Moving out of a rental property in Townsville can be a stressful time, with packing, organising, and ensuring you leave the property in top condition to secure the return of your bond. The bond, usually equivalent to four weeks’ rent, is a significant amount of money held as security by the landlord or property manager to cover any damages or unpaid rent. To ensure you get this full amount back, follow these detailed steps.
1. Understand Your Lease Agreement
Start by reviewing your lease agreement. It’s crucial to understand the specific conditions outlined for ending your tenancy, which detail how the property should be left. Pay close attention to any clauses that pertain to the property’s condition upon departure, as adhering strictly to these terms is essential for receiving your full bond back.
2. Notify Your Landlord or Agent in Advance
Proper notice must be given according to your lease agreement, typically written 30 days before you plan to move out. This formal notice should specify the date you will vacate the property, aligning with your lease terms to avoid additional charges or disputes.
3. Conduct a Thorough Cleaning
Bond cleaning, or exit cleaning, is more intensive than standard cleaning. It involves deep cleaning the entire property, including areas often overlooked during regular cleaning routines, such as behind appliances, inside the oven, and tops of cabinets. Consider hiring professional cleaners who specialise in bond cleaning and offer a bond-back guarantee. This guarantee means they will address any cleaning-related issues identified during the final inspection at no additional charge.
4. Repair Any Damages
Walk through the property and check for damages that occurred during your tenancy. Repair these to ensure the property is in the same condition as when you moved in, apart from fair wear and tear. This might include patching holes in walls, fixing broken hardware, or touching up paint. If you’re unsure about how to handle specific issues, discuss them with your landlord or property manager to find acceptable solutions.
5. Garden and Exterior Maintenance
If your rental property includes a garden or outdoor area, make sure it is tidy and well-maintained. Mow the lawn, remove weeds, trim hedges, and clear any debris or rubbish to restore the space to its original condition.
6. Organize a Final Inspection
Arrange a final walk-through with your landlord or property manager. This is your opportunity to showcase the condition of the property and address any concerns they might have. It’s often beneficial to be present during this inspection as you can immediately clarify or rectify issues.
7. Take Photos for Evidence
Before handing over the keys, take date-stamped photos of the property’s condition. These images can serve as evidence should there be any disputes about the state of the property after you leave.
8. Ensure All Bills are Paid
Clear up any outstanding utility bills or service charges associated with the property. Provide copies of the final bills or closure accounts to your landlord or property manager as proof that all dues have been settled.
9. Return All Keys
Return all keys, including any copies you made during your tenancy. This includes keys to the house, garage, mailbox, or any other access related to the property. Ensure this is done on or before your lease end date to avoid complications or claims for extra rent.
10. Leave Forwarding Details
Provide your landlord or property manager with your new address. This is not only courteous but also ensures you will receive any correspondence, particularly if there is a delay in the bond return or if additional information is needed.
Conclusion
Securing your bond when moving out in Townsville requires attention to detail and adherence to both the lease agreement and standard rental expectations in Queensland. By thoroughly cleaning and repairing the property, conducting a detailed final inspection, and ensuring all administrative aspects are handled, you maximise your chances of getting your full bond back. Remember, the effort you put into leaving your rental in excellent condition not only helps secure your bond but also maintains a good rental history for future tenancies.
