Tue. Feb 18th, 2025

30% of Aussies don’t get back their rental bond due to property damage, improper cleaning, and other reasons.  So, you must check everything about your rental apartment before you vacate it so you won’t dispute your rental bond refund. 

Here are 6 things you should do before you vacate a rental apartment. 

  1. Review your lease agreement. 
  2. Conduct a pre-move-out inspection.
  3. Remove your possessions
  4. Repair and clean everything
  5. Manage utility disconnections
  6. Implement a final inspection and return all keys.

Following these six essential steps will help you fulfil your tenant responsibilities. These will also increase your chances of getting your security deposit back in full.

1. Review Your Lease Agreement and Notice Period

One of the first things you should do is revisit your lease agreement. You should do it to understand your obligations as a tenant. 

You will find the key aspects, like the required notice period and move-out procedures, are often outlined in the contract.

Understand Key Terms in the Lease Agreement Again

We suggest you carefully go through the terms to ensure compliance. Agreements typically require a specific property condition and certain cleaning tasks to be completed upon vacating. 

By addressing these early, you can avoid unnecessary disputes.

Provide a Written Move-Out Notice

In Australia, it’s customary to give a formal written move-out notice to your landlord or property manager. Ensure that your notice aligns with the terms of your rental agreement. 

Generally, tenants are required to give 14 to 28 days’ notice. However, this depends on the state and the agreement signed before the tenancy. 

2. Conduct a Pre-Move-Out Inspection

A pre-move-out inspection allows you to identify potential issues affecting your deposit refund. This step ensures there are no surprises during the final inspection.

Schedule an Apartment Inspection with Your Landlord

Arrange an inspection with your landlord or property manager a few weeks before your move-out date. This gives you time to address any concerns regarding the property’s condition. After doing so, you can meet your obligations outlined in the lease agreement.

3. Remove Your Possessions and Pay Unpaid Rents

Before vacating, make sure you remove all of your possessions from the rental apartment. Make a list of your items, sort them out, and package them properly. 

You can donate unnecessary items or dump worn-out items. 

Also, make sure you have paid the unpaid amount up to the end of the lease date. 

4. Repair and Clean the Property Properly

Repairing damages and cleaning the property thoroughly is the most crucial part of rental vacating. 

Because most bond disputes happen due to property damage and improper cleaning. According to a report, almost 50% of NSWers don’t get their full bond back. 

Address Maintenance or Repairs

Take care of minor repairs, such as patching up nail holes or fixing broken fixtures. Leaving these unresolved can lead to deductions from your security deposit. 

If the damage exceeds normal wear and tear, it’s advisable to consult your landlord about the best course of action.

Focus on Key Areas for Cleaning

Make a cleaning checklist. An end-of-lease cleaning checklist can help you stay organised and ensure nothing is missed.

Pay extra attention to kitchens, bathrooms, floors, and walls. In Australia, professional North Brisbane carpet cleaning is often a requirement in rental agreements. Because cleaned carpets keep the floors safe from mould and mildew damage. 

Stains or dirt on carpets can lead to deductions from your security deposit. So, hiring professionals will be a worthwhile investment.

5. Manage Utility Disconnection and Forwarding Address

If you fail to disconnect utilities or update your address, it can cause unnecessary complications during your move.

Disconnect Utilities and Settle Bills

Disconnect services such as electricity, water, and internet before your lease ends. Make sure to settle any bills to avoid additional charges. 

Some utility providers in Australia allow you to schedule disconnections in advance.

Update Your Forwarding Address

Provide your landlord or property manager with a forwarding address for future correspondence. For example, this will help you during your deposit refund process. 

Also, update your address with Australia Post, banks, and subscription services to avoid missing important mail.

6. Final Inspection, Key Return, and Security Deposit

The last few steps of your move-out process are equally important and should not be overlooked.

The final inspection is essential to leave the property in excellent condition. This will ensure you get a full security deposit refund without any dispute.

Prepare for the Final Inspection

Be present during the final inspection to address any issues on the spot. Refer to the entry condition report completed at the start of your tenancy. Now check if everything in the apartment matches its original state. 

Focus on small details, like replacing light bulbs or ensuring walls are free from marks.

Document the condition of the property with photos or videos for your records. This can help resolve disputes if your landlord raises concerns after the inspection.

Return Keys to Your Landlord

Ensure all keys, including duplicates, are returned before your lease ends. In Australia, failing to return keys promptly may result in additional charges. 

This can also cause a delay in receiving your deposit refund. Request a written acknowledgment from your landlord to confirm the key return.

Follow Up on Your Deposit Refund

Once your landlord has confirmed the property is in acceptable condition, they are legally required to return your security deposit within a specific timeframe (this varies by state). 

If there are any disputes, the relevant tenancy authority in your state can assist with mediation.

Final Words

When you vacate a rental apartment, it requires careful planning and attention to detail. You should do the 6 things we discussed here to ensure you fully refund your security deposit. 

For proper cleaning and minor repairs, you can hire Eco Cleaning Brisbane. They ensure your rental apartment meets its initial state lease when you vacate the rental apartment. 

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