Cleaning up a Rental Property

TIPS FOR GETTING A RENTAL BOND BACK

Cleaning your rental property up to a standard where you get your bond back can be a nightmare.  By separating your property into rooms and making a checklist of everything that requires cleaning, you can work through the house one room at a time in a systematic fashion, ensuring nothing is missed.  

All rooms will require that the windows are clean, skirting boards wiped down and a mop to the ceilings if they are marked.  If the carpets are showing signs of your stay it may pay to get a commercial carpet cleaner in.  Vacuum under any furniture left in the house and ensure all tiles and/or lino is clean.

Kitchen:

Probably the most time consuming room, start here while you are fresh.  Take particular care to clean:

• Oven
• Microwave
• Dishwasher
• Cupboards (in, under and on top of)
• Whiteware (inside and out, underneath)
• Sink

Bathroom:
Bathrooms are notorious for collecting mess.  Don't have your bond diminished due to moldy grout, toothpaste and soap marks or dirty taps.  Your checklist should include the following:

• Bath and Shower
• Basin
• Mirror
• Taps and Showerhead
• Cupboards (in, on and under)

Living Areas and Bedrooms

Inspecting agents will look carefully at the following areas before signing off on your bond:

• Carpets
• Skirting Boards
• Sliding Door Tracks
• Light Fittings
• Window Dressings
• In, under and on top of Cupboards
• Mirrors
• Windows

Outside?
Don't forget the garden!

• Mow the lawn
• Trim the edges
• Weed the garden
• Prune any untidy branches
• Mend any damaged fencing 

 By paying attention to detail and taking your time you should receive your bond back in full.  If unsure you have remembered everything, ask a friend to come over and 'inspect' the property for you.  A fresh set of eyes will pick up anything you have missed.

 

For more detail on bonds and final inspections, download your copy of Renting a Home - A Guide for Tenants and Landlords.