What is Bond Cleaning?
Moving out of your rental property soon? The stress of passing the rental inspection keeps tenants overwhelmed, regardless of how well they kept the premises throughout the lease. Due to strict inspections by landlords, there is always a chance of losing part or all of the bond money. Whether it’s a rented house, townhouse, unit or apartment, the residential tenancy laws in QLD clearly state that it should be returned in a reasonably clean state at the end of a tenancy. That’s where meticulous bond cleaning comes in.
Bond cleaning is more detailed, intense, and requires a pre approved checklist to leave a great impression on landlords and property managers. This also means that leaving stains and grime behind can cause bond deductions and rental disputes. Worry not! Have a look at this article and discover everything about bond cleaning, its importance, inclusions and other aspects. This will ensure a seamless move out experience. It helps you make an informed decision when preparing for the final rental inspection in Gold Coast.
Let’s Get Started!
1. What Does Bond Cleaning Mean?
It is also known as end of lease cleaning or vacate cleaning, where tenants spruce up the entire rental property for the final time before the property inspection. It is a one time cleaning aimed at removing dirt, grime, grease, germs and bad odours from the entire property to help tenants secure full bond money (which is equivalent to four weeks’ rent).
End of lease cleaning is conducted because tenants are held responsible for the property’s condition. Thus, it becomes essential to deep clean every inch, including ceilings, floors, appliances and outdoor areas.
In simple terms, it ensures the property is restored to the same condition as when the tenancy begins, meeting the landlord’s expectations as mentioned in the signed rental agreement. Thus, it becomes imperative to hire professionals for a quality bond cleaning Gold Coast service. They follow a strict cleaning checklist and many even offer a free reclean service in case of missed spots, ensuring full bond retrieval.
Tip: Conduct thorough research to find the most reliable company in your local area.
2. What Does Bond Cleaning Includes?
Landlords and property managers are strict when it comes to bond cleaning, regardless of the property’s size and condition. Tenants must adhere to these standards, as any missed spot or visible dirt can lead to bond deductions and disputes. So, a standard bond cleaning checklist includes:
- Kitchen Cleaning:
Ensure you thoroughly tackle dust, dirt, cooking grease, grime, and stubborn stains from wooden cabinets, appliances (such as an oven, refrigerator, microwave, BBQ, range hood filter, dishwasher, etc.), countertops, sinks, faucets, and garbage disposal. Clean and sanitise your cooking station with all natural products like baking soda, lemon, warm water, etc.
- Living Room and Bedrooms:
Start from the top, including ceiling fans, vents, crown mouldings, light fixtures & fittings, shelf tops, windows, blinds, curtains, and make your way down towards baseboards, carpets and floors. Clean your beds, side tables, leaving no room for dirt and debris.
- Bathroom Cleaning and Disinfection
Most tenants on the Gold Coast lose their bond money due to filthy bathrooms. Stained toilets or clogged drains can breed harmful germs that may affect the property’ value in the rental property. Thus, landlords inspect every nook and cranny to prevent unnecessary disputes. Ensure you remove soap scum and hard water stains from showerheads, glass doors and walls, curtains, bathtubs, toilets, sinks, faucets, tile grout, and floors. Use rubbing alcohol to kill lingering germs and bacteria.
Tip: Make sure you clean the laundry room, covering all nooks and crannies, to secure your bond money.
- Carpets and Floors
Vacuuming delicate floor coverings is crucial to remove loose dirt and debris. For stains and gunk, blot the surface with a cloth in a gentle motion until the stain transfers onto the cloth. When it comes to hard floors, sweeping and mopping remain the most effective methods for cleaning.
- Outdoor Areas:
This includes exterior walls, patio area, driveways, decks, and concrete floors. Let highly trained bond cleaning Gold Coast professionals handle the stress to help you impress your fussy landlord.
Tip: A standard package doesn’t include carpet and upholstery steam cleaning, mould or pest removal, or pressure washing. You’ll need to quote separately to avail of these services.
3. Why is Bond Cleaning Important for Tenants?
A thorough bond cleaning helps tenants to meet the cleaning obligations outlined in the rental agreement. It gives peace of mind and helps you secure full bond money without any dispute.
Refer to the property condition report and create customised cleaning checklist because you are not responsible for pre existing damages and mess. You must ensure that you return the property in pristine condition, excluding normal wear and tear.
This can leave a great impression on your property manager and help you get future rental properties easily.
4. Bond Cleaning Benefits for Landlords/Property Managers
Believe it or not! Landlords can also leverage the benefits of a professional bond cleaning Gold Coast service. Attention to detail cleaning of the entire property, including walls, kitchen appliances, and bathrooms, can help prevent structural damage while preserving its market value. A meticulously spruced up rental home can attract potential tenants without any downtime. This ensures a consistent rental income stream. Moreover, deep cleaning also ensures the property, including difficult to access areas, is clean, hygienic and safe for new tenants.
5. DIY Cleaning vs. Hiring Pros: A Better Option
Are you also wondering whether to hire highly trained cleaners or tackle the task yourself? Though hiring cleaning professionals is not mandatory, it is advised to outsource services for several reasons. In a DIY clean up session, you may find it difficult to clean ceiling fans or even forget window tracks, sills and bathroom tiles.
On the contrary, bond cleaners in Gold Coast leave no stone unturned to deliver exceptional services as they understand the potential rental red flags, ranging from mould to embedded dust. They follow a pre approved cleaning checklist, come equipped with industry grade tools, and can clean hard to reach areas without causing any damage to the property. You can do proper research and understand the estimated cost before making the final decision. With their assistance, you can stay relaxed while focusing on other important tasks related to your move.
6. Best Tips for a Successful Bond Cleaning
If you are a tenant, consider the following tips to secure your full bond:
- You should always refer to the initial property condition report
- Ensure you read the cleaning obligations or responsibilities mentioned in the lease agreement. It may include specialised services like carpet cleaning, etc
- It is vital to create a comprehensive checklist to cover every nook and cranny, including hard to reach spots.
- Don’t forget to use eco friendly cleaning productssuch as, vinegar, baking soda, lemon, etc to reduce toxic fumes and their side effects.
An Ultimate Guide on Bond Cleaning
Wrapping Up
There is no denying that Bond cleaning is the most crucial part of your rental journey. It helps determine the fate of your hard earned deposited security, future rental endeavours and your image as a renter. Make sure you adhere to the state’s specific cleaning obligations to pass your rental inspection without any dispute.
