Moving out of a rental property can be a busy and stressful time, particularly when you’re juggling removalists, utilities, cleaning and your next home.
One of the best ways to make the process easier is to have a clear plan for what needs to be done before you hand back the keys. Leaving the property in the right condition and completing the required steps can also help make the bond refund process as straightforward as possible.
If you’re a tenant preparing to move out of a rental property in NSW, here’s a practical checklist to help you stay organised.
1. Check Your Lease and Give the Correct Notice
Before you start packing, check your tenancy agreement and confirm when your lease ends and what notice you need to provide.
In NSW, the minimum notice period depends on the type of tenancy and the reason for ending it. For example, a tenant ending a periodic agreement without grounds generally needs to give 21 days’ notice. For a fixed-term agreement ending on its expiry date, tenants generally need to give 14 days’ notice. Different rules can apply if you are ending a fixed-term tenancy early or using another ground for termination.
Your notice should be provided in writing and should clearly state the date you intend to vacate.
Before giving notice:
- Check your lease end date.
- Confirm the required notice period.
- Put your notice in writing.
- Keep a copy of your notice and any correspondence.
- Ask your property manager if there are any specific vacating procedures you need to follow.
If you’re breaking a fixed-term lease early, don’t assume that giving notice automatically ends your financial obligations. Break lease provisions may apply, so discuss your circumstances with your property manager before making arrangements.
2. Work Through a Cleaning Checklist
One of the most important parts of preparing to vacate is cleaning the property thoroughly.
Generally, tenants are expected to return the property in a similar level of cleanliness to when they moved in, allowing for fair wear and tear. A property that has been left significantly dirtier than it was at the start of the tenancy may result in a claim against the bond.
Work through each room rather than leaving everything until the last day.
Kitchen
- Clean the oven and stovetop.
- Clean the rangehood and filters.
- Wipe inside cupboards and drawers.
- Clean the dishwasher.
- Wipe down benchtops and splashbacks.
- Clean the sink and taps.
- Remove food and rubbish.
- Clean the fridge and freezer if they are part of the tenancy.
Bathrooms
- Clean the shower, bath and screens.
- Scrub tiles and grout.
- Clean toilets thoroughly.
- Wipe mirrors and vanity surfaces.
- Clean exhaust fans.
- Mop floors.
- Remove any mould or built-up grime that has resulted from inadequate cleaning.
Bedrooms and Living Areas
- Vacuum carpets thoroughly.
- Mop hard floors.
- Dust skirting boards and surfaces.
- Remove cobwebs.
- Clean accessible windows and screens.
- Wipe marks from walls where appropriate.
Outside
If outdoor areas are part of your tenancy responsibilities:
- Mow lawns.
- Remove weeds where appropriate.
- Trim or maintain gardens as required.
- Sweep paths and outdoor areas.
- Remove rubbish and unwanted items.
Professional cleaning isn’t mandatory simply because you’re moving out, but some tenants choose to use a professional cleaner to make the process easier.
3. Check for Damage
Before your final inspection, walk through the property and look for anything that may have been damaged during your tenancy.
There is an important distinction between fair wear and tear and damage. Normal deterioration from living in a property is generally different from damage caused by negligence or carelessness.
For example, ordinary carpet wear over time may be considered fair wear and tear, whereas a significant stain or damage caused by an avoidable incident may not be.
NSW Fair Trading notes that a landlord or agent may make a bond claim for damage beyond fair wear and tear, cleaning that doesn’t meet the required standard, unpaid rent or certain other costs.
If you’ve caused minor damage, raise it with your property manager rather than ignoring it.
4. Compare the Property With Your Entry Condition Report
Your entry condition report can be particularly useful when preparing to vacate.
Go through the original report and compare the condition of the property with how it looks now.
Pay attention to:
- Existing marks or damage.
- Walls and paintwork.
- Flooring and carpets.
- Appliances.
- Fixtures and fittings.
- Outdoor areas.
