Bond returns get held up over pest treatments more often than they should. Here's exactly what Toowoomba property managers want to see — and what tenants don't need to pay for.
What your lease actually says
Most Queensland residential tenancy agreements include a clause requiring a professional flea treatment at exit if the tenant had a pet on the property — with or without permission. Some go further and require a general pest treatment.
The clause has to be in the agreement to be enforceable. Read it before you book anything. If it's not there, the property manager can't insist on it (though they can still request it as part of the bond release negotiation).
What a real exit treatment includes
Internal flea treatment of all carpeted areas and any soft furnishings staying with the property, with a registered insect growth regulator (IGR) — this is what stops eggs hatching for 6+ months.
External perimeter treatment if specified in the lease — typically a 1m band around the building.
Written paperwork on the day, with the technician's QBCC licence number, products used, and the date.
What you don't have to pay for
A 'general pest spray' that isn't in your lease.
Treatments for pests that were already there at the start of the lease (cockroaches in a shared block, for example, are usually a landlord issue).
A second treatment because the first was done before the carpets were cleaned. Best practice is: clean first, treat after. Most property managers know this.
Cost expectations
A standard internal flea treatment for an average 3-bedroom Toowoomba rental is typically $150–$220. A combined flea-and-general treatment with paperwork is usually $220–$320.
Anything significantly above that range — particularly anything bundled with a carpet-cleaning company — is worth getting a second quote on.
Timing tips
Book the treatment for the last day you're in the property, after the carpet clean. Keep the receipt.
Photograph the empty, treated rooms with a time-stamp.
Email the receipt to the property manager the same day. Bond release is much smoother when the paperwork lands before the exit inspection.