Top Reasons Tenants Lose Their Rental Bond (And How to Avoid Them)

Leaving a rented house is an exhilarating experience but there are some obligations that go along with it. The biggest worry for a majority of tenants leaving the rented house is how much of their rental bond will be refunded to them. Though most tenants think that they will receive the entire bond, it is deducted if the house is not left in the expected state per the terms of the agreement. Luckily, a lot of bond deductions can be avoided if you know why they are made and get ready for the last inspection. This guide highlights some of the most common reasons for deduction of tenants' rental bonds. ## What Is a Rental Bond? Rental bond is a security deposit which is placed upon starting the tenancy and is used for protecting the landlord in case of failure by the tenant to comply with the terms of the lease. The bond will usually be refunded when: * The premises will be found to be reasonably clean. * No damage caused by the tenant beyond reasonable wear and tear will be observed. * The rent will be fully paid. * The terms of the lease will be complied with. * All keys will be returned. Since there are many factors which affect the inspection process, keeping the property in order during your entire tenancy is equally important to its preparation before you move out. ## 1. Insufficient End of Lease Cleaning One of the most frequent causes of bond deductions is lack of adequate cleaning. Routine household cleaning does not necessarily provide sufficient quality of work required during a final inspection. Such spots usually tend to be forgotten: * oven/range hood * window tracks * skirting boards * light fixtures * ceiling fans * inside cupboards and drawers * bathroom grouting * behind the furniture Early start of cleaning will give you ample time to cover all the necessary places. If you are tight on time or the premises require a significant amount of cleaning, using services of an end of lease cleaning company can prove helpful. ## 2. Staining or Dirt on Carpets or Flooring In addition, carpet staining is yet another aspect that will likely attract keen inspection. This could be in cases where the staining, odor from pets, dirty carpets, or heavy wear on high traffic zones is due to negligence or accidents. In order to safeguard your carpets: * Clean them regularly using vacuum. * Clean up spills right away. * Avoid rubbing stains into the carpet. * Place rugs or mats at entrance points. * Comply with any other carpet cleaning rules provided in your tenancy agreement. In addition, some lease agreements require that the carpet must undergo steam cleaning prior to the end of occupancy, especially when pets are kept in the premises. This should be done in advance, having consulted your tenancy agreement. ## 3. Property Damage Other Than Fair Wear and Tear It is essential for you to distinguish between fair wear and tear and tenant damage. Fair wear and tear means the deterioration of the property through regular use, such as carpet flattering and discoloration of paint. On the other hand, tenant damage can be defined as follows: * Holes in walls * Breakage of windows * Broken doors * Rips in fly screens * Burns * Cracks in tiles * Broken fixtures In case any accident occurs in the property during your tenancy, it should be reported immediately rather than at the end of the tenancy. ## 4. Arrears on Rental or Utility Payments Unpaid debts do not matter how tidy your apartment is when it comes to bond release. Make sure you have done the following before departure: * Clear all arrears on rent. * Close any utility account, if necessary. * Pay all agreed upon fees during your tenancy. It will help to have evidence of payment in case any questions arise about this process. ## 5. Inability to Fulfil Your Lease Obligations Each lease is unique and it is crucial that you familiarize yourself with your obligations before leaving the place. Typical obligations might include: * Pest control if pets were allowed in the premises. * Mowing lawns and other gardening duties. * Return of all keys, remotes, and access cards. * Removal of all personal items and garbage. * Cleaning of balconies, garages, or any other storage space. Any failure to do so may cause delays or expenses for you. ## 6. Lack of Preparation for Final Inspection Lots of bond deductions take place simply because tenants procrastinate until the last couple of days. Proper preparation allows sufficient time to get everything done and solve all issues before the inspection. An easy to-do list should cover: * Moving out everything. * Making repairs where needed. * Cleaning every single room. * Checking outdoors. * Taking final photos of the property. * Turning in keys and remotes. Your personal final walk-through before turning the property over is very helpful. ## Practical Suggestions for Maximizing Your Bond Return Proper planning is the best means of minimizing bond deductions. Here are some practical suggestions: ### Plan in Advance Start planning a couple of weeks prior to your moving out date instead of at the last minute on the weekends. ### Consistently Clean Regular cleaning during your entire stay will make it much easier when it's time to do end of lease cleaning. ### Have Documentation Documents that you should keep copies of include: * Entry report * Pictures * Cleaning receipt * Carpet cleaning receipt * Pest control receipt (if any) These would be helpful in case of any future questions. ### Speak to Your Property Manager In case you have any questions about cleaning and leasing requirements, do talk about them before hand. ### Book End of Lease Services in Advance The end of lease cleaning services as well as carpet cleaning and pest control become really hectic during peak moving seasons. ## Conclusions Bond deductions can be avoided with proper preparations and focus on details. Although end of lease cleaning is a crucial step that significantly influences the final inspection, it is just one aspect of the whole process. Apart from that, various factors such as the property's condition (damage not considered normal wear), unpaid rent and utility bills, violation of lease agreement, garden's neglect, missing keys, and poor preparation for inspection may influence bond deductions. The most effective way is to take care of the rented property throughout your tenancy instead of doing a quick clean when you leave it. Housekeeping, timely notification about repairs, proper carpet care, and compliance with the terms of your lease agreement will greatly facilitate your final inspection. In case of necessity, it is possible to use various services like end of lease cleaning, carpet steam cleaning, or pest control which will enable you to fulfill all inspection requirements without wasting your time while moving. By preparing in advance and completing all steps in a proper way, you will increase the probability of obtaining your full rental bond and leaving the property in good condition for further tenants.