Ending a Fixed Term Lease Agreement
A fixed term tenancy agreement has an expiry date when a tenant is required to leave the rental premises. A tenant and owner can agree in writing to extend or renew the agreement at any time before the agreement ends. If an owner does not wish to extend or renew the agreement they need to serve a notice to vacate on the tenant requiring the tenant to leave. Whether you are planning to vacate the property on or before your lease expiry, we require that advise your property manager in writing at least two weeks prior to your intended vacate date.
A tenant does not have to give notice that they do not wish to extend or renew the agreement. However, if a tenant refuses to negotiate an extension or a renewal before the expiry date, it may encourage an owner to issue a notice to vacate. If a notice to vacate is not issued, and the agreement is not terminated or extended and the tenant continues to live at the premise and pay rent, the agreement automatically becomes an agreement of no fixed term.
Lease Break
If a tenant wishes to leave a property (or “break the lease”) before the end of the tenancy agreement they should give as much notice as possible. In this event, it is in your own best interest to make contact with our office as soon as possible.
the Tenancy Agreement is a legally binding document you should be aware that you will remain responsible for rental payments until such time as a suitable alternative tenant takes over the property or, until the expiration of the lease, whichever is the sooner. You will also be responsible for the costs incurred including any advertising costs.
The Final Inspection
Only once the property has been fully vacated, and cleaned and grounds made ready with keys returned can we commence our final inspection. It is important to note that if a final inspection time has been made and you are aware that you will not be fully ready for the inspection, please call Raine&Horne Northern Suburbs on 03) 6278 2172 as soon as possible to rearrange another time.
We invite you to be present during the final inspection or simply to return ALL of the keys (plus any copies you made during the tenancy) to Raine&Horne Northern Suburbs by close of business on the vacate date.
Getting Your Bond Back
At the end of your tenancy, you will no doubt want your bond refunded quickly after you vacate. For your full bond to be paid quickly, you will need to ensure the following:
- Rent - any outstanding rent is paid promptly. Please note that it is against the tenancy legislation to withhold rent at the end of your tenancy with the intention for this to be deducted from the bond. Your rent must be paid in full, leaving your bond intact
- Property Ready - the property is clean and the grounds returned to their ingoing condition at the start of the tenancy. Please follow the final vacating guide for further details. The property must also pass the final inspection conducted by this agency. Your Raine&Horne Northern Suburbs Property Manager will be able to put you in contact with our reliable cleaners.
- Outstanding Accounts - please ensure that any monies outstanding like water, any damages, compensation amounts, and break lease fees are paid.
- Keys - ensure that all keys, remote controls etc have been returned. Follow the cleaning checklist below to maximise your bond refund.
To assist you with your move, we recommend the following businesses;
Cleaner: A Class Cleaning – 0420 460 073
Removalist: We Care Commercial Group – 0455 106 495
Gardener: Jims Mowing & Garden Care – 0427 156 330
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 a 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 the 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, and driveways.
- Empty Council bins and place bins out on the 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.
