible for fixing or covering the cost of any pet-related damage. Failing to meet cleaning standards can lead to deductions from your security deposit to cover cleaning or repairs.
- Fumigation – Responsibility for fumigation depends on the situation. The landlord can require the tenant to cover fumigation costs if the infestation was caused by their actions, like not checking if their pet was infested with parasites.
What if there’s a dispute?
You have the right to dispute any cleaning deductions your landlord makes. If you feel a cleaning-related bond deduction is unfair, then:
- Document everything – Take photos of the property after cleaning and keep receipts for any professional services.
- Use dispute resolution services – Many states offer mediation or tribunal services to resolve disagreements.
It’s easy to get a full bond refund if you know your responsibilities and follow a pet-friendly rental cleaning checklist.
Common challenges faced by pet owners during end of lease cleaning
Pets bring joy, but they also leave their mark, making end of tenancy pet cleaning a unique challenge. Here are some common hurdles tenants face when it comes to bond cleaning with pets:
- Pet hair – Pet fur seems to find its way everywhere, and any visible hair during the final inspection almost always results in deductions from your tenancy deposit. Keeping the property fur-free is key to keeping your bond.
- Odour – Pet odour elimination is one of the hardest challenges during end of lease cleaning.
- Pet stains – From urine to vomit, pet stains are among the toughest to remove.
- Allergens and microbes – Pet dander, saliva, and urine can trigger allergies and worsen asthma. Also, microbes thrive in pet areas, causing health problems.
- Damages – Scratching, chewing, and digging can leave noticeable damage on the rental property. This damage may require repairs or lead to cost deductions from your bond.
Make sure your end of lease cleaning with pets is thorough, and your bond is secured by tackling pet hair, odours, stains, and damage head-on.
Step by step end of tenancy cleaning checklist for pet owners
The following comprehensive cleaning checklist will come in handy when cleaning before you move out with your pet.
Preparation
Begin by decluttering your belongings. Dispose of all personal items, including furniture, decorations, and any items you won’t be taking with you. This will make cleaning more efficient.
Use non-toxic, pet-safe cleaners that won’t harm your pets or leave harmful residues. Choose products marked as “pet-friendly,” or try making your own with vinegar and baking soda.
What you will need:
- Microfiber cloths
- Sponges
- Rubber gloves
- Mop and bucket
- Pet-friendly cleaning solutions
- Pet odour eliminators
- Stain remover
- Vacuum cleaner with HEPA filter
Living areas
- Dust and wipe – Thoroughly dust all surfaces, including shelves, furniture, blinds, picture frames, and light fixtures. Pay close attention to areas where pet hair tends to accumulate, such as corners, under furniture, and on window sills.
- Vacuum and deep clean carpets – Vacuum carpets and rugs thoroughly using a vacuum cleaner with strong suction and a HEPA filter. Utilise specialised pet hair removal attachments, such as a motorised brush head or a pet hair roller attachment. For stubborn stains, apply a pet-safe carpet cleaner or consider professional carpet cleaning.
- Vacuum edges and corners carefully. Use a crevice tool to remove fur and dust from baseboards, behind furniture, and tight spots for a polished finish.
- Vacuum and deep clean upholstery – Remove pet hair from sofas and chairs using lint rollers or rubber gloves. Spot-clean stains with appropriate fabric cleaners.
- Clean floors – Vacuum floors with a HEPA filter attached to your hoover to remove fur and allergens from tight spaces. Follow up by mopping with a pet-safe cleaning solution for a thorough clean.
- Spot clean – Address any remaining stains or marks on carpets, rugs, and upholstery.
Walls & Baseboards
- Dust and wipe – Dust walls and baseboards using a soft cloth or duster. For marks or stains, wipe surfaces with a damp cloth and gentle cleaner.
- Repair scratches – Use touch-up paint or wood filler to address scratches on walls or baseboards caused by your pets.
Kitchen
- Clean and disinfect – Remove food traces and pet items, such as bowls and feeding mats. Disinfect countertops, cabinets, and floors, especially in areas where pets eat. Remove any food crumbs, spills, or pet hair.
