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How to ensure you get your bond back

Lifestyle
4 years ago
2 minutes

Getting your bond back in full is something many rental tenants worry about. It can be hard to discern what damage you are responsible for and what you can negotiate but if you follow these steps, you’ll be able to get most (if not all) of your bond back.
 

Refer to your initial condition report

Go from room to room and check the initial condition report supplied to you when you first moved in. Note down anything that’s substantially different — things like cracks in walls, fraying carpets or general wear and tear that can occur over time. Take care to do this with enough time prior to the end of your lease — this way, you can word up the property agent before the final inspection.
 

Know the terms of your lease

Make sure you know all the terms and conditions of your lease. How much notice do you have to give before vacating? What are the penalties if you need to break the lease? Sometimes, due to unforeseen circumstances, you might need to leave early. Property managers and landlords can be sympathetic in these cases, and if you speak to them early enough you might be able to work out a situation which doesn’t cost you your bond.
 

Bring in the professionals

Making sure your home is thoroughly cleaned is the most crucial element in getting your bond back in full. Read your lease agreement carefully to see what is required of you. For instance, many leases require carpets to be steam cleaned or, if you have a pet, you may need to treat your home for pests. If you’re a busy person and haven’t had time to look after the back or front yard, it’s worth hiring a gardener. Similarly, many cleaners will perform ‘final bond’ cleans which can take the burden off your shoulders.

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Attend the final inspection in person

Moving home is exhausting and it can be tempting to want to wash your hands of the property once you’ve performed the final clean but attending the final inspection is crucial. Bring cleaning products with you in case the property manager or landlord points out any areas which aren’t up to their standards. This way, you can try to resolve the issue straight away or negotiate potential repairs.

When all is said and done, sometimes accidents happen and you may end up forking out a little of your bond to cover costs. If so, talk to your property manager about any damages you might have caused. By being honest with them, you’ll get the property manager on your side and they may be willing to negotiate a more favourable outcome.

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