Losing part of your bond at the end of a tenancy is one of the most frustrating experiences a renter can have — especially when you’ve looked after the property. The good news is that with the right preparation, you can maximise your chances of getting every dollar back. Here’s exactly what to do.
Before You Move In
Getting your bond back starts on day one — not move-out day.
✅ Complete the condition report thoroughly
The condition report is the single most important document in your tenancy. It records the state of the property when you moved in. Go through every room carefully, note any existing damage (scratches, stains, marks), and take dated photos of everything. If the agent’s report misses something, add it yourself and keep a copy.
✅ Photograph everything
Take timestamped photos of every room, every wall, every appliance, inside cupboards, under sinks, the oven, the bathroom grout — everything. Store these somewhere safe. These photos are your evidence if there’s a dispute at the end.
✅ Confirm your bond is lodged
Your landlord must lodge your bond with the relevant state authority — not hold it themselves. Check this has been done within the required timeframe (usually 10 working days). You should receive a receipt from the bond authority.
During Your Tenancy
✅ Report maintenance issues in writing
Always report repairs and maintenance issues in writing — email or text — and keep copies. This protects you if a landlord later tries to claim damage that was actually a pre-existing maintenance issue they failed to address.
✅ Do minor touch-ups as you go
Small scuffs, nail holes, and marks are much easier (and cheaper) to fix as they happen rather than leaving them all for move-out day. A magic eraser and some white touch-up paint go a long way.
✅ Keep the property clean and ventilated
Mould is one of the most common bond deduction triggers. Keep bathrooms ventilated, wipe down wet surfaces, and deal with any mould as soon as it appears. Document any mould caused by structural issues and report it to your landlord — that’s their responsibility, not yours.
When You Give Notice
✅ Give correct notice in writing
Check your lease for the required notice period and give written notice. Failing to give proper notice can result in rent being charged beyond your move-out date, which can be deducted from your bond.
✅ Request a pre-vacate inspection
Many agents offer a pre-vacate inspection a week or two before your move-out date. This lets you identify and fix any issues before the final inspection — and before bond deductions are on the table. Take this opportunity.
Move-Out Day
✅ Clean to the standard it was given to you
The property needs to be returned in the same condition it was in when you moved in, allowing for fair wear and tear. This means:
- Professional carpet steam cleaning if carpets were professionally cleaned at the start (check your lease)
- Oven, stovetop, rangehood, and exhaust fans cleaned thoroughly
- Bathrooms and toilets scrubbed
- All surfaces wiped down, cupboards emptied and cleaned inside
- Windows and tracks cleaned
- Garage, storage, and outdoor areas tidied
✅ Take move-out photos
Take the same level of timestamped photos you took on move-in day. Photograph every room, every appliance, inside every cupboard. These are your proof of condition at handover.
✅ Return all keys and access devices
Make sure you return every key, fob, remote, and access card. Missing keys can result in lock replacement costs being deducted from your bond.
After You Move Out
✅ Follow up on your bond promptly
If the agent doesn’t initiate the bond refund within 14 days, follow up in writing. Most state bond authorities allow you to apply for your bond refund directly if the landlord doesn’t act within a reasonable timeframe.
✅ Dispute deductions you disagree with
If your landlord claims deductions you believe are unfair, you have the right to dispute them. Contact your state’s tenancy tribunal (NCAT in NSW, VCAT in Victoria, QCAT in Queensland) and provide your evidence — move-in photos, condition report, maintenance request records, and move-out photos.
Fair wear and tear — the gradual deterioration of a property through normal use — cannot be charged to tenants. A landlord cannot deduct bond for carpet that’s faded over 5 years, or paint that’s naturally aged.
Quick Reference Checklist
- ☑ Condition report completed and signed on move-in
- ☑ Move-in photos taken and stored
- ☑ Bond lodgement confirmed with state authority
- ☑ All maintenance reported in writing during tenancy
- ☑ Pre-vacate inspection requested
- ☑ Property cleaned to move-in standard
- ☑ Move-out photos taken
- ☑ All keys and access devices returned
- ☑ Bond refund followed up within 14 days
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