Table of Contents
[lead-form form-id=1 title=Fill to Get Free Cleaning Checklist]
When you move out of a place, getting your full rental bond back is one of the most important things you’ll want, and it is very hard to get it if you are breaking the lease or you have caused damage to the property.
The fastest and easiest way for a tenant to get a bond refund is for the property manager/owner and the tenant to agree on how the bond will be paid out through rental bonds online.
You paid a lot when you moved in, and you want to make sure you get the full amount of the bond you paid back when you move out. Here are some tips to make sure you always get your bond back when you move out of the rental property.
What You Need to Do to Get Your Full Bond Back
So, what needs to happen for you to walk away with your entire rental bond intact? It boils down to meeting a few essential requirements, all of which center around leaving the property exactly how you found it—minus the normal, everyday wear and tear that comes with living there.
To keep your landlord or property manager happy (and secure your refund), you’ll need to:
- Settle all outstanding payments. Make sure rent is paid up to your final day, and don’t leave any surprise bills or fees behind.
- Do a thorough cleaning. Get into all the nooks and crannies—kitchens, bathrooms, ovens, windows, and those pesky baseboards that collect dust.
- Fix any damage caused during your tenancy. Accidents happen, but it’s up to you to repair anything beyond typical wear and tear (think: wall scuffs, damaged fixtures, or torn blinds).
- Return the property to its original condition. Use your entry condition report for reference—patch up holes, repaint if needed, and ensure everything is in working order.
Remember, if the property is left in a state that requires extra cleaning or repairs, your landlord is well within their rights to dip into your bond to cover those costs. By ticking these boxes before you hand back the keys, you give yourself the best chance of seeing your full bond returned.
First, look at your entry condition report
When you move out of a place, it should be in the same shape as when you moved in, except for normal wear and tear. Reasonable wear and tear will mean different things to different people, including your landlord or agent.
This is why it’s important to look at your entry condition report when you’re moving out and compare it to the state of your property. The major problems with the property when you moved in will be written down in your entry condition report, so you know where to focus your attention when you clean and fix things before you move out.
But beyond the cosmetic aspects, it’s crucial to understand your rights and obligations as a tenant. This goes hand-in-hand with knowing your landlord’s responsibilities as well. Before you even think about moving out, take a moment to review your tenancy agreement. This document outlines everything you need to ensure a smooth transition and, most importantly, to secure your bond refund.
Sometimes, there are conditions attached to your tenancy that might come as a surprise. These can significantly impact your ability to recover your bond at the end of the agreement. By familiarizing yourself with these terms, you can avoid unexpected deductions.
In summary, while maintaining the physical condition of the property is key, being well-informed about your legal and financial obligations will ensure that moving out is as stress-free as possible.
Get a Moving Out Checklist
Most real estate offices will have a list of things you need to do to get your full bond back. This list will remind you of what needs to be cleaned and what other paperwork needs to be done, like your exit condition report.
Set up an inspection before you leave
Set up a pre-vacate inspection with your property manager before you leave your home for good.
This will give them a chance to tell you if anything else needs to be fixed before you leave. It will also help you get your bond back faster because you can take care of things before your tenancy is over.
A pre-vacate inspection is also your opportunity to walk through the property with your landlord or property manager and address any issues or damage that may have come about during your tenancy. You’re allowed (and encouraged) to attend this inspection so you can spot any problems together and discuss how best to resolve them before handing back the keys.
Taking this extra step helps prevent any surprises that might delay your bond refund, and gives you the chance to fix problems on the spot—making it less likely that your landlord or property manager will make unnecessary claims on your bond.
Have a professional clean
Getting a professional vacate cleaner to do your bond clean is a great way to make sure you get your full bond back, since the cleaners are thorough and know exactly what needs to be done.
You’ll have to pay for this, but it will save you time. Talk to your property manager if you want to hire a professional cleaner to do your bond clean. They may be able to suggest someone. This is always a good choice because the cleaners will know what the property managers expect from them in terms of cleaning standards.
