Adelaide service
End of Lease Carpet Steam Cleaning Adelaide
Carpets are the add-on agents flag most often, and the lease clause renters argue about most. A separate carpet steam clean covers the deep-extraction work that a bond clean does not include. You get matched with independent Adelaide carpet cleaners who quote per-room or whole-house in writing, and the page below explains what SA law actually says about the 'professional carpet cleaning' clause in your lease.
What's included
The scope you can expect
Independent cleaners in our network quote on this scope. If your property has unusual conditions (very dirty oven, lots of carpet, balconies, blinds), they price the add-ons separately so you see the breakdown.
Typically included
- Hot-water extraction (steam) clean of each carpeted room you book
- Pre-vacuum to lift loose dirt and pet hair before extraction
- Pre-spray and agitation on high-traffic lanes (hallways, lounge, in front of the couch)
- Spot treatment on visible stains (no guarantee of complete removal - tannin, dye and pet urine stains may be permanent)
- Edge detail along skirtings and under-door areas
- Moisture extraction pass - typical drying time is 3-6 hours depending on humidity
- Stairs (per flight or per step depending on the cleaner)
- Mats and rugs included on request (size-dependent quote)
- Deodorising treatment on request
- A copy of the invoice with the rooms cleaned listed - keep it for the inspection
Usually NOT included (quote add-ons)
- Carpet repair, restretching, patching or seam repair
- Removal of permanent stains (some tannin, dye, bleach and old urine stains will not lift)
- Pet urine sub-floor decontamination (specialist service, separate quote)
- Tile and grout steam cleaning (different machine, separate service)
- Mattress or upholstery cleaning unless requested as an add-on
- Carpet treatment for fleas / pest treatment (needs a licensed pest operator)
Add-ons are quoted as separate line items so you can see exactly what you're paying for.
Cost
What carpet steam costs in Adelaide (2026)
Adelaide carpet steam cleaners quote per-room or whole-house. Per-room is usually $30-$50, whole 3-bedroom house bundles $130-$250. Pricing moves with carpet condition, stair count, and the size of each room. Most cleaners price by the standard room (up to about 12 m2) and quote larger rooms (e.g. open-plan lounge) as 1.5 rooms.
| Item | Adelaide range |
|---|---|
| Per room (standard up to 12 m2) | $30 - $50 |
| Large / open-plan room (1.5 rooms) | $45 - $75 |
| Stairs (per flight) | $30 - $60 |
| Whole 2-bedroom unit | $90 - $170 |
| Whole 3-bedroom house | $130 - $250 |
| Whole 4-bedroom house | $180 - $320 |
| Rug (depends on size) | $40 - $120 |
Why this matters under SA law
Under section 69(3) of the Residential Tenancies Act 1995 (SA), a tenant must leave the premises in a reasonable state of cleanliness, having regard to fair wear and tear. The standard is 'reasonably clean'. A lease term that requires carpets to be professionally cleaned regardless of their condition can be inconsistent with the Act, because the Act only requires a reasonable state of cleanliness - it does not specify the method. Consumer and Business Services (CBS) specifically lists 'all carpets shall be professionally cleaned' as an example of a potentially unenforceable term. An agent can recommend professional carpet cleaning but, where the carpets already meet the s 69(3) standard, the agent generally cannot compel a specific cleaner or method. This is general information, not legal advice - confirm your specific situation with CBS (131 882) or a tenancy advice service.
Read the RTA guideWhy this service matters
Where the bond is most often lost
- Carpets are the single most-claimed-on item at handover after general kitchen and bathroom cleaning. A documented steam clean removes that claim trigger and gives you a dated invoice as evidence.
- A lease clause demanding 'professional carpet cleaning regardless of condition' can be inconsistent with section 69(3) RTA SA. If your carpets are already reasonably clean, you may not be required to comply. Confirm with CBS before you spend money you do not need to.
- Where carpets do need cleaning, a proper hot-water extraction (steam) job is what agents accept. A consumer-grade machine on a high-traffic lounge rarely passes a thorough agent inspection.
- If the agent disputes the carpet clean, your dated invoice with the rooms listed, plus before/after photos, is your evidence at CBS conciliation or SACAT.
Related services
Other end of lease services
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to get my carpets professionally cleaned at the end of the lease?
Not automatically. Section 69(3) of the Residential Tenancies Act 1995 (SA) requires a 'reasonable state of cleanliness' and does not specify the method. A lease term requiring carpets to be professionally cleaned regardless of condition can be inconsistent with the Act. CBS lists 'all carpets shall be professionally cleaned' as an example of a potentially unenforceable term. If your carpets are visibly stained, heavily used or have had pets, a professional clean is usually the right call. If they are in good condition, you may not be required to do more than a thorough vacuum. Confirm your situation with CBS (131 882) or a tenancy advice service.
How much does end of lease carpet steam cleaning cost in Adelaide?
Per-room pricing is usually $30-$50 for a standard-sized room (up to about 12 m2), with stairs at $30-$60 per flight. Whole-house bundles: 2-bedroom unit $90-$170, 3-bedroom house $130-$250, 4-bedroom house $180-$320. Price moves with carpet condition, the number of high-traffic lanes, and stain treatment.
Will the cleaner guarantee all stains will come out?
No reputable carpet cleaner guarantees full stain removal, and you should be wary of any who do. Tannin (coffee, red wine), dye (curry, hair colour), bleach, rust and old pet urine stains can be permanent because they have penetrated or damaged the carpet fibre itself. A professional steam clean will lift the loose dirt, the high-traffic shadow, and most surface staining. Visible permanent stains may still be there - and that is usually treated as fair wear and tear under s 69(3) if the carpet is older.
Steam clean or dry clean?
Most Adelaide cleaners use hot-water extraction (often called steam cleaning) because it is the most thorough method and the one most commonly accepted by agents. Dry cleaning is faster and gentler but does not extract as deeply. For an end of lease clean, ask for hot-water extraction.
How long do the carpets take to dry?
Typical drying time is 3-6 hours depending on humidity, airflow and carpet thickness. Plan to vacate the rooms for the rest of the day, leave windows open if weather allows, and avoid walking on them in shoes until fully dry. The cleaner can run a dehumidifier or fans as an add-on if you are short on time.
Can I get a carpet steam clean at the same time as a bond clean?
Yes, and most renters do. Some cleaners include carpet steam in their bond clean bundle; most quote it as a separate line item. Either way, the carpet job is usually done last so the freshly-cleaned carpets are not walked on while the rest of the property is being finished. Tell the cleaners both jobs are needed when you request quotes - they can coordinate scheduling.
What if the agent insists I use their carpet cleaner?
An agent can recommend a cleaner but, where the carpets already meet the s 69(3) 'reasonably clean' standard, the agent generally cannot compel you to use a specific one. If you are being pressured, you can politely ask which clause of the Residential Tenancies Act 1995 (SA) is being relied on, and you can contact CBS or a tenancy advice service. Many independent Adelaide carpet cleaners are agent-accepted - ask the cleaner directly which agents have accepted their work in the past.
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