Leaving a rented property is very stressful. With packing boxes, arranging transportation, and moving into a new home, it is really easy to forget about the little details that might cost you your bond refund.
Earlwood renters’ moving day is about more than just passing back the keys. Some preparation can mean the difference between recovering all, or nothing of your bond.
No matter if you are shifting in your neighbourhood or booking a bigger house relocation in Sydney, adhering to an obvious moving-day checklist can defend your wallets and save you disagreements.
The Final Property Inspection
Go through all of the rooms while walking through each and compare note on an original entry report before the property is left empty.
Look carefully for:
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Wall marks
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Scratches on floors
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Broken fixtures
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Damaged blinds
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Missing items
Spotting problems before the agent does gives you the chance to fix them and improve the odds of getting your bond back in full.
Complete a Thorough Clean
The most popular reason for bond deductions is lack of cleaning.
Pay attention to:
Kitchen Areas
Clean all cupboards, benchtops, ovens, splash backs and rangehoods.
Bathrooms
Gets rid of soap scum, mould, and hard-water stains.
Floors and Carpets
Vacuum well and hire an expert cleaning solution if mentored in the terms of the rent agreement.
Most tenants arrange cleaning services only after removalists Earlwood has provided a clean house so that the house is empty prior to cleaning.
Repair Minor Damage
Wear and tear are generally considered normal. But damages caused on purpose, incidental wear and tear (other than the deductible repair cost), or any specific return of goods can be deducted.
Consider repairing:
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Small nail holes
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Scuffed walls
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Loose door handles
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Damaged light bulbs
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Sticky cabinet doors
Even the simplest of repairs today may save substantial costs later.
Remove All Personal Belongings
Unpacking of things that are unessential may leave extra disposal expense.
Before passing the keys:
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Storage cupboards
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Wardrobes
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Garden sheds
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Balconies
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Garage spaces
Anything that is yours take away from the property.
While you could struggle to move larger objects, professional removalists Earlwood can usually provide the assistance to transport those important or heavy items.
Take Photos Before Leaving
If a disagreement occurs, photographic evidence can be very helpful if you have suspected.
Take clear photos of:
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Every room
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Flooring
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Walls
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Appliances
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Outdoor areas
Date the images and stash them securely.
They show the state of your property when you moved out.
Check Utilities and Mail
It is also a good time to finalise household services during moving day.
Remember to:
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Disconnect electricity and gas accounts
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Redirect mail
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Change your address with the relevant bodies
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Cancel internet services if required
It can help save you from unnecessary post move-out charges.
Return Keys Promptly
One key aspect − you sometimes get charged for extra rent when you delay returning keys.
Ensure you:
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Return all keys
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Include garage remotes
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Return access cards
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Provide any security fobs
Check with your property manager about signing and returning it before the day of your move.
And this is even more vital when you are busy with a house move and have many things needing your attention all at once.
Communicate with Your Property Manager
Clear communication can prevent misunderstandings.
Retain records of invoices and receipts if the repairs were done, and clean-up services were obtained. These documents will be of help in case questions are raised at the time of a final inspection.
A professional and collaborative approach usually keeps the train moving.
Final Thoughts
The first step to getting your bond back is preparation. A detailed clean, fixing small damages, pulling out possessions, and documenting just how the house was − with photos or even video − is a sure-fire way to make it easier for you get your bond back.
These moving day steps can help you have a smoother transition and keep your bond from being deducted on unnecessary items, whether you’re working with removalists in Earlwood for local removal or planning something larger like a house relocation Sydney.