Bond cleaning inspection is crucial when moving out of your rental property in Victoria. The scrutiny of every nook and cranny adds pressure to the entire process. Most tenants lose their deposited security due to cleanliness issues. Leaving the property in a disorderly state can lead to rental disputes and affect future rental opportunities.
Acknowledging your bond cleaning responsibilities as a tenant and passing your final inspection without hassle is important. According to the rental laws in Victoria, the landlord strictly assesses the property's condition to ensure it is ready for the next occupants.
So, here is a comprehensive guide to help you understand what to expect during the final rental inspection and how to perform a bond cleaning efficiently. You can seek assistance from the best end of lease cleaning Melbourne experts and leave a great impression on your landlord or property manager.
Let’s Get Started!
1. Detailed Comparison to the Entry Condition Report
Landlords or property managers strictly conduct the final inspection process to identify potential cleaning and maintenance issues. So, you can first expect a comparison of the property’s current condition with the entry condition report.
It is a document given to the tenant at the beginning of their lease that outlines the actual state of the property, room by room. This includes a checklist of every area, including bathrooms, kitchens, fixtures, appliances, living room, bedrooms and outdoor areas.
As a tenant, you must refer to the property condition report before the final inspection and clean accordingly. It is important to note that you are not liable for pre-existing damages or dirty areas.
Bonus Tip: Normal wear and tear of the premises is acceptable by landlords. This includes fading of paint, minor scuff marks and small holes in walls.
2. Detailed Cleaning Assessment
The inspection focuses on evaluating the cleanliness aspect of the premises. Landlords check for dirt, grime, grease and gunk in all rooms and important areas during the process. Here is a quick breakdown to help you understand the key expectations:
- Detailed Dusting: Remove dust, dirt and loose debris from your walls, shelves, picture frames and light fixtures. Make sure you cover hard-to-reach areas for effective results.
- Kitchen: Remove oil splatters, build-up grease and grime from your cabinets, countertops, stovetop, appliances, sink and faucets of your kitchen.
- Cleaning of skirting boards and baseboards
- Washing windows inside and outside
- Vacuuming blinds and washing curtains
- Clean door tracks
- Grout lines and tiled areas
You can hire professional end of lease cleaners in Melbourne as they carry a pre-approved cleaning checklist, covering all important and hidden spots for a stress-free experience.
3. Special Attention to Appliances and Fixtures
Believe it or not! Bond Cleaning inspections are meticulous, and landlords can deduct your bond money if you leave the appliances and fixtures untreated or dirty. They thoroughly check all appliances, inside and outside. This includes the oven, stovetops, microwave, BBQ, refrigerator, dishwasher, washing machine, air conditioner, etc.
So, create a proper checklist and follow the best methods to clean your oven and kitchen appliances by removing stains, grime, gunk and grease like a pro. You can use eco-friendly products like vinegar, baking soda or lemon for an effective result. Also, ensure the fixtures, like faucets, light fittings, showerheads, toilets, etc, are clean and fully functional.
4. The Hygiene in Bathrooms
If left untreated, bathrooms can be a breeding ground for lethal germs, bacteria, and mould infestation. That's one of the reasons why landlords inspect every inch of the bathroom before returning the bond money.
Soap scum on a spa bathtub or rust on a showerhead may lead to bond deductions. So, follow a proper checklist and spruce up the shower area, glass doors, tiles, bathtubs, toilets, tiles, grout lines, mirrors, windows, exhaust fans, counters, sink and faucets. Do not forget the high-touch areas like doorknobs, flush handles, towel rails, etc.
Bonus Tip: Use white vinegar to dislodge dirt and grime from your bathroom.
5. Thorough Evaluation of Carpets and Hard Floors
Landlords thoroughly inspect carpets and floors. Faded, dull, stained or discoloured carpets can lead to disputes. Similarly, tiled, hardwood and laminate floors need to be spotless and scratch-free to pass your rental inspection.
It is good to vacuum your carpets and rugs. For stubborn stains, spray vinegar and blot it with a microfiber cloth. Steam cleaning can also help you achieve desired results without using harsh chemicals.
Sweep and mop your floors, including underneath heavy furniture pieces. Do not overuse water or abrasive cleaners on wooden or tiled floors.6. Inspection of Exterior Areas
If your rental property has a balcony, lawn, and garage, a landlord will thoroughly check these areas to ensure it is in clean condition. Most tenants forget to clean the garage walls or patio areas and lose their bond money. So, it is good to mow your lawn and maintain your garden, remove stains from your driveway and clean your patio areas to impress your fussy landlord.
7. Adhering to a Professional Approach
During the bond cleaning inspection, landlords expect professional behaviour from tenants. This may include:
- Punctuality Matters: This shows your respect for the landlord or property manager, leaving a great impression on them.
- Cooperative Nature: Walk through the premises with the landlords and listen to their feedback. Ensure you acknowledge their concerns to pass your rental inspection without any stress.
- Don't hesitate: If you have any doubt, ask questions for better clarification.
- Discuss the Issues: If the landlord has any issue, resolve it within a reasonable timeframe to secure your hard-earned bond money.
It is always good to book experts for a quality end of lease cleaning Melbourne. They can help you get the full bond back in a seamless manner. Make sure you know the estimated cost before making the final decision.
Things to Expect During a Bond Cleaning Inspection
Wrapping Up
Hopefully! This guide has helped you understand the key expectations during a bond cleaning inspection. It enables you to effectively prepare a rental property, increasing the chances of securing the full bond amount.