Two Men – A Guide to Getting a Full Bond Refund

If you’ve read our complete moving guide, you’ll know that in the days leading up to your move, there’ll be a few important tasks to tick off your to do list. One of those undertakings will be to perform a thorough bond clean. In this guide, we’ll outline everything you need to know to have your end of lease clean approved by your real estate agent, so that you can get your full bond back.

What is a bond clean?

Well, let’s start with the basics. When you first move into your apartment, your real estate agent or property manager will be expected to provide an initial condition report. As stated by Fair Trading NSW, “The report will be a key piece of evidence at the end of the tenancy if there is a dispute about replacing missing items, paying for cleaning or damages”. A bond clean or an end of lease clean brings a property back to this original condition when moving out.

During Your Tenancy

While your bond refund will be determined at the end of your rental agreement, here are a few things you should do during your tenancy to build a good relationship with your real estate agent.

Treat the Property as Your Own

Every real estate agent and property manager knows that a rental property is an investment for most homeowners. As such, when renting out a property, you should always treat it as if it were your own. Ensuring that the property stays in good condition during your tenancy, will make it easier for the real estate agent to advocate on your behalf and will also build a good rapport with the landlord if issues do arise.

Inform the Property Manager of any Damages

In cases where damages do occur during your tenancy, let the property manager know immediately. Whether if it’s mould growing on the ceiling or faulty electrical units, notifying the landlord as soon as possible will give them a chance to resolve any issues before they become major disasters.

Dispute issues of “Fair Wear and Tear”

If your a long term tenant, there are cases where you’re not liable for the damages caused by “fair wear and tear”. For example, common occurrences in many households include indentations caused by furniture, cracks in the walls from movement, or faded and cracked paint. Visit Fair Trading NSW for more examples.

During Your Clean

Planning Makes Perfect

Anybody that’s moved from one suburb will confirm that moving day is stressful. To give yourself a better chance of coping, plan your bond clean so you know exactly what things you’ll need to do to succeed.

You first step should be to clear your calendar. Schedule your moving day on a weeked or ask your boss for a few consecutive days off. This will give you some leeway if your clean takes longer than expected. Next, multiply your efforts by scheduling help from friends and family. A little help can go along way, especially if you have a property with multiple bathrooms, a large kitchen, and a garage. Lastly, ensure that your property will be unfurnished before attempting your bond clean. The last thing you’ll want is to have to reclean the property after making a whole new mess when moving out.

The Big Cleaning Day

Most agents can provide you with a bond cleaning checklist with the exact details of what you\’ll need to cover to satisfy their requirements. Here’s a breakdown of some of the most important aspects of the clean.

Kitchen

• Clean interior and exterior of oven
• Clean stovetop
• Degrease rangehood
• Clean benchtop
• Clean sink, handles and spout
• Clean cupboards, shelves and drawers
• Clean appliances

Bathroom

• Clean shower screens
• Clean shower head, faucets, and soap caddy
• Wash toilet and toilet esat
• Clean sink handles and spout
• Polish mirrors
• Dust air vents

All Rooms

• Vacuum, sweep, or mop floors
• Clean wardrobe mirrors, frame and tracks
• Wash window, sills, and tracks
• Wash walls and skirting boards
• Wash blinds
• Clean light fixtures and switches
• Carpet steam cleans

As Required

• Clean laundry units, washer and dryers
• Clean balcony, patio doors, and tracks
• Clean garages

Hiring Professionals

Just like you’ve hired an AFRA-accredited removalist to handle your moving needs, you can also hire professional cleaners to hand your end of lease cleaning. Professional cleaners will have the benefit of years of experience, specialised tools, and the manpower to efficiently clean a property much faster than the average tenant. Be sure to ask for recommendations, read reviews, and get quotes from multiple sources as bond cleaning prices will vary from one company to the next.

After Your Clean

Prepare for the Final Inspection

Now that your bond clean is finalised, all that’s left to do is to schedule a final inspection with your real estate agent. Your agent will perform a walkthrough of the property, comparing each room to the original condition report. Following this guide, you should be confident in getting your bond refund. If there are any issues, try to address them while the agent is at the property.

Return your Keys

With the final inspection complete, your agent will give you notice if you’ll receive a full bond refund. When all is said and done, you can finally return your keys and breathe a big sigh of relief because you’re officially moved out.