Queensland · QLD

Bond Cleaning Checklist QLD — Get 100% of Your Bond Back in Queensland

Our free bond cleaning checklist is built for Queensland tenants ending a lease. Whether you're renting in Brisbane, the Gold Coast, Cairns, Townsville or Ipswich, the Residential Tenancies Authority (RTA) expects you to leave the premises 'reasonably clean' under section 188 of the Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation Act 2008 (Qld). This page explains what 'reasonably clean' means in Queensland, what property managers check at a QLD exit inspection, and how to claim your bond back through the RTA — or dispute a cleaning deduction at QCAT.

Start the QLD checklist QCAT dispute guide

What 'reasonably clean' means in Queensland

In Queensland, the law does not require the property to be professionally cleaned or to look brand new — only 'reasonably clean', having regard to its condition at the start of the tenancy. Your Entry Condition Report (Form 1a) is the benchmark. If a room was already marked or worn at entry, the lessor cannot charge you for that wear at exit.

What QLD property managers check at exit inspections

  • Kitchen oven, rangehood filters and behind/under the fridge
  • Bathroom grout, silicone and mould in shower recesses
  • Window tracks, skirting boards and light switches
  • Cobwebs in eaves, corners and under verandahs
  • Carpet stains and the condition of wardrobe tracks and shelves
  • Oil stains on the garage floor and driveway

Bond authority

Residential Tenancies Authority

Governing law

Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation Act 2008 (Qld)

Time limit

Apply to QCAT within 6 months of the tenancy ending.

How to claim your bond back in Queensland

To claim your bond back in Queensland, lodge a Refund of Rental Bond (RTA Form 4) signed by all parties. If the lessor disputes the refund, request free RTA Dispute Resolution (Form 3). If conciliation fails, the RTA issues a Notice of Unresolved Dispute and you can apply to QCAT as a minor civil dispute within 6 months of the tenancy ending.

RTA (Residential Tenancies Authority) QCAT (Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal)

Areas we cover across Queensland

Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Cairns, Townsville, Ipswich, Toowoomba

Ready to get your bond back in QLD?

Open the full room-by-room checklist and tick off every task your QLD agent will inspect.

Start the checklist

General information, not legal advice. Verify current forms, fees and time limits on the official Residential Tenancies Authority and Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal websites.