When leaving a rental home, the last thing anyone wants is a deduction from their bond. However, many tenants make unintentional blunders that lose them a considerable portion — or sometimes all — of their bond. Understanding these frequent mistakes can help you avoid extra costs and guarantee a seamless end-of-lease procedure.
Here’s an in-depth look at the top tenant mistakes that frequently result in bond deductions and how to avoid them.
1. Disregarding End-of-Lease Cleaning Standards
One of the most prevalent causes of bond deductions is insufficient cleaning. Landlords and property managers often expect the property to be returned in the same condition that it was in when the lease began, excluding normal wear and use. However, tenants frequently underestimate the amount of cleanliness required. Skipping corners, disregarding specific areas, or presuming that a fast vacuum and dust will suffice can all lead to a failed final inspection.
Common cleaning oversights include:
- Streaky windows or dirty blinds
- Grease accumulated in the oven and rangehood
- Stains on carpets and floors
- Grime in grout lines or on the bathroom tiles
- Neglected skirting boards, light fittings, or air vents
How to Avoid It:
Consider hiring a professional bond cleaning service that focuses on end-of-lease cleaning standards. These firms comprehend the requirements mentioned in rental agreements and ensure that nothing is forgotten.
2. Neglecting to Repair Damage
While normal wear and tear is acceptable, tenants are frequently held liable for rental property damages incurred during their tenure. Mistakes such as disregarding minor repairs or failing to report issues promptly can result in significant bond deductions.
Examples of damage that can lead to deductions are:
- Holes or scratches on the walls from hanging pictures or putting televisions
- Broken fixtures or fittings, such as door knobs or curtain rods
- Scratches or dings on wood floors
- Pet-caused damage, such as chewed skirting boards and scuffed doors
How to Avoid It:
Before leaving, repair and repaint the walls, restore any damaged fixtures, and thoroughly check the property. If you’re unclear how to fix a problem, speak with your landlord or a professional repair agency.
3. Leaving Personal Items and Rubbish
It’s easy to underestimate the time and work required to pack and clean out all of your stuff. Leaving furniture, boxes, or debris for the landlord to deal with might result in additional removal fees, which are frequently taken from your bond.
Common culprits include:
- Forgotten goods in storage rooms, garages, or sheds
- Unwanted furnishings or appliances
- Leftover garbage in containers or on the property
How to Avoid It:
Allow enough time for a complete move-out process. Double-check every room, including any secret storage areas. If you have unwanted stuff, consider donating, recycling, or contacting a junk removal agency.
4. Not Addressing Garden and Outdoor Maintenance
If your rental property has a garden, grass, or outside area, neglecting these areas can result in bond deductions. Common difficulties include overgrown lawns, weeds in garden beds, and garbage in outdoor places.
Common Outdoor Mistakes:
- Failing to trim edges or mow the lawn
- Failure to remove dead plants or weeds
- Leaving detritus, such as fallen leaves or trash
How to Avoid It:
Before leaving, make sure the exterior areas are as clean as they were at the beginning of the lease. This includes mowing, weeding, and removing any trash. If gardening is not your strong suit, consider hiring a professional gardener to help.
5. Ignoring Carpet Stains or Damage
Carpets can endure a lot of wear and tear throughout a tenancy, but noticeable stains or damage might result in significant bond deductions. This is especially true for spills that have gone unnoticed and become permanent.
Common carpet issues:
- Stains from food, liquor, or pets
- Burns caused by hot irons or objects
- Rips or wear caused by the furnishings
How to Avoid It:
To avoid permanent damage, deal with spills and stains as soon as they occur. At the end of your lease, have the carpets professionally cleaned, as this is frequently required in end-of-lease cleaning standards.
6. Not Returning Keys, Remotes, or Access Cards
Another common mistake is not returning all keys, garage remotes, or access cards. Landlords may charge tenants for replacements, which can be deducted from their bond.
