Moving out? End of Lease Preparation Tips in Melbourne
When you want to relocate, a contract known as “End Of Lease” comes along with the hustle of moving. This involves cleaning your rental home to restore it back to the way it was when you moved in. This lease is applicable whether you are moving out of a rental property, a store, or an office. You must complete this cleaning duty or face losing your substantial security deposit. There are several options for performing the end-of-tenancy cleaning, including hiring a professional or doing it yourself. However, since it involves deep cleaning the house, it is advised to let the specialists handle it. By hiring professionals, you will also save time and effort and be able to concentrate on your hustle-free relocation. Let’s look at the crucial advice that will help you be ready for the end of your lease in Melbourne, including both practical and legal issues.
1. Review the Entry Condition Report
The entering condition report includes information on the state of the home, including the rooms, flooring, and furnishings, at the start of the tenancy. This report is intended to serve as evidence for any disputed damage to the property at the time of your move, for both the owner and the tenant. Consider the scenario when your tenant is helping you move and finds a scratch or damage that was already present when you moved. However, the only way to demonstrate that it had previously been there is by using an entry condition report. This report includes comments and images of the item’s condition across the entire residence. To avoid any misunderstandings at the end of the tenancy, this agreement is made through a virtual inspection performed by a housing expert. In order to obtain an idea of what was already damaged and dirty, make sure to examine the entry condition report before you begin the end-of-tenancy cleaning task.
2. Start by Making a Checklist
Whether it’s a moving checklist or an end-of-lease cleaning checklist, creating checklists reduces the hustle. You can prevent forgetting any areas that need cleaning and repair by creating a checklist in advance. So, first, inspect the entire property, then make the list room by room. Even end-of-tenancy cleaners in Melbourne who are professionals adhere to a cleaning checklist. You can create a checklist however you think is most useful for you. For instance, you may assign a number to your room and note down the problems that require care in the specific room column. Similar to this, you can create a checklist based on the type of the room such as bedroom, kitchen, bathroom, etc., and then classify the things underneath them that require cleaning and repair. For instance, you should pay attention to the curtains, switches, and lights in the bedroom, clean the interior of the cabinets in the kitchen, defrost the refrigerator, etc. This checklist will not only guarantee a thorough cleaning of the home but also make it clear which areas have been finished and which still need attention.
3. Take Care of the Lawn
If you have been renting a home with a lawn or garden, you must ensure that it is tidy and in the same condition as when you moved in. The lawn has to be mowed, and any weeds, dirt, or rubbish need to be removed. Trim any overgrown plants in addition to getting rid of any extra bushes or plants. Additionally, you should think about replanting any plants that dried out or died while you were renting the home, especially if they did so as a result of your negligence. Use a high-pressure hose to wash and clean any path sections as well. Make sure to pick up all the trash and garden waste. Your outdoor cleaning checklist will involve cleaning your garden or lawn. If your home has a balcony, patio, or verandah in addition to a lawn, you should also think about cleaning these spaces.
4. Pest Control Service If You Own a Pet
Many rental agreements state that you should hire a professional pest control service if you had pets while residing in a rented property. This needs to be done to ensure that the new tenant receives pest-free property. Examine the lease agreement to see who is responsible for pest control, the renter or the landlord. Leaving the pest issue unattended can be troublesome and lead to expensive rental disagreements with your landlord. So, if you had pets in the house you were living in, pest treatment could be very important. Various pests require various treatments, and some landlords may ask for a pet fumigation method of pest control if you’ve had dogs or cats in the house. You must also get rid of the flea eggs in addition to the actual fleas. Hiring a professional flea treatment will allow you to make sure the house is clean and fleas-free at the time of your move-out.
5. Hire Bond Cleaners
When it comes to end-of-tenancy cleaning, it is usually preferable to hire a professional if you lack the time and experience, especially if your bonds are at stake. Bond cleaners are qualified professional cleaning contractors who offer services to tenants who are moving out. Bond Cleaner’s mission is to assist you in returning the property to the state in which you first received it. Before vacating the house, these professionals deep clean the property in order to help you collect the security deposit from the landlord. The parts of a property that bond cleaners often deep clean include the kitchen, bathroom, floor, walls, and outdoor spaces. The size of the property, the services needed, and the level of cleaning required all affect the cost of hiring bond cleaners. These workers have extensive training, and they are experts at properly cleaning your property. So, you can consider employing them for all your cleaning needs. You can save a lot of time and ensure that you will receive your bond money returned by hiring them to handle your end-of-tenancy cleaning.
