Moving out of a rental property at the end of the tenancy is considered one of the most stressful undertakings. As a tenant or renter in Queensland, you have certain responsibilities to adhere to during your tenancy for a dispute-free move-out.
This comprises everything from maintaining a clean property to strictly following the pre-defined roles and duties, making necessary repairs, and paying rent on time. Still, most tenants fail their end-of-tenancy inspection and lose their hard-earned bond money.
According to the Residential Tenancy Laws in QLD, landlords or property managers have the right to hold back your deposited security if you don’t meet the ascertained obligations mentioned under the lease agreement. One of them is returning the premises reasonably clean.
So, if you are preparing for the final move-out for the first time, consider the following tricks and pass your property inspection without any disagreement.
Let’s Get Started!
1. Thoroughly Read your Lease Agreement
Begin the process by re-checking your tenancy agreement. This document outlines the property’s cleaning and maintenance responsibilities as a tenant. It clearly defines the standard of cleaning, key obligations and specific requirements of landlords or property managers.
So, read it carefully and get your full bond back after passing the rental inspection.
2. Repair Property Damage Except for Normal Wear & Tear
When you sign the residential tenancy agreement, you agree to return the property in the same condition as it was at the beginning of the tenancy. This means serious damage to the property from your side may create obstacles in passing the rental inspection.
Make sure you thoroughly check the property and look for damaged doors, broken window frames, and leaky taps so that you can fix them as soon as possible.
However, this excludes normal wear and tear, such as:
- Fading of wall pain
- Scuff marks
- Chipped tiles and walls
- Worn carpets, and other damages caused by daily use during the lease.
Tip: Consider the entry condition report because you are not obliged to pay for the existing damages.
3. Deep Clean Dust-Laden Spots: Ceiling fans, walls, light fixtures
It is a tenant’s responsibility to perform a professional bond cleaning Brisbane and cover dust-laden spots of a property. So, begin the process from the top of your room.
Use a microfiber duster with a long extendable handle to clean high-to-reach areas, such as:
- Ceiling fans
- Ceiling walls
- Light fixtures and fittings
- Light switches
- Shelves and cabinets – outside and top
- Picture frames, etc
Do not forget to clean the air ducts or vents to ensure quality indoor air.
4. Achieve Streak-Free Windows
Streaky and dingy windows could become the prime reason for bond money deductions. These are the key components that can help landlords attract new tenants.
So, pay attention to the glass frame, sills, panes and other aspects of your windows inside and outside. You can vacuum the sills and frames to remove loose dust and inspect marks. After that, apply vinegar solution and gently remove stains.
In the final step, run a squeegee to achieve streak-free windows and impress your fussy landlord in Queensland.
5. Pay Attention to your Kitchen Surfaces & Appliances
Most tenants lose their bond money due to dirty or messy kitchen surfaces. It could be a greasy range hood or a clogged garbage disposal. So, follow a proper cleaning checklist and remove buildup grease, grime, oil splatters, bad odours and germs from the following areas:
- Clean your cabinets inside and outside and the top
- Remove accumulated grime from the range hood
- De-grease your oven inside and outside using baking soda
- Steam clean your oven
- Remove stains and grime from your refrigerator and dishwasher
- Clean and disinfect countertops and stovetop
- Polish your sink and faucets
Seasoned bond cleaning Brisbane experts also follow the pre-approved checklist when cleaning surfaces like kitchens and grimy appliances.
6. Clean and Disinfect Your Bathrooms
Do not overlook your bathrooms, as landlords pay special attention to the bathroom tiles, grout lines and toilet seat during the inspection. So, grab all the necessary cleaning tools and spruce up your bathroom surfaces:
- Remove soap scum from shower head and recess
- Clean and sparkle your glass doors and bathtubs
- Remove brown stains from the toilet seat
- Eliminate stains and mould from tile grouts
- Clean and polish the sink and other fixtures
- Disinfect commonly-touched areas
- Mop the floor
7. Deep Clean Your Carpets
When moving out of a rental property, focus on your plush carpets. Start the process by removing allergens, embedded dust specks, mites, and pet dander.
Spray the white vinegar solution and blot the spot with a damp cloth for spills and stains. After that, sprinkle baking soda and vacuum your carpets. This will refresh your floor coverings on the final rental inspection.
8. Maintain the Outdoor Areas
Ensure you clean and maintain your rental property’s patio area, driveways, and garage. Remove weeds, prune dead branches and store the pristine shine of your property’s outdoor area.
It is important to clean the driveway using high-pressure washing. These small hacks will help you pass the rental inspection and secure your bond money.
To get more tips on end of lease cleaning, you can visit here:
Wrapping up
A renter must understand their role and duties when moving out of a rental property. These tips will help them pass the end of tenancy inspection in Brisbane, Queensland, without getting into any dispute.
