For tenants in Brisbane, the end of lease inspection is the final hurdle before moving on to a new home—and before getting your bond deposit back. This inspection, carried out by your landlord or property manager, determines whether the property is in the same condition as when you moved in (allowing for fair wear and tear).
Unfortunately, many tenants lose part of their bond because they don’t pass this inspection. It’s not always due to major damage—more often, it comes down to overlooked cleaning or maintenance issues.
In this end of lease guide, we’ll break down the top 5 reasons tenants in Brisbane fail their end of lease inspection, along with real-world examples and tips to help you avoid these costly mistakes.
1. Neglecting the Kitchen (Especially the Oven and Range Hood)
The kitchen is one of the most scrutinised areas during inspections—and it’s where most tenants slip up.
Common Issues:
- Grease and baked-on food inside the oven
- Sticky residue inside cupboards and drawers
- Dust and grime inside the range hood filters
- Food crumbs in hard-to-reach corners
👉 Example: A tenant in South Brisbane thought a quick wipe-down of the oven door was enough. But during inspection, the property manager ran a finger along the oven racks and found built-up grease. Result? $180 deducted from the bond to pay for professional oven cleaning.
How to Avoid It:
- Use a strong degreaser or oven-cleaning solution several hours before wiping.
- Remove and soak oven racks overnight.
- Don’t forget the range hood filters—most can be washed in hot, soapy water.
- Wipe all kitchen cupboards inside and out.
Tip: Even if you barely used the oven, property managers will still check it closely.
2. Overlooking Bathrooms and Toilets
Bathrooms are high-traffic areas, and they show wear quickly. Property managers in Brisbane are particularly strict about hygiene in these spaces.
Common Issues:
- Soap scum on shower screens
- Black mould in grout or silicone edges
- Calcium build-up around taps and showerheads
- Dirty toilet bases or behind the cistern
👉 Example: A student in West End spent hours scrubbing her bathroom but forgot to clean the exhaust fan vent. The property manager flagged it as “neglected,” and $120 was deducted from her bond for a professional bathroom touch-up.
How to Avoid It:
- Use vinegar or commercial cleaners to remove hard water stains.
- Scrub grout with a toothbrush and mould remover.
- Polish mirrors until streak-free.
- Don’t forget hidden areas like exhaust fans, light switches, and under the sink.
Tip: Soap scum and mould are two of the most common reasons Brisbane tenants fail inspections.
3. Forgetting Carpets and Flooring
Floors cover every room in the property, so they’re impossible for property managers to overlook.
Common Issues:
- Stains or pet hair embedded in carpets
- Skipped vacuuming in corners and edges
- Sticky patches on tiles or vinyl floors
- Lease agreements not followed (e.g., carpet steam cleaning not done)
👉 Example: A family in Chermside had carpets that looked fine at a glance, but the lease required professional steam cleaning because they had a dog. The property manager asked for the receipt, which they didn’t have. $250 was deducted from their bond for urgent carpet cleaning.
How to Avoid It:
- Always check if your lease requires professional steam cleaning.
- Vacuum slowly, especially around edges and under furniture.
- Mop hard floors with the correct cleaner for the surface type.
- Get rid of stains immediately—don’t wait until moving day.
Tip: Always keep receipts if you hire professional cleaners. Property managers in Brisbane often ask for proof.
4. Ignoring Outdoor Areas
If you’re renting a house or townhouse in Brisbane, the outdoor areas are just as important as the inside. Many tenants forget this, only to be surprised when their inspection fails.
Common Issues:
- Cobwebs around windows, balconies, and patios
- Leaves and debris in gardens or pathways
- Oil stains on garage floors or driveways
- Rubbish left in bins or outdoor storage
👉 Example: A tenant in North Brisbane did a spotless job inside the property but forgot to mow the lawn and weed the garden bed. The landlord charged $100 for gardening services and deducted it directly from the bond.
How to Avoid It:
- Sweep patios, balconies, and driveways.
- Remove cobwebs from outdoor lights and window frames.
- Mow the lawn and trim edges.
- Clean garage floors—oil stains are a common oversight.
Tip: Treat outdoor spaces like an extension of the property. If it was clean and tidy when you moved in, it should be the same when you move out.
5. Missing Small but Crucial Details
It’s often the small things that trip tenants up. Property managers are trained to check details you might not even notice.
Common Issues:
- Dust on ceiling fans, skirting boards, or blinds
- Fingerprints on light switches and door handles
- Blu-tack, nail holes, or tape marks on walls
- Dirty window tracks or fly screens
👉 Example: A young couple in Kangaroo Point did an impressive DIY clean but forgot the blinds. The property manager ran a hand across them and found a layer of dust. $80 was deducted from their bond to cover the cleaning.
How to Avoid It:
- Use a checklist to keep track of every room.
- Work from top (ceiling fans, lights) to bottom (floors).
- Pay attention to walls—remove blu-tack and gently clean marks.
- Use a vacuum with a small nozzle to clean window tracks.
Tip: These details take less time than kitchens or bathrooms but can make or break your inspection.
Bonus: Failing to Provide Proof of Professional Services
👉 Example: A tenant in Indooroopilly returned the property spotless but had no pest control receipt for his cat. The property manager refused to release the bond until proof was provided.
Always confirm what’s required in your lease and keep documentation handy.
How to Make Sure You Don’t Fail Your Inspection
- Start early. Don’t leave cleaning to the last day—it’s more thorough if spread out.
- Use your entry condition report. Compare what was noted at move-in with how the property looks now.
- Follow a detailed checklist. Brisbane bond cleaners often publish their checklists online—use them as a guide.
- Take before-and-after photos. This protects you in case of disputes.
- Consider hiring professionals. If time is short or the property is large, this is the safest way to secure your bond.
Final Thoughts
Failing an end of lease inspection in Brisbane often comes down to overlooked details rather than major damage. Kitchens, bathrooms, floors, outdoor areas, and those sneaky “little things” like blinds and skirting boards are the most common culprits.
By understanding the top 5 reasons tenants fail inspections—and tackling them head-on—you can dramatically increase your chances of a smooth handover and a full bond refund.
After all, your bond isn’t just a deposit—it’s your money. A little extra effort in cleaning can make the difference between walking away with your full bond or watching part of it disappear into avoidable cleaning fees.