What Real Estate Agents Look for in a Bond Clean

Vacating a rental property is considered the most challenging undertaking for tenants. No matter how meticulously you clean the property, matching the real estate agent’s expectations is always an uphill battle.

Since property managers and landlords in Queensland conduct a thorough inspection, they set high benchmarks to ensure the property is in a clean and habitable condition for the new tenant. This ensures that they continue to generate rental income even after the tenant’s transition. If you are moving out for the first time, read this guide to understand what real estate agents look for in a bond clean.

Understanding their frame of reference is crucial to passing your final rental inspection and securing full bond money. Ensure you thoroughly read your rental agreement and specific cleaning clauses to avoid miscommunication and your key responsibilities as a tenant. Hiring a professional bond cleaning Gold Coast Company can also be beneficial to streamline the process.

Let’s Get Started!

1. What is the bond cleaning obligation under the QLD Rental Laws?

According to the Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation Act 2008 or RTRA Act, it is a tenant/renter’s responsibility to return the property in the ‘reasonably clean’ or the same condition as it was at the start of the lease, excluding fair wear and tear. Landlords or property managers can’t unfairly deduct your bond money. Ensure you refer to your entry condition report to compare the condition for effective and efficient bond cleaning. Apart from this, the cleaning clauses, specific requirements and tenant’s responsibilities are already outlined in the lease agreement. So, read it carefully and prepare a pre approved checklist to prevent bond deductions and penalties.

While there is no compulsion, tenants can choose to hire expert bond cleaners Gold Coast for a stress free experience. So, here is a list of areas real estate agents look for in a bond clean before returning your deposited security.

2. Real Estate Agents Expect Spotless Kitchens

Believe it or not! Most tenants lose their bond money due to half baked kitchen cleaning. Landlords also conduct a strict inspection, covering every nook and cranny before passing the inspection. This is because leftover grease or stained surfaces can harbour harmful germs and bacteria, which may pose health hazards to the new occupant.

Thus, they expect a deep cleaning of kitchen cabinets and cupboards, both inside and outside, as well as exhaust fan cleaning. This includes the removal of grease and burnt food particles from ovens, including grills, microwaves, rangehoods (including filters), and stovetops. Ensure you clean the refrigerator inside and out, clean and disinfect the countertops, sink and faucets. Furthermore, agents will check for grime hidden underneath heavy appliances to hold back your bond money.

3. Clean and Hygienic Bathroom Fixtures & Fittings

Bathrooms are under strict surveillance during the final rental inspection. Landlords and property managers expect the showerhead, glass doors, bathtubs, toilets, and sinks to be in a clean, shiny, and sanitised condition. It is a tenant’s responsibility to remove soap scum, limescale and hard water stains from all bathroom fixtures and fittings using eco friendly products. Also, polish the taps and sinks to increase the chance of getting your bond back.

4. Windows and Blinds Are Thoroughly Inspected

When conducting the final rental inspection, real estate property managers thoroughly scrutinise your windows and blinds. Leaving windows dull and dingy could lead to bond deductions. Apart from this, accumulated dust between window tracks or on blind slats allows landlords to withhold your deposited security. So, it is good to use a vacuum cleaner with a crevice brush attachment to get rid of accumulated dust from tracks.

Also, wash your windows inside, including frames, panes and sills, using the vinegar solution. You can run a rubber squeegee from top to bottom to avoid streaks on the glass screen. If windows are accessible from outside, use a pressure washing technique for spotless results. Ensure you wipe down or vacuum the blinds and wash the curtains before the final rental inspection.

5. Dust Free Air Vents, Ceiling Fans, Light Fixtures and Fittings

Agents never fail to examine these spots before releasing the hard earned money. The dust laden air vents, ceiling fans and light fixtures lead to indoor air pollution, and thus require detailed cleaning for spotless results. Here are some pro tricks to access hard to reach areas:

• Use a telescopic duster or step ladder or stool for effective removal of dust and cobwebs.
• Vacuum the air vents or submerge the filter in soapy water
• Use a damp microfibre cloth to clean ceiling fan blades, light fixtures, fittings and switches.
• Clean from top to bottom
• You can also hire professionals for a top quality bond cleaning Gold Coast to achieve a hassle free cleaning experience.

6. Agents Look for Tidy Walls, Grout Lines and Baseboards

Is your landlord holding back the bond due to scuff marks or dust particles on your walls, or due to dull and dingy grout lines? They expect clean and shiny walls, free from cobwebs, stains and adhesive marks. Ensure you won’t cause any damage to the painted walls as this could lead to hefty repair expenses. Also, pay attention to the grout lines between lines. Use a hydrogen peroxide solution to dislodge mould, soap scum and grime from the surface. Be gentle when scrubbing with an old toothbrush. Don’t forget to vacuum or wipe down the baseboards.

7. They Expect Gleaming Carpets and Floors

If not a professional cleaning, real estate agents expect carpets to be in the same condition as they were at the start of the lease. You may lose your bond if the delicate floor coverings are dull, stained or embedded with dust particles. So, vacuum your carpets or spot clean to banish stains. Use the blotting technique to remove stains without causing any damage.

For floors, simply sweep and mop them depending on their type. Ensure you clean underneath furniture pieces and crannies. Shiny floors can be a game changer in getting your full bond back.

8. Landlords Look for well maintained Outdoor Space

According to the pre approved cleaning checklist, landlords inspect the outdoor areas, such as garden, patio, garage floors and patio area. If you don’t want to lose bond money, thoroughly clean these areas using proper tools or hire professional bond cleaners in Gold Coast, QLD, for your peace of mind. They adhere to the local rental laws and understand the agent’s specific cleaning requirements, giving you a guarantee of a full bond back and dispute free move out experience.

Infographic: How Do Real Estate Agents Assess a Bond Clean?

Wrapping Up

Real estate agents or property managers expect a bond clean that can transform dirty property into a spotless glory to attract new occupants. They leave no stone unturned to meticulously inspect every nook and cranny, including the bathroom surfaces, kitchen appliances, sink, door tracks, windows, sills, etc, to let you pass your rental inspection.