When a tenancy ends the first thing a tenant usually wants to know is, how do I get my bond back? As a tenant you must to do a “bond clean” or “exit clean” at the end of your lease.  

A bond clean or exit inspection clean is the clean that must be done once the tenant (s) has completed their tenancy in order for tenants to get a bond return.

For full bond to be returned, the property must be left in the condition in which you found it, minus normal wear and tear.

When asking “how do I get my bond back” you must first ask yourself, “what is normal wear and tear?” Normal wear and tear is the expected decline in the condition of a property due to normal, everyday use. It is deterioration that occurs in the course of living in a property. It is not caused by abuse or neglect.

An example of normal wear and tear would be a few marks on polished floor boards from walking on them.  Or, marks in a brand new stove caused by use. Damage could be a hole in the wall that wasn’t previously there, or a large stain in carpets that won’t come out. The best way to describe the difference would be that damage is unexpected based on the use or function of the property. Normal wear and tear is expected.

 

Position One Property CLEANING CHECKLIST

Position One Property managers are extremely thorough when it comes to the completion of their exit reports.  This is to ensure the best outcome for owners and tenants. We follow a strict checklist which tenants receive a copy of prior to the end of their lease. Tenants may choose to hire a professional bond cleaner, or can choose to clean a property themselves. When you engage a professional bond cleaner,  the property manager has the option to ask them to return if the property is not suitably cleaned. A property manager also has the right to request that a tenant return to the property to repair any damage or areas that are unclean. You will have 24-36 hours to rectify the problem before the property manager has the right to take money from your bond for rectification purposes. 

 

Follow this checklist to maximise your Bond refund…

GENERAL

 Vacuum and clean all sliding door and window tracks.

 Sweep or mop all non carpeted floors, removing any marks.

 Clean Carpets by registered Carpet Cleaner to Australian Standard. Supply paid invoice copy.

 A registered pest company must fumigate any rental property where pets are present . Supply paid invoice copy which specifies service details.

 Dust light fittings – gently remove light fittings and clean.

 Remove marks off walls, ceilings and light switches.

 Clean skirting boards, windows including frames, sills and tracks, above cupboards, picture rails, architraves and both sides of all doors, all other fittings, and insect/security screens etc.

 Clean curtains and blinds. Professionally cleaned.

 Remove all cobwebs and insect marks and nests.

 

KITCHEN

 Ensure to wipe inside and outside of all cupboards and doors.

  Thoroughly clean stove (inside, outside and around).

 Clean inside and outside of oven, grill, doors, trays, racks, glass.

 Check that behind the refrigerator, dishwasher and microwave space are clean.

 Scrub the sink, especially drain holes, drainers and tap ware.

 Don’t miss the range hood exhaust and filter- Remove and clean filter.

 

BATHROOM

 Wipe down all walls, floors, mirrors and windows and window tracks.

 Clean inside and outside all cupboards and drawers.

 Disinfect toilet, bath, shower recess, remove built up soap residue on tiles and shower screens, clean sink and all tap ware, towel rails.

 Clean in wardrobes, shelves, drawers and mirrored doors. Remove scuff marks.

 Shower curtain washed with bleach or replaced if applicable.

 

LAUNDRY

 Check that behind, inside and around the washing machine space is tidy. Rinse equipment and filters if applicable.

 Clean inside, outside and behind dryer. Remove lint.

 Clean inside, outside and around laundry tub, cabinets, shelves, drawers, tap ware.

 Wipe down all walls and floors, ceiling.

 

VERANDAH, DECKS, OUTDOOR AREAS

 Sweep and mop, clean railings, glass and light fittings.

 Remove all cobwebs etc.

 

GARAGE, CARPORT, DRIVEWAY

 Sweep out and remove any oil residue from concrete, pavers, paths, driveways.

 Empty Council bins and place bins out on footpath for next collection

 Close and lock garage door, if applicable.

 

GARDENS AND LAWNS, POOL

 Mow lawn, trim all edges, weed gardens, general garden tidy, remove all rubbish.

 Return pool to condition as per condition report at start of the tenancy and supply Pool Test report to Agent – Report to be completed on the end of tenancy date.

 

IF FURNISHED

 Ensure all items are clean and are located in original rooms as per Inventory list.

Once you have returned your keys to your Property Manager we will organise a final inspection of the property you were leasing. If the property has been left clean and tidy then we will send you a form to complete that is then sent into the Residential Tenancy Authority who will process your bond refund. Tenants and owners can contact their Position One Property Manager if they have any questions our concerns regarding the return of bond. Never again worry “how do I get my bond back?” with this thorough Checklist!  Contact us on 07 3843 4511 for other helpful information.