Published: 25/01/2017
Check Your Rental Agreement
It’s a good idea to know exactly what you’re responsible for. Reading through your rental agreement will allow you to see what you need to do and help you design a checklist when the time comes to clean.
Knowing your responsibilities, as stated in your rental agreement, will protect you against any unnecessary extra cleaning. Be as thorough as possible and be sure to take photos as evidence of your handy work.
Use a Professional Carpet Cleaner
Landlords and property managers always require you have the carpets cleaned professionally before moving out. They also require documented proof in the form of receipts from the cleaning company. This is why doing it yourself is a sure fire way to lose your bond. Don’t risk it.
Professional end of lease carpet cleaners also offer services like stain and odour removal, along with tile and grout cleaning, to help the move go a lot more smoothly.
Be Careful When Removing Furniture and Decorations
Remember, you may be in a hurry to move, but don’t be so rushed you scratch the tiles or damage the walls on your way out. Set rugs and towels on surfaces that could be damaged or marked during the move.
Care should be taken when removing photo frames, paintings or posters from the walls. Taking these items down too quickly may also remove some of the paint and plaster from the walls.
Check Light Fixtures and Furniture
Make sure all light bulbs are replaced and all smoke alarms have batteries. There’s nothing worse than being called by a property manager complaining about the lack of light in a hallway.
Accidents happen – especially when you have kids – and sometimes food and drink can find their way onto the furniture’s upholstery. Ask your professional carpet cleaner about stain removal and upholstery cleaning to reduce any claims against your bond.
The Outside Counts
It’s important to remember; the outside of the house counts just as much as the inside. Make sure to hose the bins, tidy the carport, mow the lawns, pick up dead leaves and clean the pool.
Your bond can be withheld if additional cleaning is required after you leave, no matter how minor. Property managers and landlords don’t have the time, or desire, to clean up after tenants and would gladly use your bond to have a professional to do it for them. Don’t give them this opportunity.
