How to Get Your Rental Bond Back in Full

23 May 2016
 Categories: , Blog

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When you moved into your apartment, you probably paid out a significant amount of money in the form of a rental bond. Now you're moving on, it would be handy to have that money back to help you settle into your new home. Here are some tips for getting the full rental bond back from your landlord or agent.

Compare Your Home to the Initial Condition Report

When you moved into your home, you should have received a document describing the condition of the property and its contents. Find this report and compare the current condition of your home with what is listed. Make a note of any breakages or stains that have appeared during your tenancy.

Fix What You Can

If you can easily repair any of the items you have broken, it's a good idea to do so before you move out. However, if you're not confident in your ability to carry out a successful repair, it's better to own up to the damage and let the landlord hire a repair service. This may mean losing some of your rental bond, but it's better than making a problem worse by trying to repair it when you don't have the right skills.

Hire a Cleaning Service

When you move out, you must leave the property in a perfectly clean state. Hiring a professional domestic cleaning service is a good way to ensure the cleaning is up to scratch, particularly if you're too busy packing to do a good job yourself. Many domestic cleaners offer a bond cleaning service, which is designed to get properties into a suitable state for reletting.

Always Attend the Final Inspection

Before your property manager can approve the return of your rental bond, they must inspect the property to check that it is in good condition. Always come to this meeting so you can discuss the state of the property with the landlord. Bring the initial condition report, so you can prove that long-lasting stains or damage were present when you moved in.

Don't Forget to Return All Your Keys

Simply forgetting to return a window or garage key can prevent you from getting your rental bond back in full. Gather all your keys together and give them back to the landlord or agent when you move out. If you have lost a key, be upfront about it. If the landlord thinks you have deliberately kept a key for the property, you may be charged the cost of changing the locks, which is more than the cost of replacing the key.

Complete the Paperwork

Finally, you'll need to fill out a Claim for Refund of Bond Money. Give this form to the property manager to request the return of your rental bond. Make sure your new contact and financial details are correct so the landlord can return your money.