How to Maximise Your Bond Return When Moving Out of a Rental
When you move out of a rental property, it can be a very stressful time. Especially when a large chunk of money is tied up in your bond.
For many Australians, that bond can be worth thousands of dollars. So, it is understandable that they’ll want to do everything they can to get it all back.
The good news is that this can happen without too much hassle from your real estate company. All it takes is having a clear plan. Knowing your rights. And, of course, putting in a bit of effort.
In this post, we’ll look at what you can do to maximise your bond return. Hopefully, it will help you reclaim the full amount you initially put down.
Why Do Tenants Lose Their Bond?
A rental bond is a security deposit that is paid by a tenant to a landlord or real estate agent at the start of a tenancy. Typically, it is the equivalent of 4 weeks’ rent.
The purpose of the bond is to cover potential damages, cleaning costs, or unpaid rent that result from the tenancy. It is important to note that this amount is separate from your rent. Essentially, it’s a security measure that is held by an independent government authority during the tenancy. This could be the RTA in QLD or Fair Trading in NSW.
Tenants can lose part or all of their bond for one of several reasons. They include:
- Cleaning issues
- Unpaid rent
- Repair costs for damage beyond normal wear and tear
A lot of bond disputes come down to confusion between fair wear and tear vs damage in Australia. The former covers things like faded paint or worn carpet from normal use. The latter incorporates factors such as stains, holes, or broken fixtures, which in some ways change the property’s appearance.
Another common reason is failure to meet rental bond cleaning requirements. Many tenants clean the property to their own standards, which differ from those expected by rental companies. However, disputes often arise when tenants accuse real estate companies of renting out a property to them in a condition worse than they demanded at final inspection.
The Ultimate End of Lease Cleaning Checklist
When you are asked to vacate your rental property, one thing you will have to do is a proper cleanup. Real Estate companies can be notoriously strict about what they deem as “clean”. That is why it pays to be thorough.
Below is an overview of what you should clean to maximise your chances of getting your full bond back. During this process, you might find using an end of lease rubbish removal service to be a good idea. This could remove clutter and make the cleaning process much easier.
Kitchen Cleaning Requirements
The kitchen is one of the most heavily inspected areas of any rental property. Therefore, you should take the time to give it a proper once-over. When doing this, it is better to be slow and methodical. So, make sure you leave the oven, stovetop, and rangehood spotless.
You should also take the time to wipe down all cupboards, inside and out, to remove any grease buildup. Lastly, give the floor a good hoover and mop to leave it sparkling.
Bathroom and Laundry Cleaning
Bathrooms and laundry areas must be kept hygienic and free from mould. That is why you should spend a good bit of time cleaning all the tiles, grout, shower screens, and all fixtures.
In particular, focus on areas that are often overlooked, such as behind taps and around drains. Here is a handy guide to cleaning your bathroom and wet areas properly.
Living Areas and Bedrooms
In your living areas and bedrooms, all walls, skirting boards, and floors should be cleaned until they are free of marks. Additionally, if you put holes in the walls to hang up pictures or paintings, make sure you fill them in as neatly as possible.
Other things you should do include giving the carpets a deep clean and vacuum, and making sure wardrobes are empty and free of dust or signs of insect infestation.
Windows, Blinds and Fixtures
If possible, you should clean your windows on the outside as well as on the inside. That said, you shouldn’t need to clean the exterior if you are on a second level or higher.
What you will need to do, though, is dust blinds and wipe down any fixtures. While they are easy to overlook, tracks and frames should also be kept free of dirt.
Outdoor Areas and Rubbish Removal
The way you leave your outdoor spaces is just as important as the condition of the inside of your rental property.
Make sure you sweep balconies, mow the lawn, tidy the garden beds, and remove all rubbish from the front and backyard.
Should You Hire Professional Bond Cleaners?
If you find yourself short on time or don’t fancy doing the cleaning yourself, you might want to hire a professional bond cleaner.
You will, of course, have to pay for their service. However, doing this could save you a lot of time, effort, and frustration. These types of companies usually have industrial equipment that can get the job completed quickly.
Some bond cleaning companies offer a “no bond return, no pay” service, which means that you won’t have to pay them if you don’t get your bond back.
That said, if you want to go down this route, a good tactic might be to engage the services of your rental company’s bond cleaner. They are more likely to approve the job they do, given that they themselves retain their services.
What To Do If You Have a Dispute?
Should you find yourself in dispute with your real estate company about your bond, the first thing you should do is try to reason with them. Put everything in writing as to why you believe you are entitled to getting your full bond back. Also, provide photographic or other factual evidence where possible.
If that doesn’t work, try contacting your local rental authority. In Queensland, that is the Residential Tenancies Authority (RTA), while in Victoria it’s Tenants Victoria. If that fails, it might be worth talking to a lawyer to take the matter to civil court. Real estate companies have to follow certain laws. So, the court can decide if they have broken them.
