Take Care With Your Condition Report
When you move into a rental property, you’ll need to sign a condition report. This document shows any damage that already exists in your rental property, such as holes in the flyscreens or chipped bathroom tiles.
Rather than simply signing the document, you should walk through your rental property and make sure your observations match those noted. It’s easy for a landlord or property manager to miss things, but if you do too, you could be held responsible for damage done before you moved in. Return your signed condition report as soon as you can after you move in to protect your bond from any existing damage bills. Keep a copy of your report so that you have proof of any existing damage if it’s disputed down the track.
Treat the Property Like Your Own
You might not own your rental property, but it’s smart to treat it as if you do. This mindset will make you more responsible in your property and limit the risks you take in it. Your landlord will also appreciate the way you treat the property and will probably be more likely to determine small problems are simply wear and tear.
Fix Simple Problems as They Arise
No matter how careful you are in your rental property, accidents can happen. Perhaps you broke a light fixture when you were changing a globe, or smashed a window playing backyard cricket. These problems are more than just wear and tear, and they’re your responsibility to fix. Fix these simple problems before you move out and your landlord won’t need to hold on to your bond for the repairs. When you repair the damage yourself you can also get quotes to ensure you’re paying the best price.
Speak To Your Landlord or Property Manager for Large Problems
In some cases, you may be unable to fix the damage yourself. For example, if you spill red wine on the carpet, it’ll be difficult for you to replace it. In these cases, it’s best to confess to your landlord, if you’re renting directly from one, or the property manager at your real estate agency.
These people will appreciate your honesty and will probably be more likely to negotiate for the best outcome for you. For example, your landlord may be willing to cut out the stain and get the patch replaced by a professional rather than charging you for recarpeting if you’ve been upfront.
Be honest with yourself about what repairs are simple and what require real estate intervention. Repairs that are not performed to standard can be more expensive in the long run.
Hire Reputable Movers
There are few things more frustrating than taking good care of your rental property, and, on top of that, having serious damage occur during your move. But this can easily happen if you ask your mates to help out or you hire inexperienced movers. You don’t want people scuffing your floors dragging furniture or denting walls as they veer off course. Read through customer testimonials to help you decide whether a moving company is one you can trust.
Clean Your Rental Property Well Before You Leave
Tenants in Australia are required to leave their properties “reasonably” clean. Reasonably clean is a fairly vague term, but if you take the day after you’ve moved to clean your rental, it should pass inspection. You’ll find cleaning after your move much easier because you won’t need to work around furniture or boxes. Make sure to vacuum every room, clean and dust the surfaces, and remove any rubbish from the premises. Wiping out cupboards and drawers is also appreciated. Steam cleaning isn’t generally required, although pet owners often need to do this as part of their agreement with their landlord.
Take Photos to Protect Yourself
If you have a good relationship with your landlord or property manager, you should have no problem recovering your bond as long as you’ve left your rental property clean and in good condition. However, disputes do occasionally arise. If this occurs, you’ll want some evidence to substantiate your claims. That’s why it’s always a good idea to take a photograph of each room in your rental property before you leave. Your photographs can be used to back up your assertions that you left the property in good condition.
Follow this advice and you can probably look forward to receiving your entire bond back once you move out of your rental property.