Top Tips for Vacating Tenants
When a tenant vacates a rental property, how they leave the property when the keys are handed back is very important. As the managing agents we are legally responsible to the landlord to ensure the property is in the same condition as when a tenant moved in, regardless of how long they have resided at the premises. This means though, that there are expectations and responsibilities that must be met by the tenant as they too must leave the property in the same condition as when they moved in.
Here are our top tips for tenants when moving out of a rental to help ensure that there is no need for them to return for additional cleaning or having to pay for professional cleaning to be done, the cost of which may be deducted from their Bond and delay the return of the Bond.
Cleaning Checklist:
Marks to be removed from walls. Remove all posters, sticky tape, blutac etc. Repair holes if necessary. Sugar soap and or an eraser may be used to remove any marks. If the walls need repainting, please contact us as any mismatched paint may require the entire room to be repainted at your expense.
All light fittings, power and TV points as well as heating exteriors and ceiling fans should be wiped with a damp cloth to remove dust and marks.
Curtains/blinds to be cleaned where required to ensure any dust, cobwebs and stains are removed. If washing curtains, please do so according to fabric instructions.
Ensure venetians, blinds, windows, frames, tracks and screens are free of dust and dead insects. Venetians may need to be wiped slat by slat.
Cobwebs to be removed from all rooms inside the house and around the outside of the premises.
Oven, grill, rangehood, drip trays, oven trays and stove top (including surrounding walls) need to be thoroughly cleaned of all grease and burnt food. We suggest a heavy duty oven cleaner for the oven.
Dishwasher (if applicable) to be thoroughly cleaned.
Exhaust fan covers should be taken down, cleaned and re-fitted after cleaning.
Ensure that all cupboards and drawers are crumb and dust free. They should also be wiped clean and free of any marks inside and out. Vacuum inside all wardrobes and cupboards.
Vacuum return air vent filters for ducted heating. Wood heater should be cleaned and free from ash.
All floors and skirting boards to be washed and ensure cleaning residue is removed.
Carpets should be professionally cleaned prior to handing back the keys. We can provide tenants with contact details for our preferred carpet cleaning professionals.
Bathrooms: scrub entire shower especially in the corners and door frames. Make sure drains are free from hair and the screens are clear and free from any scum, mildew and soap residue. Ensure bathtub (in applicable) and basin sink are clean. We suggest a crème cleanser and non-scratch scourer – rinse thoroughly. Mirrors and wall tiles should be clean and streak free. Any mildew or mould should be removed from walls, ceilings, shower screens, tiles, cabinets etc. Mould is likely to accumulate in windowsills and frames in bathrooms that are not well ventilated.
Toilets: As above plus pay special attention to clean and disinfect all parts of the toilet including bowl, cistern, seat, lid and pipes behind the toilet.
Lawns should be mown, edges done and gardens need to be free from weeds and rubbish. Remove all rubbish from the yard. Pay attention to cigarette butts etc around gardens (if applicable).
Garage/carport to be swept thoroughly and cobwebs removed. Windows should be clean.
All stains, including oil stains and tyre marks are to be removed from concrete driveway and garage floor. Oil degreaser and a high pressure water cleaner may be needed.
Ensure your wheelie bins are empty when the keys are returned. If this isn’t possible, please let us know when your next collection day is due.
More tips for a smooth move:
If you require a tradesperson to repair any damage to the property, ensure you give them enough time to do the job before the keys are handed back.
Cancel rent payments: You will receive a letter from us confirming your vacate notice has been received and stating the final monies due to the vacate date. Once this is paid, cancel your direct deposit rental payments.
Cancel utilities: Please contact the necessary companies to have your electricity, gas and telephone etc disconnected on or before you vacate the premises. Ensure your mail has been redirected as we do not forward on your mail.
Don’t Forget: Your property manager is here to help. If you’re not sure of something, please don’t hesitate to reach out and ask their advice. They would love to hear from you.
Extra help: Moving is always a huge undertaking and it’s sometimes hard to get quality boxes that will withstand the rigours of moving to a new house. We sell moving items that are of a professional quality and supplied to us by a removalist company. You can pop into our office anytime and grab some boxes for a very reasonable price.
Click here for a price list of the moving items we sell: MOVING BOXES – Price List
