Moving out of a rental is stressful enough without losing part of your bond. The good news: with the right preparation, you can maximise your chances of getting every dollar back. Use this comprehensive move-out checklist to leave your rental in perfect condition — and leave nothing to chance.
Two Weeks Before Moving Out
☑ Request a pre-vacate inspection
Ask your agent or landlord for a pre-vacate inspection 7–14 days before your move-out date. This gives you the chance to identify and fix any issues before the final inspection — before bond deductions are on the table. Not all agents offer this, but it’s always worth asking.
☑ Review your move-in condition report and photos
Pull out your original condition report and move-in photos. This is your baseline — the property only needs to be returned in this condition (minus fair wear and tear). Anything that was already damaged when you moved in is not your responsibility.
☑ Make a list of things to fix or clean
Walk through every room and note anything that needs attention. Be systematic — walls, ceilings, floors, windows, doors, fixtures, appliances, storage areas, and outdoor spaces.
☑ Book professional services if needed
If your lease requires professional carpet cleaning (check the agreement), book it now. Also consider professional oven cleaning if the oven is heavily soiled — it’s cheaper than a bond deduction and less effort than doing it yourself.
The Week Before
☑ Fill nail holes and touch up paint
Small nail holes from picture hooks should be filled with putty and touched up with matching paint. Most landlords expect this. If you’re unsure of the paint colour, ask the agent — they often know or can check with the landlord.
☑ Clean inside all cupboards, drawers, and wardrobes
Empty everything out and wipe down all surfaces inside cupboards, kitchen drawers, bathroom cabinets, and wardrobes. Don’t forget the insides of oven drawers and exhaust fan filters.
☑ Clean windows inside and out
Windows, window sills, and tracks accumulate grime. Clean the glass on both sides where accessible, wipe the sills, and clear any debris from the tracks.
☑ Clean range hood filters
Range hood filters are one of the most commonly missed items at move-out. Remove the filters and clean or replace them — they’re usually dishwasher-safe or can be soaked in hot soapy water.
Move-Out Day: Room by Room
Kitchen
- ☑ Oven, grill, and stovetop — cleaned inside and out, no grease or food residue
- ☑ Rangehood and filters cleaned
- ☑ Dishwasher — cleaned inside, filter removed and cleaned, door seal wiped
- ☑ Fridge — defrosted and cleaned inside and out (if included)
- ☑ All cupboards and drawers emptied and wiped clean inside
- ☑ Sink and tapware cleaned and descaled
- ☑ Benchtops wiped down
- ☑ Splashback cleaned
Bathrooms
- ☑ Toilet — cleaned inside bowl, seat, lid, cistern, and behind
- ☑ Shower — tiles scrubbed, grout cleaned, screen/curtain cleaned
- ☑ Bath (if applicable) — scrubbed, taps descaled
- ☑ Vanity — sink, tapware, mirror, and cabinet cleaned
- ☑ Exhaust fans dusted and wiped
- ☑ Floors mopped
Bedrooms and Living Areas
- ☑ All walls wiped down — remove scuffs and marks
- ☑ Nail holes filled and touched up
- ☑ Ceilings checked for marks (cobwebs, smoke residue)
- ☑ Light fittings dusted and globes working
- ☑ Skirting boards wiped
- ☑ Carpets vacuumed thoroughly (and steam cleaned if required)
- ☑ Hard floors swept and mopped
- ☑ Windows cleaned inside
- ☑ Blinds or curtains dusted/cleaned
- ☑ Air conditioning filters cleaned
Laundry
- ☑ Washing machine cleaned inside (run a cleaning cycle) and lint filter emptied
- ☑ Dryer lint filter cleaned
- ☑ Tub or sink cleaned
- ☑ Cupboards wiped out
Garage and Outdoor Areas
- ☑ Garage swept and cleared of all items
- ☑ Garden mowed and weeds removed (if applicable)
- ☑ Outdoor areas swept
- ☑ Bins emptied and cleaned
- ☑ Any outdoor furniture or equipment that came with the property cleaned
Final Steps
☑ Take timestamped photos of everything
Before you hand back the keys, photograph every room, every appliance, inside every cupboard, and any area that had issues when you moved in. These photos are your evidence if there’s a dispute.
☑ Return all keys, remotes, and access devices
Return every key, garage remote, intercom fob, and access card. Missing items can result in lock replacement costs being deducted from your bond. Count them out when you return them and ask for a written receipt.
☑ Confirm the final inspection time
If possible, be present at the final inspection so you can address any concerns on the spot rather than receiving a bond claim after the fact.
☑ Follow up on your bond promptly
If the bond isn’t returned or claimed within the required timeframe (usually 14 days), follow up in writing. You can also contact your state’s bond authority directly to initiate the refund if the landlord doesn’t act.
State Bond Authorities
- NSW: NSW Fair Trading — fairtrading.nsw.gov.au
- VIC: Residential Tenancies Bond Authority (RTBA) — rentalbonds.vic.gov.au
- QLD: Residential Tenancies Authority (RTA) — rta.qld.gov.au
- WA: Bond Administrator — commerce.wa.gov.au
- SA: Consumer and Business Services — cbs.sa.gov.au
- ACT: ACT Revenue Office — revenue.act.gov.au
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