- Gardens.
- Doors, locks and windows.
This can help you distinguish between issues that were already present when you moved in and anything that occurred during your tenancy.
It’s also worth taking clear, dated photos once the property has been cleaned and all your belongings have been removed.
5. Remove Everything
Before handing back the keys, check every part of the property.
Don’t forget:
- Wardrobes.
- Kitchen cupboards.
- Drawers.
- Garage.
- Shed.
- Laundry.
- Balcony.
- Storage cages.
- Outdoor areas.
Remove all rubbish and unwanted belongings.
Leaving items behind can create additional work and, depending on the circumstances, may result in costs associated with removal or disposal.
6. Arrange Your Utilities and Redirect Your Mail
Moving house also means updating your address and organising your utilities.
Arrange the transfer or disconnection of:
- Electricity.
- Gas.
- Internet.
- Other services connected to the property.
If you are responsible for any outstanding utility payments, make sure these are finalised.
You should also arrange mail redirection and update your address with banks, insurers, government agencies, subscriptions and other organisations.
7. Complete Your Final Inspection
Your property manager will generally arrange a final or outgoing inspection after you have vacated, which the tenant is entitled to attend.
Before the inspection, do one final walkthrough yourself.
Check that:
- The property is clean.
- All rubbish has been removed.
- All belongings are gone.
- Appliances and fixtures are clean.
- Outdoor areas are tidy.
- Any agreed repairs have been completed.
- All keys and access devices are ready to return.
Taking photographs immediately before leaving provides a record of the property’s condition at the end of the tenancy.
8. Return All Keys and Access Devices
Make sure you return everything provided to you at the beginning of the tenancy.
This can include:
- House keys.
- Garage remotes.
- Building access cards.
- Security fobs.
- Mailbox keys.
- Swipe cards.
- Pool or gym access devices.
Keep confirmation that everything has been returned.
9. Lodge Your Bond Claim
Once your tenancy has ended, you can arrange for your rental bond to be refunded through the NSW Rental Bonds system, which must be agreed by the Property Manager before the funds are released.
If there is a disagreement about the bond, NSW Fair Trading provides processes for tenants and landlords or agents to deal with disputed claims.
Keep copies of:
- Your entry condition report.
- Your exit or final inspection documentation.
- Photos.
- Cleaning receipts.
- Repair invoices.
- Emails and other correspondence with your property manager.
Having good records can make resolving any disagreement much easier.
NSW Tenant Vacating Checklist
Before you leave, work through this quick checklist:
☐ Check your lease and notice requirements
☐ Give written notice
☐ Confirm your vacate date
☐ Clean the entire property
☐ Complete any tenant-responsible maintenance
☐ Compare the property with your entry condition report
☐ Remove all belongings and rubbish
☐ Take final photos
☐ Arrange utilities and mail redirection
☐ Complete the final inspection
☐ Return all keys, remotes and access devices
☐ Lodge your bond claim
☐ Keep copies of relevant documents and receipts
Final Tip for NSW Tenants
The easiest way to make moving out less stressful is to start early.
Rather than leaving cleaning, repairs and paperwork until the final day, work through the property room by room and allow enough time to address anything that needs attention.
Clear communication with your property manager can also make the process much smoother. If you’re unsure about a requirement in your tenancy agreement or the condition you need to leave the property in, ask before you vacate rather than waiting until the final inspection.
A little preparation can go a long way towards making your move easier and your bond refund process smoother.
Looking for a Property Manager?
Whether you own an investment property in Newcastle or the Northern Beaches, having the right property manager can make a significant difference to the ongoing performance and care of your property.
At PMC Property Management, our experienced teams provide a hands-on approach to managing rental properties, from finding and selecting the right tenants through to inspections, maintenance, lease management and day-to-day communication.
If you’re looking for a local team to manage your investment, learn more about our Newcastle Property Management and Northern Beaches Property Management services, or get in touch with PMC Property Management to discuss how we can help.