The tenant/landlord relationship is built on trust and a mutually beneficial arrangement but a rental bond is collected at the start of a lease to mitigate any risk of damage caused while tenants live in the home.

If you’re a tenant or you are planning to become one, the steps you take before you move into the property, while you live there and before you leave will ensure you receive your bond back in full.

How to get your rental bond back

• Before you move in

Your property manager should give you a detailed condition report before you move in, which shares information about the state the home is in and what existing damage there is to the property (e.g. stains on the carpet).

You may wish to take photos yourself to keep as evidence if you notice an issue that could potentially be disputed when you leave. Look for cracks, stains or anything that doesn’t quite work properly and keep some evidence that has a clear date on it.

Hold onto your copy of the condition report so you can refer to it before you move out and confirm if any dings and dents to the property were there before you moved in.

While you’re living there

• Keep a cleaning schedule

If you leave the property in a condition that meets the requirements in your lease agreement when you depart, then will be entitled to get your bond back when you leave the property.

Whether you are living on your own, with a partner or with friends, create a schedule to clean regularly. This will save dirt and mess from building up to a point that it is too hard to get on top of when you are preparing to move out.

• Don’t break your lease

You will sign an agreement when you move in to remain in the property for a certain amount of time. After this expires, you don’t have to leave but you will likely only need to give four weeks’ notice before you move out.

If you break your lease you risk losing your bond so aim to stay for the full terms of the contract.

Before you move out

• Use a checklist

Work your way through the condition report while you’re packing and cleaning to make sure everything is as it should be. For example, you may need to:

• Replace lightbulbs

• Find and return all the house keys/ building access swipe cards

• Steam clean the carpet

• Hire professional cleaners

Most people underestimate the effort involved with moving house and find themselves short of time when it comes to doing the cleaning.

Property managers will want to show the property as soon as it is vacant so if you’re feeling the pressure to get everything done, hiring a cleaner can help ensure you get your bond back. Professional cleaners are thorough and experienced so they offer good value for money. Speak to your property manager about who they recommend and you may get a good deal.

• Use a buyer’s agent

A good property manager will be willing to work with you to make sure you receive your bond back. This is why it can make sense to lease a property with the help of an agency rather than directly with the property owner, who may not know the rules when it comes to returning a rental bond.

Ask for a pre-vacation inspection. Your property manager can let you know what you have missed and give you the opportunity to rectify the situation before they deduct the expense from your bond.

• Know your rights

An experienced property manager will ensure your bond is returned to you within 2-3 weeks or will give a clear explanation as to why your bond is being withheld. If you feel the reason is unjust, you do have the option to contact Fair Trading or the Tenant’s Union in your state.

Want to rent a home from a reliable and knowledgeable property manager? Contact our property management team today on 07 5501 4000.