Congratulations, you’ve found a new place to live! Now that you’re boxing up all your belongings and getting ready to move, don’t forget that you still have to get your bond back. Follow these simple steps to ensure the full amount ends up back in your bank account.

1. Give adequate notice

Landlords are more likely to agree to return the bond if they can rent out the property to another tenant almost immediately after you leave. That’s why it’s very important to tell them about your plans to move as soon as possible, so they can find someone to take your place.

Check out the website of your state’s tenancy organisation for the minimum notice period you are required to give. Then be sure to send a written notice by post, email, or hand-delivery within that time period or earlier.

2. Pay off any remaining rent

Even if you’re already staying in a new home, you still need to pay rent for your old place until either the lease expires or a replacement tenant can be found. Otherwise, the landlord maybe be able to deduct the unpaid rent from your bond or refuse to give it back to you altogether.

3. Get the place professionally cleaned

While it can be tempting to DIY this step, using the services of a professional cleaner will guarantee that your end-of-lease inspection goes smoothly. You’ll also be less likely to have to go back and tidy up a spot you missed after the evaluation.

If you’re looking for bond cleaning in Melbourne, check out companies like Cheap As Chips. With years of experience in end-of-lease clean-ups, they know what landlords look out for and how to efficiently tackle tough jobs, such as caked-on oven gunk.

4. Do your bit of gardening

If you’ve rented a house or apartment with a garden, then your lease may state that you need to maintain the grounds as part of your obligations as a tenant. Before the agency inspection, make sure the grass is mowed and any hedges have been trimmed.

5. Inspect the property and assess the damage

Before you leave, conduct your own careful inspection of the property and fill out an exit condition report. Be sure to write things down as you see them, including any damage. Then, look for the entry condition report that you filled out at the start of your lease.

Compare the two documents. Ideally, the reports should be almost identical, save for a little wear and tear. However, accidents may have happened during your time in the house. If you’ve left any damage, then you may need to have them fixed up in order to get your bond back.

6. Communicate with the property agent

Communicate with your property agent throughout the bond retrieval process, and try to be honest and professional with them. They can negotiate between you and the landlord for a good outcome, especially if there happen to be any minor disagreements.

You will also need to give the property manager a form to refund your bond. Make sure you provide a forwarding address so that you can get your bond back, and before you know it, the money will appear in your account.