Pet Owners’ End of Lease Cleaning Guide: How to Leave Your Rental Spotless and Get Your Bond Back

Moving out of a rental property can be stressful for anyone, but if you have pets, there’s an extra layer of responsibility. Even the most well-behaved dog, cat, or other furry friend can leave behind fur, odours, scratches, and stains that landlords or agents will quickly notice during the final inspection.
For tenants with pets, a thorough end-of-lease clean is non-negotiable if you want to secure your bond refund.

This guide covers everything you need to know about end of lease cleaning as a pet owner, focusing on the areas that agents check most carefully.

Why Pet Owners Need to Go the Extra Mile

Pets bring joy, but they can also cause more visible wear and tear in a property. Here’s why property managers pay special attention to rentals where pets have lived:

• Pet Hair and Dander: Even daily vacuuming doesn’t always remove fur from carpets, curtains, and hidden corners.
  
• Pet Odours: Lingering smells can stay in carpet fibres, upholstery, and even floorboards.
  
• Stains and Accidents: Small accidents, mud tracks, or food spills may leave stubborn stains.
  
• Scratches and Damage: Doors, skirting boards, fly screens, and even blinds can sometimes be scratched or chewed.
  
• Fleas or Pests: In many states, tenants with pets are expected to arrange flea treatment as part of the move-out clean.
  

Because of these risks, agents tend to inspect pet-occupied rentals with a more critical eye. Being prepared is the key to avoiding disputes.

Step-by-Step End of Lease Cleaning for Pet Owners

Here’s a complete checklist to ensure your rental is inspection-ready.

1. Start with Decluttering and a Deep Vacuum

Remove all furniture so you can vacuum every inch of the property. Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter and special attachments to lift pet hair from carpets, edges, and soft furnishings. Don’t forget:

1. Under appliances
   
2. Behind doors
   
3. Inside wardrobes and drawers
   

If you have a lint roller, run it over curtains and fabric furniture to collect stray fur.

2. Eliminate Pet Odours

Once the property is empty, you’ll be able to smell what your daily routine masked. Focus on:

• Carpets: Sprinkle baking soda, leave it for a few hours, then vacuum thoroughly.
  
• Hard Floors: Mop with a mild cleaning solution; add a few drops of white vinegar to neutralise odours.
  
• Walls and Skirting Boards: Wipe down with warm, soapy water; pets sometimes rub or shake against walls, leaving marks.
  
• Air out the property: Open all windows and doors to ventilate.
  

For stronger odours, consider renting an ozone machine or booking a professional odour-neutralising service.

3. Steam Clean Carpets and Upholstery

Most landlords will expect carpets to be steam cleaned, and if you’ve had pets, this becomes even more essential.

1. Hire a carpet cleaning machine or book a professional cleaner.
   
2. Focus on high-traffic areas and anywhere your pet likes to nap.
   
3. Keep receipts as proof for your property manager.
   

4. Deal with Stains Properly

If there are visible stains from pet accidents or food:

• Blot (don’t rub) with a damp cloth.
  
• Use an enzyme-based cleaner specifically designed for pet stains. These break down proteins that cause stains and odours rather than just masking them.
  

If a stain won’t budge, call in a professional cleaner – it’s worth the cost compared to losing your bond.

5. Check for Fleas and Pests

In many Australian states (including Queensland and NSW), you’re required to book a flea treatment or pest control spray if you’ve had pets inside.

1. Arrange for this after the deep cleaning and keep the receipt.
   
2. Make sure the treatment covers both fleas and general pests.
   

6. Repair Minor Pet Damage

Before the inspection, check for:

1. Scratches on doors, skirting boards, or window frames – touch up with paint or filler where possible.
   
2. Damaged fly screens – consider replacing or patching them.
   
3. Chewed cords or blinds – these may need replacing to avoid deductions from your bond.
   

Final Deep Clean of the Entire Property

Do a final once-over of all standard end-of-lease cleaning tasks:

• Oven and rangehood degreasing
  
• Window tracks and fly screens cleaned
  
• Bathrooms scrubbed and mould-free
  
• Cupboards wiped inside and out
  
• Dusting light fittings, fans, air vents
  

Remember: the property must look like it did when you moved in, apart from normal fair wear and tear.

Professional Help: When to Hire an Expert Cleaner

For pet owners, hiring a professional end-of-lease cleaner is often the safest option.
Professional cleaners:

• Use industrial steam cleaners for carpets and upholstery
  
• Guarantee a bond-back with a re-clean if the agent isn’t satisfied
  
• Provide pest treatment certificates when required
  

If your tenancy agreement specifically mentions “pet fumigation,” this is another reason to use professionals.

Michael’s End of Lease Cleaning not only deep cleans your property but can also organise professional carpet steam cleaning, pet fumigation, or flea treatment to meet your landlord’s requirements and ensure your full bond refund

Documentation is Your Best Friend

When the cleaning is complete:

• Take detailed photos of every room
  
• Keep receipts for carpet cleaning and pest control
  
• Provide copies to the property manager along with the keys
  

This documentation will protect you if there are any disputes about the bond.

Final Tips for Pet Owners Before Moving Out

• Start early – don’t leave cleaning to the last day.
  
• Book carpet cleaners and pest control in advance.
  
• Do a “sniff test” – get someone who doesn’t live with pets to walk through the property and give honest feedback on any odours.
  
• Hand over the property completely empty – no furniture, no pet items.
  

Conclusion

Moving out as a pet owner doesn’t have to mean a battle over your bond. With a clear plan and extra attention to fur, odours, and minor damage, you can hand back the keys with confidence. A clean, fresh-smelling property shows respect for your landlord and ensures the next tenants – and their pets – can enjoy a spotless home.

If time is short or you want a stress-free experience, hiring a professional end-of-lease cleaning service is the smartest move. It’s a small investment compared to the value of your full bond refund.