- Remove pet hair – Check under appliances and corners for hidden fur and clean thoroughly.
- Clean appliances – Clean all appliances inside and out, including the refrigerator, oven, microwave, and dishwasher. Remove and wash removable parts, disinfect surfaces, and run a cleaning cycle for the dishwasher.
Bedrooms
- Dust and wipe – Clean all surfaces, including bedside tables, dressers, and window sills.
- Wash linens – Wash all bedding (sheets, pillowcases, blankets, comforters) in hot water (at least 60°C) to kill fleas and remove allergens. Don’t forget to wash pet bedding if it was kept in the bedroom.
- Clean sleeping areas – Vacuum and deodorise spots where pets rested to ensure no dander or odours remain.
- Clean mattress – Vacuum the mattress thoroughly using the upholstery attachment. Spot clean any stains with an appropriate cleaner.
Bathrooms
- Sanitise surfaces – Clean and disinfect all surfaces, including the toilet, sink, bathtub, and shower. Scrub grout lines and tiles to remove any soap scum or mildew.
- Clean mirrors – Wipe mirrors to a streak-free shine.
- Address damage – Repair claw marks, scratches, or any damage caused by pets on tiles or fixtures.
Outdoor Spaces/Balcony Areas (if applicable)
- Clean pet messes – Remove pet waste, toys, or debris. Wash down patios or balconies with water and a mild detergent.
- Inspect fences and gates – Check for damage and make repairs if needed to ensure they’re in good condition.
Final checks
- Hidden spots – Check behind furniture, under appliances, and in corners for fur or dirt.
- Air filters – Clean or replace air filters in your heating and cooling systems.
Follow this detailed cleaning checklist and address pet-related challenges to ensure a successful move-out. These end of tenancy tips for pet owners can help you secure your full security deposit with ease.
When to call professional end of tenancy cleaners
Sometimes, tackling end of lease cleaning for pet owners can feel overwhelming. That’s when calling in the professionals is a smart move.
Why hire professionals?
Professional cleaning is an investment that pays off, especially when dealing with pet-related messes. Here is why:
- Specialised techniques – Professionals use advanced methods to tackle pet hair, dander, and odours that go beyond surface cleaning. For example, they use enzyme-based cleaners to neutralise odours at their source. HEPA filters, on the other hand, help them trap allergens.
- Deep cleaning – Methods like hot water extraction (steam cleaning) effectively eliminate embedded dirt, hair, and allergens from carpets, upholstery, and mattresses. Trained cleaners ensure proper drying to prevent mould growth.
- Attention to detail – Professionals follow detailed checklists to cover every corner, including hidden areas like behind appliances and under furniture. These are places many people usually miss.
Benefits of professional cleaning
- Time-saving – Focus on your move while the cleaners handle the hard work.
- Convenience – Flexible scheduling and tailored packages according to your specific needs.
- Peace of mind – Expert cleaners ensure a flawless result, maximising your chances of a full deposit refund.
Tips for choosing a reliable service
- Opt for cleaners specialising in end-of-tenancy services for pet-friendly homes.
- Read reviews and ask for recommendations.
- Confirm that they use pet-safe cleaning products.
With professional help, you can leave your rental spotless, address pet-related challenges, and reduce the stress of moving—all while boosting your chances of getting your deposit back in full.
Takeaways
- Thorough cleaning is essential for a full bond refund. End of tenancy cleaning with pets requires extra effort to tackle challenges like pet hair, odour elimination, removing pet stains, and repairing any damage caused by your furry friends. Using a detailed checklist ensures no area is overlooked.
- Consider professional cleaning services. For homes with significant pet-related issues, hiring professionals can save time, provide peace of mind, and increase the likelihood of a complete deposit return. Experts offer deep cleaning and advanced techniques to handle stubborn pet messes effectively.
- Know your rights and responsibilities. Understanding your lease agreement and tenancy laws helps avoid disputes. Tenants should ensure compliance with pet-related cleaning and damage clauses while documenting their efforts to protect their bond.
Do you need a helping hand?
Let our professionals take care of your end of lease cleaning!
