How to Handle Move-Out Cleaning & Get Bond Back
Are you worried about whether you will get your bond refunded once you move out? Not sure if a few hours of sweeping and mopping will do the trick? Well, you are not the only one! Quite often, an end-of-lease period brings with it a long checklist of activities, one of which remains the most dreadful for the tenants: whether the place will pass the final inspection. No one wants to lose hundreds of dollars over a few dusty skirting board edges or a greasy oven.
The move itself is stressful, hence, move-out cleaning makes it feel almost utterly overwhelming. The silver lining, however, is that if you follow some sound advice and stick to your cleaning plan, you may deal with this end-of-lease cleaning like a professional and keep everything from your bond intact. Whether you are a first-timer or a long-time renter, move out cleaning tips for renters discuss everything you need to know to get through your final inspection with confidence.
Begin with a Cleaning Plan
Cleaning without a schedule usually ends up in missed spots and panic. The move out cleaning tips for renters is a systematic approach, cleaning one area at a time. In a perfect world, this would start a week prior to moving out. Tackle the heavy jobs, like a thorough cleaning of the kitchen and bathroom and the lighter vacuuming and dusting tasks close to the moving out day.
A daily schedule for cleaning would help you stay on track and ensure that enough time gets devoted to each item on the list. Perhaps you start cleaning every item in the kitchen and appliances on day one and work on the bathroom on day two. From there, it will be bedrooms, living areas, and finally, windows and floors. Indeed, this way you will spare yourself cramming everything into one exhausting day.
Deep Clean the Kitchen
Since the final walkthrough offers one last opportunity for estate agents to scrutinize surfaces and spaces in the property, a good allocation of time should be given to the kitchen. Start by emptying all the cabinets and drawers, wiping them down inside and out. Remember to toss away any liners inserted on the shelves and scrub any crumbs or grease that may have beached in there.
The oven is the biggest contender of the lot, being the most difficult and time-consuming to clean, needing cleaning inside and out, and trays, grates, and everything. A commercial oven cleaner will work, or you could resort to a natural approach of baking soda gone foul and vinegar. Concentrate on rangehoods and filters that quietly accumulate grease over time. Ensure also that the stovetop, microwave (if it is considered an appliance in this conversation), or fridge are clean and free from food residue.
For cleaning tips and official bond return guidelines, visit the Australian Government’s Rental Laws.
Counters, sink areas, and splashbacks ought not to have any stains, nor limescale. Polish up any stainless-steel taps, and make sure that drains are unclogged. It is an established fact that a shinier and grease-free kitchen goes a long way in making an impression and almost guarantees your bond return according to move out cleaning tips for renters.
Do Not Forget the Bathrooms
Scrub away mould and soap scum during a thorough bathroom cleaning. Start scrubbing the shower area: the tiles, grout, glass, etc., fittings, and all. This is where mould removers or natural superstars like vinegar and baking soda will save the day.
Clean the toilet inside and out, making sure to cover the base and behind the unit. Wipe the sink vanity, shine the taps, and ensure mirrors are free from streaks. Light fittings, exhaust fans, skirting boards, and any shelves or storage units also need some love. Leaving the bathroom gleaming is extremely crucial for any chance of passing the bathroom upon any final inspection. This is one of the most important move out cleaning tips for renters.
Walls, Windows, and Floors Hold Value
Dirty walls or window tracks may cause the tenant to lose part of his bond. Use a mild detergent or magic eraser to clean marks or scuff marks, ensuring you don’t damage the paint. Check for spider webs in all corners or behind pieces of furniture and give the skirting boards a light dust.
Where possible, windows must be cleaned on both sides. This of course includes glass, window frames and sills as well as tracks. Dust or wipe curtains and blinds depending on the material.
Vacuum and mop floors throughout the house. If applicable, carpets need steam cleaning, especially where pets have been occupying the premises. Most agents will ask for any receipt from the carpet cleaner, so this one is worth holding onto.
Don’t Forget Outdoor Areas and Extra Things
In regard to any outsied spaces such as backyards, balconies, or garages, if there are other additional duties, those areas need to cleaned as well. Weeding, mowing the lawn, and removing rubbish from outside are great additional services. For balconies, sweeping dirt out would help, and a mopping down if necessary.
There are also some smaller chores, which are sometimes easily missed. Dust the ceiling fans, clean the air-conditioner filters, and wipe down the light fittings. Smoke alarms are to be cleaned and tested for proper working.
Consider Hiring Professionals
If you’re out of time, in need of a little help, or just want the extra peace of mind, hiring professional end-of-lease cleaners becomes a worthy investment. Many companies offer bond-back guarantees whereby they come back to fix any missed areas free if the property manager raises concerns.
When narrowing down to a cleaning company, make sure they are well aware of the local rental standards and have a strong reputation. A good cleaning team typically creates an in-house checklist and cleans every area thoroughly, ensuring they don’t miss anything.
Conclusion
Walk through the premises holding your entry report before handing over the keys to anyone. You may as well compare how the current status is against that when you first moved in. After cleaning especially high-traffic or problem areas take photos of everything because it will safeguard you in case of disputes. These move out cleaning tips for renters will help you getting your full bond back.
Also learn more about The Top 5 Spots You’re Forgetting During Deep Cleaning