How to Avoid It:
Keep all keys, remotes, and cards in a secure location throughout your tenancy. Before returning the property, check your rental agreement for the specific things that must be returned.
7. Misunderstanding “Fair Wear and Tear”
Tenants frequently believe that all damages are considered as fair wear and tear, although this is not always the case. Understanding what constitutes tolerable and excessive harm is critical.
Examples of reasonable wear & tear:
- Faded paint or worn carpets from continuous use
- Minor scuffs on the walls or floor
Example of excessive damage:
- Large gaps on walls
- Permanent burns or stains on carpets
- Damage caused by negligence or inappropriate use
How to Avoid It:
Familiarise yourself with the terms of your rental agreement, and if you have any questions about what constitutes acceptable wear and tear, consult the landlord or property manager.
8. Poor Communication with the Property Manager
Communication breakdowns can compound problems near the conclusion of a lease. For example, failing to notify the property manager of maintenance issues or leaving the property without adequate notice can result in unnecessary complications.
How to Avoid It:
Keep open and transparent contact with your property manager during the tenancy. Notify them as soon as possible of any problems, and make sure to give them the required notice time when you leave.
FAQs about Top Tenant Missteps That Lead to Bond Deductions
- What is end-of-lease cleaning, and why is it important?
End-of-lease cleaning involves thoroughly cleaning the rental property to meet the landlord’s or property manager’s standards, ensuring the property is left in the same condition as when the tenancy began (excluding fair wear and tear). It helps maximise your bond return and ensures a smooth handover. - What are the common cleaning tasks included in end-of-lease cleaning?
End-of-lease cleaning typically includes deep cleaning of all rooms, carpets, windows, blinds, skirting boards, light fixtures, kitchen appliances (including ovens and rangehoods), and bathroom grout. Outdoor spaces like gardens may also need attention if specified in the lease agreement. - Do I need to hire professional cleaners for bond cleaning?
While it’s not mandatory, hiring professional cleaners ensures the cleaning meets the high standards expected by landlords and property managers. Professionals are experienced in addressing common issues that can lead to bond deductions. - Will professional bond cleaning guarantee my bond return?
Reputable cleaning companies often provide a satisfaction guarantee, meaning they will return to fix any cleaning issues identified during the final inspection. However, other factors, like property damage or unreturned keys, can still impact your bond return. - What is the difference between fair wear and tear and damage?
Fair wear and tear refers to the natural deterioration of the property due to regular use, such as faded paint or worn carpets. Damage, like holes in walls, permanent stains, or broken fixtures, goes beyond normal use and is typically the tenant’s responsibility to repair. - Do I need to clean carpets before vacating?
Yes, carpet cleaning is often a requirement in lease agreements. Professional steam cleaning is usually recommended to remove stains, dirt, and allergens, ensuring the carpets meet inspection standards. - What happens if I leave personal items or rubbish behind?
Leaving personal belongings or rubbish can result in additional removal fees, which will be deducted from your bond. Ensure all areas, including storage spaces, are thoroughly cleared before handing over the property. - Are outdoor spaces included in the end-of-lease cleaning?
If your rental property includes a garden, patio, or balcony, these areas must be returned in a tidy condition. This may include mowing the lawn, removing weeds, and clearing debris, depending on your lease agreement. - How far in advance should I book professional cleaners?
It’s best to book professional end-of-lease cleaners at least 1–2 weeks before your final inspection. This allows enough time to address any follow-up issues if necessary. - What should I do if my landlord isn’t satisfied with the cleaning?
If your landlord raises cleaning concerns after the professional clean, contact your cleaning provider immediately. Many companies offer a re-cleaning guarantee to address missed areas and ensure the property passes inspection.
Don’t risk losing your bond! Call 03 8583 9109, email info@endofleaseclean.net.au, or visit endofleaseclean.net.au today for expert end-of-lease cleaning services that guarantee results.