This is a great question, especially with the news that rent prices across Australia are no longer rising at break-neck speed. The recent data from Domain[i] brings a ray of hope, revealing that affordability issues and a rise in the supply of rentals have produced improved market conditions for renters across most capital cities. 

This news not only provides a positive outlook for tenants seeking greener pastures but also assures them of a smoother transition, provided they follow the necessary steps to ensure their existing bond is paid in full.

To ensure you can recoup your bond in full, read through the entry report you received from your property manager at the start of the tenancy. This report will show you the property’s condition when you moved in and what repairs and patch-ups might be required. For example, is there some damage you’ve caused to the gyprock walls or some stains on carpets that weren’t there before you moved in? Perhaps there are some nasty scuff marks on the skirting boards or a broken window? If required, you or a tradesperson must attend to these marks and repairs at your expense to ensure you get the bond repaid in full.

This level of rigour must also be applied to external areas, meaning pools and surroundings should be glistening and gardens and lawns presented in ship-shape order.

You must also remove all your belongings from the rental before the property manager conducts their exit inspection. Likewise, if you leave a rubbish heap on the front curb, don’t expect to get your bond back until the trash is gone. The good news is that many councils offer several free pickups yearly. Also, if you’ve been renting a house, put the rubbish out. If you can’t do it yourself, ask a neighbour to help.

As part of your exit strategy, and if you have the budget for it, consider commissioning the assistance of a cleaner to help return the property to the condition you initially found it in. This not only ensures a full bond refund but also reflects your responsible and considerate approach as a tenant. Typically, your Raine & Horne property manager can recommend a cleaner. Better still, going with the property manager’s preferred cleaner will give you a much better chance of claiming a bond refund in full. If the cleaner botches the job, the property manager will ask them to come back and address the problems. Using a cleaner means also one less job for you when moving house.

Also, be sure to return all the keys and other gadgets, such as garage door remotes, to the property manager on time and pay any outstanding rent or invoices. If you take all these steps, there should be no problem in reclaiming your bond in full. Also, don’t forget that if you or a removalist cause any damage while moving out, it could jeopardise getting your bond back in full. So be sure to consider hiring professional removalists. 

Remember, your local Raine & Horne Property Manager is always there to guide and support you. Don’t hesitate to contact them for tips on ensuring you get your bond paid back in full. Their expertise and advice can be invaluable in this process.

 
[i] https://www.domain.com.au/news/rents-are-still-rising-across-australia-but-at-a-slower-pace-1298897/