Moving home can be exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming. With so much to finalise it can be hard to attend to everything.
The good news? With a little preparation and attention to detail, you can significantly improve your chances of receiving a full bond refund. Here are our top tips for Queensland tenants preparing to vacate their rental property.
1. Communicate with Your Property Manager
The easiest way to avoid surprises is through open communication.
If you have concerns about cleaning, maintenance or vacating requirements, reach out before your final inspection. Your property manager can often provide guidance that may help prevent avoidable bond deductions.
2. Start Planning Early
Don't wait until moving day to think about your exit inspection.
As soon as you give notice, review your tenancy agreement and any special conditions relating to cleaning, lawns, pest control or property maintenance. Creating a checklist a few weeks before vacating can help ensure nothing is missed during the final rush.
3. Refer Back to Your Entry Condition Report
One of the most valuable documents from the start of your tenancy is your Entry Condition Report.
When it's time to move out, compare the property's current condition against the report completed at the beginning of your lease. This can help you identify areas that may need attention before the final inspection.
Remember, fair wear and tear is expected. However, tenants are responsible for leaving the property in a similar condition to when they moved in, aside from reasonable wear and tear. Cleaning can never be classed as wear and tear. Wear and Tear is usually wear that occurs overtime during the normal use of the property.
Ask your Property Manager for a copy of the Entry Condition Report if you don’t have a copy handy.
4. Complete a Thorough Clean
Pay special attention to:
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Kitchen appliances, including the oven, cooktop and rangehood
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Bathrooms, showers and grout
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Window tracks and screens
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Ceiling fans and light fittings
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Skirting boards and doors
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Cupboards, drawers and wardrobes
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Clean full walls, do not spot clean as this can cause marks to the walls
Professional cleaning isn't always required, but the property should be returned in clean condition.
5. Don't Forget the Yard
If your tenancy includes responsibility for lawn and garden maintenance, make sure:
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Lawns are freshly mowed
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Edges are trimmed
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Garden beds are weed-free
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Green waste is removed
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Outdoor areas are tidy and clean – don’t forget patio and porch ceilings
Street appeal matters just as much as indoor presentation during the final inspection.
6. Repair Minor Damage
Take care of any minor tenant-caused damage before vacating. It is best to communicate with your Property Manager before undertaking minor repairs. Your Property Manager can offer advice about what may or may not need to be done and how it is to be done.
This may include:
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Replacing blown light bulbs
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Filling approved picture hook holes (where applicable)
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Removing adhesive hooks and tape residue
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Replacing missing smoke alarm batteries if required
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Ensuring all fixtures and fittings are working correctly (Note: if you are aware of any appliances, ceiling fans, etc, that may not be working, please let your Property Manager know)
7. Remove All Personal Belongings
It may sound obvious, but forgotten items can cause delays and additional charges.
Before handing back the keys, ensure:
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All personal belongings have been removed
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Rubbish bins have been emptied
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Storage areas, sheds and garages are cleared
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Mail has been redirected
A final walk-through can help catch anything you might have overlooked.
8. Return All Keys and Remotes
Make sure every key, garage remote, swipe card and access device issued during your tenancy is returned and is working. Your Property Manager can supply a copy of keys that were given to you at the start of the tenancy for you to refer to.
9. Attend to Any Special Lease Requirements
Depending on your tenancy agreement, additional obligations may apply, such as:
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Carpet cleaning
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Pest treatment (particularly if pets were approved)
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Pool maintenance requirements
If you're unsure what applies to your property, check with your property manager before arranging trades or services.
10. Give Yourself Time for a Final Check
Moving day can be hectic, so try to allow enough time for a final inspection of the property before you leave.
Walking through each room with fresh eyes can help you spot small things that are easy to miss, such as items left behind in cupboards, cleaning touch-ups or rubbish that still needs to be removed.
Check that:
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All cleaning has been completed
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Personal belongings have been removed
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Lights, fans and air conditioning have been switched off
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Windows and doors are secured
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Outdoor areas are neat and tidy
Those last-minute details can make a big difference when it comes to a smooth bond refund process.
A Smooth Move Starts with Preparation
Getting your bond back isn't about achieving perfection. It's about returning the property in a clean, tidy and well-maintained condition that aligns with your tenancy responsibilities.
A little extra effort before handover can make a big difference, helping you move into your next home with one less thing to worry about.
Have Questions?
Whether you're preparing to vacate or simply want clarification on your responsibilities as a Queensland tenant, our property management team is here to help.
Contact our Property Management Team today for friendly advice and support throughout your tenancy journey.
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