Keep up with reporting problems
Make sure to report problems as soon as they come up while you are renting. It’s important to stay on top of these things because if you don’t, you could be blamed for something.
This will help you keep in touch with your property manager or landlord and make it more likely that you’ll get your full bond back at the end of your lease.
However, if you encounter issues with reclaiming your rental bond, there are several steps you can take to resolve them:
- Contact Your State’s Tenancy Authority: Start by reaching out to your local tenancy authority for guidance and support. They can provide advice tailored to the regulations in your area.
- Reach Out to the Tenants’ Union: If the tenancy authority’s assistance doesn’t resolve the issue, consider contacting your state’s Tenants’ Union. They specialize in tenant rights and can offer additional support and resources.
- Seek Legal Assistance: If you believe your landlord is making unreasonable claims on your bond, visit a local legal center. They can help you understand your rights and offer advice on how to dispute these claims effectively.
By following these steps, you can navigate the bond recovery process more smoothly and ensure that you’re equipped with the necessary resources to reclaim your bond successfully.
What Organizations Can Assist Tenants with Rental Bond Recovery Issues?
Navigating rental bond recovery can be challenging, especially when complications arise with landlords or property managers. Fortunately, several organizations can assist tenants during this process:
- State Tenancy Authorities: Your first point of call should be your state’s tenancy authority. These government bodies offer advice and can mediate disputes between tenants and landlords, ensuring that both parties adhere to the legal framework governing rental agreements.
- Tenants’ Unions: If state authorities fall short, seek out your state’s Tenants’ Union. These organizations are dedicated to protecting tenant rights and can provide guidance on how to handle disputes, especially regarding unfair claims on your bond.
- Local Legal Centres: When disputes escalate, or if you suspect unfair practices, local legal centres are invaluable. They offer resources and legal advice, helping you challenge any unreasonable claims against your bond in a formal setting.
These organizations are equipped to offer support, ensuring the bond recovery process is handled fairly and in accordance with the law.
Recover the full bond
You don’t have to guess and worry about how to get your full bond back. If you stay on top of problems and tell your property manager about them, and if you clean your place well before you move out, you should get your bond back in full.
If your bond money is not returned in 14 days you can apply to the NSW civil and administrative tribunal and submit a claim for bond return as per you tenancy agreement.
If you find yourself running into trouble—maybe your landlord is making the process more complicated than expected, or you feel their claims on your bond are unfair—there’s help available. Start by reaching out to your state’s tenancy authority for guidance. If you still need more support, contact your local Tenants’ Union for advice tailored to your rights and situation. And if things get really sticky, local community legal centres can offer assistance and help you understand your options for disputing any unreasonable claims.
The key is to keep records, communicate openly, and know that you don’t have to handle a tricky bond recovery process on your own.
Where to Get Help with Bond Recovery or Disputes
If you find yourself in a tricky spot—maybe you’ve hit a roadblock with your landlord or property manager over your bond—don’t panic! There are helpful organisations in every state and territory that can guide you through the process and even step in if things get sticky.
Here’s where you can turn for support:
- State or Territory Tenancy Authorities: These official bodies (like Fair Trading NSW, Consumer Affairs Victoria, or the Residential Tenancies Authority in Queensland) offer advice and can help sort out disagreements.
- Tenants’ Unions and Advocacy Groups: Most states have tenants’ unions or advocacy services dedicated solely to supporting renters. They know the ins and outs of the rules and can help you understand your rights.
- Community Legal Centres: If you feel your bond is being unfairly withheld, local legal centres can give you advice or even help you prepare for a tribunal hearing.
Don’t hesitate to reach out to these groups—they’re there to help you navigate the process, answer your questions, and make sure you’re treated fairly. With a little support, your bond recovery doesn’t have to be stressful.
