How to get your bond back
A complete moving out guide for tenants
September 2025 | By Fall Real Estate Property Management | Tags: Rent
Moving out made easier
The end of a lease is often a busy time. Packing boxes, organising removalists, and preparing for a new home can be overwhelming. On top of all this, securing the return of your bond can feel daunting.
Most of the time, bond deductions come down to one factor: the condition of the property at final inspection. With the right preparation and a clear plan, tenants can move out smoothly and maximise their chance of receiving their full bond back.
Start early with a plan
Leaving everything until the final day is the most common mistake tenants make. A structured approach saves time and reduces stress.
3–4 weeks out: begin decluttering and book any required professional services (carpet cleaning, pest treatment, woodheater clean).
2 weeks out: deep clean one room at a time, mow the lawn, and tidy gardens.
Final days: focus on cupboards, oven, and flooring once furniture is removed.
Cleaning for inspection success
Think about the property through the eyes of the next tenant. The home should be clean, hygienic, and ready to live in from the moment they arrive.
What our property managers check
Final inspection checklist for tenants
Want to impress at your final inspection? Here’s what you propert manager will look for - room by room:
Kitchen
- Oven cleaned thoroughly (inside, outside, and trays)
- Rangehood filters degreased
- Cupboards and shelves wiped
- Sink and taps polished
- Dishwasher and filter cleaned
- Fridge (if supplied) defrosted and wiped
Bathroom
- Shower screen free from streaks and soap scum
- Toilet scrubbed, including behind the seat
- Grout and tiles clean and mould-free
- Mirrors wiped
- Cupboards wiped out
Floors, walls & windows
- Cobwebs removed
Ceiling fans and vents dusted
Heat pump filters cleaned
Furniture/appliances wiped (if furnished)
Floors vacuumed and mopped
Skirting boards and walls spot-cleaned
Windows and tracks cleaned
- Curtains and blinds dusted or washed
Light fittings wiped and insect-free
General
Floors vacuumed and mopped
Skirting boards washed
Walls spot-cleaned (we love a good sugar soap)
Windows and tracks cleaned (including flies and dirt!)
Curtains and blinds dusted or washed
Light fittings wiped and insect-free
Outside
Lawns mowed, edges trimmed
Garden beds cleared of rubbish and tidied
Bins emptied and washed
Download our tenant cleaning guide
To help tenants cover every detail, Fall Real Estate has created a comprehensive cleaning checklist.
[Download the Fall Real Estate cleaning guide for tenants]
Repairs and responsibilities
Tenants are expected to leave the property in the same condition as when they moved in, apart from normal wear and tear.
Report damage honestly — transparency can prevent disputes.
Replace light bulbs and remote batteries.
Remove any hooks, nails or adhesive strips not present at the beginning of the lease.
Pets and special requirements
If pets have lived at the property:
A professional carpet clean and flea treatment (inside and outside) must be carried out.
Receipts must be provided. DIY treatments are not accepted.
For properties with wood heaters or fireplaces:
The flue must be professionally cleaned.
The firebox emptied.
Receipts are required.
Don’t forget the paperwork
A few small steps can make a big difference:
Keep receipts from professional services.
Place all keys, garage remotes, and security fobs together for return.
Utilities and services checklist
Disconnect or transfer electricity, gas, and internet.
Redirect mail through Australia Post.
Update delivery addresses for subscriptions or services.
A moving out timeline
To make things easier, here’s a simple timeline tenants can follow:
3-4 weeks before moving out
- Book removalists or hire transport.
- Start decluttering unwanted items.
- Book required professional cleaning services.
- Notify utilities of your end date: Electricity, gas (if the property uses it), water, internet and phone, and waste collection (if you have a private provider).
1-2 weeks before moving out
- Deep clean one room at a time.
- Wash/wipe/dust curtains/blinds.
- Mow lawns and tidy the garden.
2–3 days before moving out
- Clean oven, rangehood, and cupboards.
- Wipe skirting boards and walls.
- Defrost fridge and freezer.
Moving day
- Vacuum and mop after furniture removal.
- Empty and wash bins.
- Lock all windows and doors.
- Leave keys and remotes in a marked envelope.
Download our moving out timeline guide
For a printable version, download our moving out timeline for tenants here:
[Download the Fall Real Estate moving out timeline guide for tenants]
Why choose Fall Real Estate?
At Fall Real Estate, we take the stress out of moving for both tenants and landlords. Our property managers provide clear communication, thorough inspections, and practical resources to support a smooth transition.
For tenants, that means guidance to help secure your bond return. For landlords, it means peace of mind that the property is well-maintained.
Fall Real Estate has been trusted by Tasmanians for decades, managing homes across Greater Hobart with professionalism and care.
Let’s chat today:
Request an appraisal: https://fall.com.au/sell/
Email: realestate@fall.com.au
Phone: 03 6234 7033
Contact details: https://fall.com.au/contact-us/
Disclaimer: The information on this website is not legal or professional advice and is general in nature; therefore, the editorial content or articles on this website are intended as a guide only and do not consider your personal objectives, financial situation or particular needs. For more information, please read our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Skip to content
- Moving out made easier
- Start early with a plan
- Clean for inspection success
- Repairs and responsibilities
- Pets and special requirements
- Don't forget the paperwork
- Utilities and services checklist
- A moving-out timeline
- Download our moving out timeline guide
- Download our tenant cleaning guide
- Why choose Fall Real Estate
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