Bond Return Inspection: 9 Areas To Check Before Moving
Packing up and handing back your rental isn’t just about taping up boxes and dropping off keys. Among these is getting the head of household ready for a compliance visit. Leaving out even one little job can impact your bond and cause unnecessary cleaning fees. Inspecting thoroughly in this way allows you to catch issues before your landlord comes. In this blog we cover the top 9 things you need to do check on before your final inspection. These practical tips are specifically for Australian tenants and are sure to increase the likelihood of you receiving your full bond back without any unnecessary stress.
Inspect Kitchen Carefully
The kitchen is among the areas mainly inspected in rental property check-out as they tend to accumulate dirt like grease, staining agents and residue from food easily. Clean the oven, range hood filters microwave wall tiles adjacent to hot surfaces, wall cabinets drawers sink and bench. Empty the cupboards and clean the insides and outsides of the cupboards. Dust and sweep the floor of any crumbs, bits of food or dirt before you vacuum or mop the floor. Check for fingerprints on your electronic devices and make sure that if you have any stainless steel appliances they are shining.
| Kitchen Area | What to Check | Importance |
| Oven | Grease and burnt food | High |
| Stovetop | Oil stains | High |
| Cupboards | Dust and crumbs | Medium |
| Sink | Water stains | High |
| Benchtops | Marks and spills | High |
Check Bathroom Fixtures
Bathrooms require particular efforts as soap scum, mould and water stains appear easily. Scrub down the shower screens tiles taps, bath basin mirrors and toilet until they look brand new. Mould in the grout and silicone where possible must be removed. Take out the bathroom shelves, clean them and then put them back. A bright and clean-smelling bathroom will not only enhance the appearance but also the ambiance of your home and will leave the most lasting favorable impression at an inspection that could mean a sale. Bathrooms are often the subject of the most rigorous scrutiny so an hour or two spent extra here can pay off handsomely in your bond return.
Examine Walls And Doors
Walls and doors frequently become marked with fingerprints, scuff marks and minor stains from day to day living. Sometimes it is necessary to dampen up a surface that has already been painted and then gently rub it down using a detergent suitable for the painting that was chosen so as not to damage the finish. In daily life we may take for granted all the little features which are still the most common places to find dirt and marks, dust and fingerprints collected switches, hinges, skirting boards, door frames, light switches and power points. Cleaning Walls, Doors and Alarm Panels maintains the overall neat good-orderable appearance that lends itself to more successful bond returns.
Clean Floors And Carpets
Floor can be the reason a rental property attracts people or turns them off. Regular vacuuming is not sufficient. Mop hard floors with appropriate coffee for your timber, vinyl or tile floors. Take out visible spots before the check and if the carpets are heavily soiled, have pet odours or tough marks have them professionally cleaned. Professional cleaning of carpets after pets or long term occupation is recommended or required in many Australian tenancy agreements. Often, carpets may look fresh before an inspection, but owners can still spot hidden stains, odours or dirt that may affect your bond return. To avoid this risk, consider professional carpet cleaning perth services before the inspection. New or clean floors lend a polished look to a room and can make it more likely that you get your full bond.
| Floor Type | Recommended Cleaning | Extra Advice |
| Carpet | Vacuum and stain removal | Consider professional cleaning |
| Timber | Damp mop | Avoid excessive water |
| Tiles | Sweep and mop | Clean grout thoroughly |
| Vinyl | Mild floor cleaner | Dry immediately |
Review Windows And Glass
Beyond reducing the need for artificial lighting, cleaned windows also enhance the aesthetics of the home making it a more attractive residential place. Wash inner and outer glass where applicable. Dust Bunnies wipe down your window frames, tracks, sill and fly screens to get rid of any dust, bugs and grime. Buff mirror and glass door to streak free. Cleaning of drapes or blinds is recommended whenever a thin layer of dust can be detected on the fabric or material. Property managers frequently closely windows because they easily notice fingerprints on the glass and dirty tracks. Spend the time to do this one job and it will pay you back with a cleaner home and a successful bond inspection.
Inspect Outdoor Spaces
The external elements should get the same care of internal ones at the time of the final rental check-out. Clean up and dust your patios, rooftops, garages and footpaths. Then throw away dead leaves, waste and spider webs. You can also use your lawn mower on the garden if that is stipulated in your rental contract and if needed, prune up your garden flowers from time to time.If the outdoor bins are full, empty them and if there is exterior furniture clean it. Get oil stains off garage floors if possible. A neat outdoor space indicates that the home has been well cared for and can help you get your full bond back.
Check Storage Areas
Storage areas are often forgotten when doing the final deep clean at moving out but they are still checked during the inspection. Before you do any dusting, clean out all the wardrobes, linen cupboards, laundry cupboards, pantry and garage cupboards of any contents. Dirt basements, laundry room and storage compartments will have to be cleaned thoroughly as the inspector will look into just about any nook and cranny to see what’s there. Attention to these out of the way places indicates thorough preparation on your part and will only help in increasing the likelihood of getting your full bond return without more cleaning.
Complete Final Walkthrough
Before handing the keys over, do a quick walk around all over the house to see things properly. Pretend you’re the landlord for a moment and look out for any dirtiness or damages that may not have been cleaned up yet. Make the lights on for example to check for fingerprints, dust or streaks that may not be visible to the eye at the regular time of day when one looks through the windows. Pay close attention to baseboards and skirting boards, as dust and grime can easily be missed during a quick walkthrough.
For a faster clean, see our guide on best way to clean baseboards and skirting boards fast. Inspect the cabinets to see if they are actually empty, the garbage to verify that it was properly removed and surfaces for cleanliness after the tenant has moved out. Taking pictures after cleaning is also helpful for your record. A thorough final walkthrough can keep minor slip-ups from hurting your bond return.
Conclusion
Having done some cleaning and prep work right before you’re leaving can make moving day smooth sailing and save you the trouble of a bond refund fight. Checking out kitchen bathroom walls, floors, windows, yard, storage shed and doing the final check are not only something to do but a good way not to overlook anything important. For carpets or very high traffic areas, a professional cleaner can get them looking spotless which will give you peace of mind. Investing a little time and effort in the pre-inspection phase can help you minimize your departure stress, please your landlord and be on good terms with the rental company when you are leaving.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is checked during a bond return inspection?
Property managers usually inspect cleanliness, damage, appliances, floors, walls, bathrooms, kitchens and outdoor areas.
2. Is professional cleaning required before moving out?
It depends on your lease agreement but professional cleaning is often recommended for carpets and heavily used properties.
3. How can I improve my bond return chances?
Follow a detailed cleaning checklist, repair minor issues and inspect every room before handing over the keys.
4. Should I take photos after cleaning?
Yes, photos provide useful evidence of the property’s condition if any cleaning disputes arise later.
