Moving is stressful enough, without having to worry about whether you’ll get your deposit back on your rental. It’s a big chunk of money, and you don’t want it to disappear into the property owner’s bank account. A quality clean is the only way you can guarantee to see that money again, so follow these tips for a successful return of your funds.
When You Move In
Getting your deposit back at the end of your lease starts at the beginning. When you move in, make sure you do a thorough check of everything and fill out a full Condition Report to hand back to the property manager (keeping a copy yourself as well). At the end of the lease, remember that the property manager will be paying attention to that Condition Report and everything listed in it, so make sure it is as detailed as possible. Keep it somewhere safe for the duration of your lease.
Create a Checklist
Before you start the cleaning process, write a checklist of all the things you need to do – from dusting and mopping to cleaning ceiling fans and light bulbs. You can use the Condition Report to base this checklist on. Make a list of the rooms and everything you need to get done in each (more details below) to help get your deposit back. Also, make a note of any damage or stains that have occurred over time – you’ll need to have these fixed as well.
Get the Right Gear
If you want to get the cleaning right, you need the right equipment. Tick off the following:
- Broom
- Mop
- Sponges
- Cleaning cloths
- Duster
- Bucket
- Vacuum
- Cleaning chemicals or natural cleaner (vinegar, baking soda, water)
- Paper towels and newspaper
- Rubbish bags
- Ladder
- Magic erasers
Start at the Top and Work Your Way Down
When you’re cleaning the home, you don’t want to start with the floors. Why? They’re going to get dirty again! It’ll save you a lot of time and effort if you start at the roof and work your way down to the floor. Begin by cleaning the ceiling fans and light fixtures and fittings. Check that all the lights work, and if not, make a note to replace them.
Then move on to the roof itself, if there is anything there that needs attention, and the skirting boards. As you move down the walls, spend time on the doors and windows. You want the windows to be crystal clear, so remove all dust and smudges with a damp microfiber cloth or newspaper. Once you’ve done this, pay attention to the walls, working from left to right, up and down. A great way to clean these is to get some warm water, sugar soap, and a microfiber mop.
Hit the Floors
Now it’s time to take care of the floors. Start by sweeping, then vacuuming, as this helps to pick up any leftover dust and dirt. For your carpets, it is recommended you have a professional carpet cleaner come in to give them a steam clean. In fact, many lease agreements stipulate this is a must-do at the end of the term to return your deposit. This guarantees your carpets are getting a deep clean, removing stains, dust particles, grime buildup, pet dander, and odors.
Specialty Room Advice
You’ll need to pay attention to some rooms more than others, so the following tips will keep you on top of any necessary cleaning.
- Kitchen: Don’t forget to clean the oven. This is one of the most time-consuming tasks you’ll face, so you want to get on top of it days before you move out. Create a solution from vinegar and bicarb soda, and lather the inside of the oven. Leave it to soak overnight, then scrub it with a scourer until it’s clean.
- Bathroom: Start with a vacuum to help get rid of any hair that might be lying around on the floor. Use a crème cleanser and scourer on the shower and screen, and keep scrubbing until you can’t see any soap scum or mold. Use a squeegee or newspaper to clean the glass.
- Laundry: Rust and calcium buildup are common in the laundry sink, so use a crème cleanser to remove this. Laundry drains are known for getting a buildup of fluff as well, so you should run a drain cleaner through them. Don’t forget to wipe down the inside of your laundry cupboards as well.
Don’t Forget to Clean Outside
You need to get rid of any cobwebs that might be around the house or inside the garage and ensure any leftover rubbish is taken to the dumpster – that includes cigarette butts and bottle tops that might have made their way into the garden. Give your driveway and any other concrete surfaces (patio) a pressure wash to eliminate any oil or grime marks. And spend time in the garden to remove any weeds, cut back bushes that have overgrown, remove palm fronds that have fallen, mow the lawns and trim the edges.
If all of the above seems a little overwhelming, don’t worry. There are plenty of cleaning professionals who can help you get the job done and get your deposit back. Shop around and get some quotes that suit your budget – just make sure they offer a full bond return guarantee, so you have peace of mind.
Finding Help with Moving Professionals
We hope you found this blog post End Of Lease Tips For A Fast Deposit Return useful. Be sure to check out our post Detailed Move Out Cleaning Checklist You Should Know for more great tips!
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