Final Inspection Secrets: Don’t Delay Your Bond Return!

Moving out? One of the most important steps before handing over the keys is the outgoing inspection - also known as the final inspection. This is when your Property Manager checks the home’s condition at the end of your lease to make sure it's been returned in a clean, tidy, and damage-free state. It's also a key step in getting your bond refunded without delay.

To help things go smoothly, here are the three big things tenants should do before the final inspection takes place:

1. Thoroughly clean the property inside and out – The house should be spotless. That means bathrooms scrubbed, kitchen degreased, oven cleaned, floors vacuumed and mopped, windows washed, and any marks removed from walls. Outdoors - lawns should be mowed, weeds removed, and any outdoor rubbish or debris taken away. If you have a balcony, patio, or courtyard, give it a good sweep and clean.
2. Compare to the original ingoing inspection report – Check how the property looks now compared to when you first moved in. Fair wear and tear is understandable but major issues with the property will lead to major issues with getting your bond back
3. Return all keys – The Property Manager won’t conduct the final inspection until all keys (including any for garages, security doors, or windows) have been returned. This is a vital step, so don’t forget it!

Even if you've been a great tenant, here are common issues found during outgoing inspections that can hold up your bond return:

• Dirty oven or rangehood
• Pet hair or odours
• Mould in bathrooms or windows
• Carpet stains or unprofessional cleaning
• Broken light fittings or blinds
• Rubbish left behind in bins, cupboards or sheds
• Unreported damage to walls, doors, or appliances
• Garden overgrowth or untidy outdoor areas
• Missing remotes or keys
• Marks on walls that weren't cleaned

If the property isn’t returned in the same condition, it was at the start of the tenancy (excluding fair wear and tear), you may be asked to fix the issues - which can delay the bond being released.

Want your bond back quickly? Follow the checklist, clean thoroughly, and communicate clearly with your Property Manager. A little effort at the end can save you a big headache later.