Updated: Understanding House & Yard Maintenance - For Providers

As a NDIS provider offering house and yard maintenance services, it's important to know what types of services you can offer to participants. There are specific requirements in place, and services must be considered reasonable and necessary for a participant's ability to function independently and safely at home.

In this article, we'll explore what services are and are not covered under the NDIS, how providers can charge for their services, and answer commonly asked questions regarding end of lease cleaning, decluttering, and project size restrictions.

Group of happy people smiling while doing gardening

What Services the NDIS Can Fund

For the NDIS to provide participants with funding for house and yard maintenance, it needs to be considered reasonable and necessary by directly relating to the participant’s ability to function independently and safely at home.

Typically, this can include tasks such as:

• Cleaning (Vacuuming, Dusting, Mopping, Dishes, Laundry)

• Yard Maintenance (Weeding, Mowing lawns, Gardening)

• Repairs for safety and accessibility reasons

What Services the NDIS Can’t Fund

Recent updates to the NDIS Act made it clear that general property upkeep, tenancy responsibilities, or tasks that are purely cosmetic are not covered in the NDIS plan. These include:

• Air conditioning servicing

• Carpet or upholstery cleaning

• Pest control

• Landscaping, tree trimming, or stump removal

• Home security and fencing

• General repairs or renovations

• Plumbing, electrical or other trade services

These jobs are considered non-essential and typically require professional expertise or specialised equipment. It falls outside what is reasonable and necessary disability support.

Ultimately, the NDIS will consider a participant’s specific needs, circumstances, and goals to determine what services and supports can be provided under house and yard maintenance.

Now you know what services you can offer… how do you charge for them?

Whether a provider is registered or non-registered, they still need to adhere to the NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits, which outlines the maximum amount a provider can charge for their services. However, the actual price charged is something that should be discussed between providers and participants.

Providers offering house and yard maintenance services for NDIS participants typically charge based on the type and duration of the services provided. The costs can vary depending on the location, equipment, and labour required to complete the tasks.

Commonly asked questions

Can participants access end of lease cleaning services?

Previously, NDIS participants can hire end of lease cleaning services if it is within the hourly price limit set by the NDIS. However, with the latest updates in the NDIS Act, it is now formally recognised as not an NDIS support.

Participants may choose to engage these services privately, but they cannot be claimed under their plan. As this is not considered an essential or standard service, it’s important to be transparent with participants about the availability and cost of bond cleaning services.

Can participants request decluttering services?

Typically decluttering goes beyond a standard cleaning service and isn’t covered under NDIS funding. However, if a provider has therapeutic qualifications, and decluttering is part of therapy, then a Capacity Building support item may be suitable to claim. But, with no therapeutic qualifications, it will not be claimable under NDIS funding.

Are there restrictions on the size of projects undertaken?

Yes. Larger projects such as tree removal, landscaping, or pest control are not considered reasonable and necessary as they are unlikely to be specifically related to a disability.

You may have heard the term “excessive” cleaning used in the sector. It isn’t a separate line item, but simply a industry shorthand for tasks that look more like a specialist trade service than everyday cleaning or yard care. These tasks usually won’t be funded. Two common signs that a task may be excessive or not standard are:

• If it is well outside the capped NDIS rate for cleaning or yard maintenance

• If quoted as a flat fee instead of an hourly rate

Key Takeaway

Providers play an important role in supporting participants to maintain a safe and functional home. Focus on services that are reasonable and necessary, be clear about what’s not covered, and ensure pricing aligns with NDIS requirements. By doing so, you’ll help participants get the right support while staying compliant.

Contact our friendly team on 1300 322 273 or support@first2care.com.au if you have any follow up questions.