6. Repair Other Damage
Before moving out, it’s essential to repair any damages you may have caused during your tenancy. There are some other damages that we don’t pay much attention to, this includes fixing holes in walls, repairing broken fixtures, replacing damaged items, and addressing any other wear and tear. Additionally, you should take care of any scars, dings, or gouges in the wall. If the damage is too severe, you might want to consider repainting the wall. As long as your landlord doesn’t mind, these damages are acceptable, however, this varies from person to person. If you don’t take care of these damages, you may risk losing a significant portion of your security deposit. So, take the time to assess the condition of the property and make necessary repairs or hire professionals if needed.
7. Learn All About Redeeming the Bond
In Melbourne, the Residential Tenancies Authority (RTA) governs the bond refund process. It is significant to educate yourself on the specific rules and regulations regarding bond redemption to ensure a smooth transition. The RTA website provides detailed information on how to file a bond refund request and the necessary steps to follow. Following mutual agreement, the landlord or the tenant may submit a claim for a refund. Once the claim has been submitted by both parties, a notice of the proceedings is sent to them at the email addresses they gave at the time of filing. When the RTA receives the completed and duly-signed bond return form, the claim that is not disputed is typically processed within five days. The money is transferred between bank accounts through bank transfer. Additionally, you should also make yourself aware of the rules and guidelines to follow in case of dispute or disagreement regarding your bond refund.
8. Provide Proper Notice
Check your lease agreement to determine the notice period required before moving out. If you are planning to move out it’s important to provide proper notice. Providing timely notice will help you avoid any complications and maintain a good relationship with the landlord. Typically, you have to inform your landlord 4-5 weeks in advance. Ensure you provide written notice to your landlord or property manager within the required timeframe. Giving prior notice will allow the landlord to have enough time to prepare for the move-out formalities along with finding the new tenant. If you fail to provide the advance notice this may lead to loss of your security deposit. So, for a seamless move-out process, be sure to give advance notice.
9. Final Inspection Preparation
After finalizing your moving date and providing your notice period to your landlord, it’s time for you to prepare for the final inspection of the property. Contact your property manager or landlord to schedule a final inspection before you move out. Thoroughly clean the property, including carpets, windows, and appliances, to ensure it meets the required standards. Cross-check that you have thoroughly examined the entry condition report to make sure you have not overlooked anything. Knowing what has to be fixed or corrected at the end of your tenancy will be made easier if you have proof of any damages, wears, or tears that existed when you first moved in. Take note of any areas that need attention and address them promptly to avoid potential deductions from your bond. The last inspection of the property is completed for the exit report, which may be written by the landlord, the property manager, or an outside inspector.
10. Pay Outstanding Bills and the Rent
After giving the proper prior notice of your move, you must speak with your landlord about any unpaid rent or other fees. Before you go, make sure all unpaid payments for services like utilities, internet, and others are paid. Also, make sure to pay all your previous or current outstanding rent. Check the final readings of your gas, water, and other metres, and settle any of these bills with your landlord. Additionally, maintaining track of payment receipts for these items will make the bond refund procedure run more smoothly and ensure a hassle-free move. In accordance with the leasing agreement and the points below, the landlord may additionally impose these fees.
Also, make sure to pay all your previous or current outstanding rent:
- An outstanding rent
- If further cleaning is needed in the property, there may be a fee.
- If the landlord lost something while you were the tenant.
- If your visitors damaged something.
Conclusion
By following the above guidelines you can relocate peacefully to your new place. Make sure to keep these tips in mind while preparing for the end of the lease cleaning. If you are hiring bond cleaners consider obtaining a bond back guarantee from a reputable cleaning company. They will provide a professional end-of-lease cleaning service and guarantee that you’ll get your bond back. Remember to document the property’s condition before you leave by taking photos or videos. This can serve as evidence in case of any disputes regarding the bond refund. Additionally, keep copies of all communication related to the end of the lease for reference if needed. It will also be a great idea if you could hire a professional moving service provider to assist you with your packing and moving.
Once you are done with the cleaning phase it’s time to contact the best removalists such as Harry The Mover, to make your move smooth and stress-free. We are known for providing budget-friendly and quality relocation services in Melbourne. Contact us at 1800 318 026 to hire expert movers.