Your rental bond is a deposit you pay upon moving into a new place. It’s returned to you once the lease is up and you vacate, assuming you leave the property in the same condition as when you moved in(and assuming you don’t owe any rent!).

Common Reasons Why Tenants Don’t Get Their Bond Back

Moving is stressful enough without the added worry of not getting your bond back. Here are some of the things that can leave you empty-handed when you move out:

Vacating on short notice
Not reading the lease agreement and knowing your rights
Not cleaning thoroughly
Leaving possessions behind
Damaging the property
Not attending the final inspection

To get your bond back, you need to understand your lease agreement and do a proper end of lease cleaning when you move out. Increase your chances of getting your bond back with these 6 tips.

How to Protect Your Bond Before Moving Out

Getting your bond back entails a lot more than just doing a decent vacate clean.

Tip 1: Read Your Lease Agreement Carefully

There may be conditions or obligations that affect your ability to get your bond back. For example, many rental agreements state that you’re required to have the carpets professionally cleaned when you move out. Make sure you read your lease agreement thoroughly to ensure you don’t miss anything.

Tip 2: Fix Any Damage You Have Caused

Whether you scuffed the paint in the hallway while vacuuming a little too vigorously, or you spilled some red on the living room carpet, be sure to fix any damage you caused so the property is in the same condition as when you entered. Keep in mind this doesn’t include “fair wear and tear” (damage that occurs through standard use of a home, like worn carpet).
Don’t try to hide damage with dodgy patch-ups, either.It won’t go unnoticed, and your landlord won’t be impressed! Any damages you’ve caused and haven’t adequately fixed will be deducted from your bond.

Tip 3: Hire Professionals if Needed

A thorough bond clean is tough work. If you’re not keen to roll up your sleeves and get stuck into it, get the professionals in to do a good job. Again, some lease agreements state that a professional clean is necessary to get your bond back, so be sure to get the pros inif needed.

Tip 4: Show Up for the Final Inspection in Person

Showing up in person to your final inspection allows you to dispute or discuss any issues found by your landlord. Even if this means you need to do some further end of lease cleaning on the day, at least you can be present to sort out a solution and get on the right track to getting your bond back.

How to Protect Your Bond When You First Move In

Sometimes the excitement of moving into a new place can distract you from the serious stuff. It’s just as important to protect your bond when you first move in to your new rental.

Tip 5: Inspect the Property and Review Your Condition Report

Be sure to inspect the property thoroughly before signing anything. It’s always best to include all existing issues and damages, no matter how small, as this report can be used as evidence of the original state of the property when you’re vacating in the future.

Tip 6: Take Photos for Your Records

Go one step further and document the condition of the property with photos. Time-stamped, visual records are especially helpful if your landlord disputes your written report.

Make sure you leave your rental looking as good as it did the day you moved in with our professional end of lease cleaning service, and boost your chances of getting your full bond back.

Back to resources page