How to get your bond back: A vacate cleaning checklist

With everything that goes with moving properties, it’s no wonder it’s overwhelming. After all, you’re essentially packing your life up to move from one home to the next.

However, being prepared in advance and not leaving everything (or anything) to the last minute can make the process smoother than envisioned and as stress-free as possible.

This includes vacate cleaning to get your bond back.

Want to get your bond back? Read through this vacate cleaning checklist by the Perth property management team at Thought Leaders Real Estate to better your chances.

Go over the property condition report

First thing is first – bring out the property condition report. This is given to tenants upon initial signing of the lease. It will let you know where you stand concerning the condition of the property when you moved into it.

What does it mean?

·         You don’t have to clean or fix anything that was already dirty or broken when you first moved in and was checked off in the report,

·         However, you must clean and repair anything that has been broken or damaged after moving in or report the damage straight away to your property manager or landlord.

Don’t disconnect electricity or gas until you receive explicit approval from your landlord or property manager.

Your comprehensive vacate cleaning checklist

Hiring professional end of lease cleaners will ensure expert and experienced cleaning for end-of-lease purposes. If you choose this route, take plenty of pictures and keep your receipt(s) as proof.

If you’re up for the task yourself though, consider the below as your comprehensive checklist:

Bathroom, toilets, and laundry:

·         Clean shower rails and mirrors

·         Curtains, shower screens, doors, frames, and handles

·         Cupboards and drawers (inside and outside)

·         Laundry basin and fixtures

·         Scour toilets, sinks, baths, and polish taps

·         Scrub tiles and their grout

·         Remove any mould from walls, ceilings, tiles etc.

·         Dust air vents and clothes dryer filters

·         Sweep and mop all floors.

Kitchen:

·         Clean the inside and outside of all kitchen cabinetry and drawers

·         Splashbacks, surfaces, and appliances

·         Inside and outside of the oven, microwave, dishwasher, fridge, and freezer (unless they belong to you)

·         Windows and windowsills, frames, handles, and flyscreens

·         Light switches and power points.

All other rooms:

·         Clean all surfaces, doors, frames, and their handles

·         Switches, switchboards, power points

·         Stair banisters, railings, and light fixtures

·         Windows, windowsills

·         Cupboards inside and out

·         Clear away debris and any cobwebs

·         Vacuum and mop all floors.

Outdoors:

·         If there’s a pool it must be cleaned

·         Mow any grass, weed the gardens, and trim edges (if applicable)

·         Sweep garage, patio, and scrub oil off the driveway/garage

·         Clean and clear cobwebs, dirt, and debris.

General housekeeping:

·         Remove rubbish from property

·         It’s strongly recommended to seek professional assistance for fumigation, flea and/or pest control, as well as carpet, oven, tile, and grout cleaning.

Professional property management in Perth

Whether you’re a landlord or a tenant, having a property manager is very beneficial.

It’s our job to ensure both parties are compliant and happy with the rental terms.

In need of professional and proactive property management?

Contact Thought Leaders Real Estate today for property management services in Perth you can count on.