Many leases used to say carpets “must be professionally cleaned” at the end of the tenancy, whatever their condition. In Victoria that changed for rental agreements signed on or after 29 March 2021. This guide explains what the rules say, how “reasonably clean” is judged, and how to time carpet cleaning if you do need it.

This is general information, not legal advice. For your own situation, check your agreement and the Consumer Affairs Victoria or Tenants Victoria pages listed under Sources.

The rule in short

For rental agreements signed from 29 March 2021, Consumer Affairs Victoria says a rental provider cannot ask you to get professional cleaning unless:

  • the property needs it to be restored to the condition it was in when you moved in, allowing for fair wear and tear, or
  • it is in a condition that needs professional cleaning.

The cleanliness guideline adds that professional cleaning can also be required if the property was professionally cleaned immediately before you moved in and you were told so.

So a clause that simply says “carpets must be professionally cleaned” does not, on its own, decide the question for newer agreements. What matters is the condition of the carpet compared with the start of the tenancy.

What “reasonably clean” means for carpet

You must leave the property reasonably clean. The cleanliness guideline describes carpets in a reasonably clean state as free of pet hair, stains and strong odours, such as urine.

Consumer Affairs Victoria’s damage and fair wear and tear guideline separates the two:

  • Fair wear and tear is deterioration from everyday use or natural forces such as sunlight. Traffic marks on carpet are the guideline’s example.
  • Damage is something more than that. Carpet stains from pet urine are the guideline’s example.

Fair wear and tear is not a valid reason for a bond claim. Damage caused by you or your visitors can be — and so can cleaning costs if the property was not left reasonably clean.

When professional carpet cleaning makes sense

It can be the practical choice — and in some of these cases the carpet may not be reasonably clean without it:

  • Pets lived in the home. Hair and odour are hard to lift with a household vacuum.
  • There are spills or marks you could not remove yourself.
  • The carpets were professionally cleaned immediately before you moved in and you were told so — in that case it can be required.
  • You want a record. A receipt and dated photos make any later discussion simpler.

If none of these apply and the carpet looks like it did at the start, apart from normal wear, a thorough vacuum may be all that is needed. Ask your agent which applies if you are unsure and keep the answer in writing, or contact Tenants Victoria for independent advice.

How to time it

  1. Furniture out first. Carpet cleaning works best on an empty floor, and nothing should be put back on damp carpet.
  2. Carpets before the general clean or on the same visit, so the final clean removes any footprints from moving day.
  3. Leave drying time before the inspection and key handover. Drying usually takes a few hours but depends on ventilation and the weather — our guide on how long carpet takes to dry explains what helps.
  4. Keep the receipt and take photos once the carpet is dry.

What it costs

Our carpet steam cleaning is priced per room: $79 + GST for one room and $229 + GST for three. Added to an end of lease clean, it can be booked in the same visit. Some marks — dye, bleach or burns — change the fibre itself and cannot be removed by cleaning; we tell you on the day what to expect.

For the rest of the move-out clean, see the end of lease cleaning checklist.

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Sources

Rules change. Check the official source for your situation; this guide is general information, not legal advice.