Rental Guide

Leaving the property at end of lease

My grandmother always said you should leave a house cleaner than you found it. That is particularly true when renting properties. A owner will be much more likely to give you back your deposit (or bond) in full if he sees a clean, tidy, well-maintained home.

• The end of your tenure
• Getting your money back

The end of your tenure

At the end of your tenure, you can either...

Renew the lease If you write to the owner or managing agent two months before your tenure expires, and ask to stay on, he is likely to accommodate you if you are a good tenant.

Move out If you choose to move out, check to make sure you have everything in its place before the owner or managing agent inspects the place.

• Make the place spotless, which includes cleaning the floor, getting marks off walls, cleaning all appliances, windows, etc.
• Remove all your possessions, or the owner will charge you a fee if he has to do it.
• Return all sets of keys to the owner or managing agent.
• Put all the furniture back in its original place.
• Leave the garden and exterior tidy, as you found it.
• For other tips, look at Countdown Checklist.

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Getting your money back

If you have had a good relationship with your owner or managing agent, and he has proven reliable and trustworthy, then you should get your bond back. Make sure you've gone through the following steps, and the money should be yours.

• Before leaving the property, go through the inventory with the owner or managing agent and make sure nothing is damaged or missing.
• Have them sign an inventory stating they are satisfied with the condition of the home.
• All rent payments are up to date.
• You serve notice as specified in your agreement (ie you aren't leaving early).
• Keep receipts for all cleaning you have done or paid for.

If you pass all these tests but the owner refuses to give you back your bond, then you can get him in civil court to recover the money. You might need some legal assistance to do this, and it won't happen quickly. But it is a last resort if negotiating fails.

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