A clause in your lease saying "professional cleaning required" is, on its own, usually not enough to force you to pay for it.
The actual rule
For rental agreements signed on or after 29 March 2021, a professional-cleaning term can only be enforced if the property was professionally cleaned immediately before your tenancy began and you were told about that requirement in writing at the start of your lease. Both conditions must be met under section 27C and regulation 12.
If they were not met, a "professional clean required" clause generally cannot be enforced. You only need to meet the "reasonably clean" standard under Section 63.
The carpet steam-cleaning myth
The same logic applies to a requirement for professional carpet steam cleaning. Unless the carpets were professionally cleaned before your tenancy and you were told, that clause is generally unenforceable.
If you do choose a professional
Many renters choose professional cleaning because a move is stressful and a re-clean guarantee removes inspection risk. end of lease cleaning in Brighton is built around what agents inspect. Read what "reasonably clean" means to check the legal standard first.
This article is general information, not legal advice. Consumer Affairs Victoria and Tenants Victoria are free, authoritative resources for your specific situation.
Bottom line
You should pay for a professional clean because it is the right practical choice, not because a lease clause alone says you have no choice.
Frequently asked questions
My lease says I must professionally clean - do I have to?
Only if the property was professionally cleaned immediately before your tenancy and you were told in writing at the start. Otherwise, you generally only owe a "reasonably clean" standard.
Do I have to steam clean the carpets?
The same rule applies. Unless the carpets were professionally cleaned before you moved in and that was disclosed, the clause is generally unenforceable.
End of lease cleaning in Brighton
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