Moving out? Great — now comes the part no one wants to talk about: cleaning, inspections, and getting your bond back.
At #1 Property Centre, we deal with this stuff every week. And we’ve learned that most tenants don’t lose their bond because of damage — they lose it over things that could’ve been avoided with a bit of effort and the right info.
Here are the most common questions we get from tenants when it’s time to vacate — and the real answers you need.
Q: How do I make sure I get my bond back?
Easy. Leave the property in the same condition it was in when you moved in — minus fair wear and tear.
That means:
- Clean the place properly
- Remove all your stuff (yes, even the random storage box in the shed)
- Fix anything you’ve damaged
- Mow the yard and tidy the gardens
- Hand the keys back on time
- And most importantly: match the condition report.
That’s what we compare at exit — not your memory of how clean the place “seemed.”
Q: What does “fair wear and tear” actually mean?
It means things that naturally age or deteriorate over time with normal use.
Examples of fair wear and tear:
- Carpet getting a bit thin in high-traffic areas
- Minor scuffs on walls
- Faded paint from sunlight
Not fair wear and tear:
- Stains on the carpet
- Holes in walls from mounting a TV
- A garden full of weeds and knee-high grass
Q: Do I have to get a professional cleaner?
It’s not a legal requirement — unless the property was professionally cleaned before you moved in. Then yes, it needs to be returned to the same standard.
That said, we highly recommend using a proper vacate cleaner who knows what agents look for. A quick once-over with your own mop and bucket usually won’t cut it — and if it doesn’t meet the mark, we’ll get a cleaner in and deduct it from your bond.
Q: What areas do tenants usually forget to clean?
The usual suspects:
- Oven and rangehood
- Shower screens and grout
- Skirting boards and windowsills
- Inside cupboards and drawers
- Ceiling fans and aircon filters
-Behind doors and under furniture
- We don’t go looking for dust — but we do expect a proper clean.
Q: Can I be charged for things after I move out?
Yes — if there’s cleaning, damage, or unpaid bills (like water usage) that weren’t sorted before handover.
We’ll always provide invoices or photos to back up any deductions. And you’ll get a breakdown in the bond refund process through the RTA.
Q: What if I disagree with the exit report or bond deduction?
You can dispute it through the RTA. But be aware — the condition report and photos are the key evidence. That’s why it’s important to fill it out properly at the start of the tenancy, and take your own photos if needed.
If there’s a genuine disagreement, we’ll try to resolve it with you directly before it escalates.
Q: What happens if I just leave stuff behind?
We call it abandoned goods — and no, it doesn’t mean we’ll just take it.
There are legal steps involved (depending on what was left and its value), but at the end of the day, the removal and storage cost comes out of the bond — so you’re still paying for it either way.
Do yourself a favour: take everything with you.
Final Word
We don’t want to keep your bond — we just want the property returned properly.
If you’re unsure about what’s expected, just ask. We’d rather answer your questions now than deal with a messy exit later.
Leaving soon? Get in touch and we’ll send you our vacate checklist.
Do it right the first time — and get your bond back without the drama.