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Ending your tenancy

Ending your tenancy

Ending Fixed Term Tenancies

A tenant may end a fixed term residential tenancy agreement at the end of the fixed term, using a Form 17, without specifying a ground of termination after giving at least 28 days’ notice to the landlord/agent.

Breaking Fixed Term Tenancies

A tenant cannot end a fixed term lease early - at their choice - without being responsible for costs to relet the property. But the landlord can agree not to claim these costs. Make sure any agreement not to claim costs is in writing.
The tenant is breaking the lease if they move out of the property before the end of a fixed term agreement. This means the landlord can claim costs for:
• loss of rent - The tenant will not have to pay more than one month’s rent if, under a residential tenancy agreement for a fixed term, they terminate the agreement early and there is less than 24 months remaining on the lease.
• advertising
• reletting – fee charged to the landlord by an agent.

Ending Periodic Tenancies

At any time during a periodic tenancy a tenant can give written notice that they are going to leave the premises (using a Form 16). The period of notice must be 21 days or a period equivalent to a single period of the tenancy (whichever is longer).

Returning your keys

At the conclusion of your tenancy please return all keys and remote garage door openers for the property. You are required to return these items to the office by 9.00am the day after the tenancy has ended. Failure to do so may result in you being charged rent until these items are returned and/or the cost of replacement locks, keys and remotes.

Open Inspections

The landlord can show the property to prospective tenants in the last 28 days of the tenancy. This can happen at the time requested by the tenant or after giving reasonable notice and only for a reasonable number of times.

The property can be shown to prospective buyers, no more than twice in 7 days, unless otherwise agreed, and at a time previously agreed with the tenant.

The Final Inspection

The final inspection will be conducted on your departure, usually, the day after the vacate date. We will check the state of the property against our photographs and the Ingoing Inspection Sheet which was filled in on your entry into the property. If we find any problems, such as lack of cleaning or gardening maintenance, and if time permits, we may allow you to remedy these issues or we will organise the appropriate tradesman (at the tenant’s expense). We are under no obligation to give you a second chance to clean.

Getting Your Bond Back

All bonds are held by the Tenancies Branch of CBS and all refunds are subject to the agreement of both landlord and tenant. To facilitate a quick bond refund, the property should be left in a clean and tidy condition and all rent and water accounts should be paid.

A final water meter reading, if liable, will be conducted on or about your last day of tenancy and invoiced to you.

All bonds are now refunded online through RBO (Residential Bond Online). Once the final inspection has taken place and all accounts are paid we will send you an email to explain how to activate your RBO account. All refunds and claims are subject to both tenant and agent approval. Once this is finalised then any bond owing to you will be refunded via EFT.

It is your responsibility to cancel your automatic payment authority at the end of your tenancy, as we are not authorised to do this for you.

Getting the Property Ready for Vacating

To help ensure we are able to return your bond in full, please see the checklist below. If you don't have a copy of your Entry Condition report, please notify us so we can provide you with a copy.

CLEANING CHECKLIST

GENERAL

Vacuum and clean all sliding door and window tracks
Sweep or mop all non carpeted floors, removing any marks
If pets have been kept at the property arrange for carpets to be professionally cleaned. Supply paid invoice copy to the agent
If pets have been kept at the property, fumigate for fleas – by registered Pest Company. Supply paid invoice copy which specifies service details
Clean light fittings – gently remove light fittings and clean
Clean marks off walls, ceilings and light switches
Clean skirting boards, windows including frames, sills and tracks, above cupboards, picture rails, architraves and both sides of all doors, all other fittings, and insect/security screens etc
Clean curtains and blinds. Refer to Agent for method advice
Remove all cobwebs and insect marks and nests

KITCHEN

Clean inside and outside of all cupboards and doors
Clean inside, outside and around stove
Clean inside and outside of oven, griller, doors, trays, racks, glass
Clean inside, outside and behind refrigerator and dishwasher and microwave space
Clean sink, especially drain holes, drainers and tapware
Range hood exhaust and filter- filter can be removed and cleaned

BATHROOM

Clean all walls, floors, mirrors and windows and window tracks
Clean inside and outside all cupboards and drawers
Clean toilet, bath, shower recess, remove soap residue on tiles and shower screens, clean sink, tapware, towel rails
Clean water outlet in shower and bath of hair and soap build-up
Clean in wardrobes, shelves, drawers and mirrored doors. Remove scuff marks
Shower curtain washed with bleach or replaced if applicable

LAUNDRY

Clean behind, inside and around washing machine space
Clean equipment and filters if applicable
Clean inside, outside and behind dryer. Remove lint
Clean inside, outside and around laundry tub, cabinets, shelves, drawers, tapware
Clean all walls and floors, ceiling.

AIR-CONDITIONERS

Clean all air conditioner units and filters

VERANDAH, DECKS, OUTDOOR AREAS

Sweep and mop, clean railings, glass and light fittings
Remove all cobwebs etc.

GARAGE, CARPORT, DRIVEWAY

Sweep out and remove any oil residue from concrete, pavers, paths, driveways.
Empty Council bins and place bins out on footpath for next collection
Close and lock the garage door, if applicable

GARDENS AND LAWNS, POOL

Mow the lawn, trim all edges, weed gardens, general garden tidy, remove all rubbish
Return pool to the condition as per condition report at the start of the tenancy and supply Pool Test report to the Agent – Report is to be completed at the end of the tenancy date.