How to Prepare Your Property for a Bond Inspection?

How to Prepare Your Property for a Bond Inspection?

By : angelina

Moving out of a former home and into a new one can be exciting. But one crucial thing should be done prior to all that excitement: bond cleaning. For every tenant residing in Australia, the property is required to be returned to the original condition except for the usual fair wear and tear. Hence, a deep clean is important if you want to reclaim your bond deposit in full. Along with cleaning you are also responsible for carrying out minor repairs and making sure all the contractual rental requirements are met. Failure to do so can lead to full or partial deductions of your bond.

This article will take you through some of the essential steps to carry out so that your home is bond-inspection ready. It will cover things like detailed cleaning, repairing damages, outdoor maintenance, documents preparation, etc., basically everything you need to know. Regardless of whether you choose to do it yourself or get services like professional bond cleaning in Ipswich, follow the steps below to ensure that your house is left spotless.

1. Deep Cleaning the Property

A major requirement for a bond inspection is that the property should be left clean. For this reason, standard cleaning does not measure up to the task; instead, you need to perform a very detailed end of lease clean that covers every nook and cranny. This includes:

  • Cleaning the walls, ceilings, skirting boards and doors.
  • Removing cobwebs and dust from corners.
  • Scrubbing kitchen surfaces, stovetops, ovens and range hoods.
  • Deep cleaning the bathroom, including the tiles, grout and the fixtures.
  • Shampooing all carpets and mopping hard floors.

If you are using chemicals for this cleaning process, ensure you wear protective gear and ventilate the areas to avoid inhaling any harmful fumes. To make it easy, hire reliable Bond Cleaning Ipswich, and they will ensure that every part of the property is able to meet the landlord’s standards.

2. Repairing Minor Damages

Before the actual property inspector arrives, conduct a self-inspection of your property and check for any damages that have occurred during the period of your tenancy. Some of the common issues that lead to disputes include things like nail holes from picture frames, scratches on the walls or floors, broken hinges, handles or locks, and chipped paint. You can fix these minor damages yourself by using putty, paint or adhesive products.

However, if there are larger damages, it may be better to consult your landlord or hire professional services to ensure the repairs are done properly and meet the required standards.

3. Checking Fixtures and Appliances

Landlord is talking with husband wife holding a file in his hand

A important aspect that the property inspector will check is whether the fixtures and appliances that were provide by the landlord for the property are in good working condition. This includes things like the light bulbs and switches, smoke alarms (test them to ensure they function), air conditioners and fans, kitchen appliances like the oven and range hoods, etc.

If you find anything to be functioning in less than ideal conditions, either replace or repair them as you see fit. If you find that certain appliances are damaged beyond repair, you should inform the landlord in advance to avoid disputes later.

4. Cleaning Windows, Blinds and Curtains

Things like windows, blinds and curtains often end up accumulating a lot of dust, grime and stains with the passage of time, making them a key focus during the bond inspection. Start by wiping down all the windows (inside and out) using a streak-free glass cleaner or a DIY solution of vinegar and water. Don’t forget to clean the window tracks and frames, too, as the dirt in these areas in often overlooked during routine cleaning.

In the case of blinds, dust and wipe them using a damp cloth made of microfiber to remove lingering grime, while the curtains, depending on the type of fabric, may need a round of washing and vacuuming to get them up to standards. If you use cleaning sprays for this task, be cautious of streaking and avoid inhaling the fumes.

5. Outdoor Area maintenance

Many tenants tend to forget that outdoor spaces like the balcony, garden or backyard are also part of the property agreement and, hence, they too require a thorough round of cleaning and maintenance. Some of the key tasks here are: mowing the lawn, trimming the overgrown plants, sweeping patios, driveways and walkways, and removing any rubbish or debris from these areas.

For people living in apartments, please ensure that your balconies are free from dirt, bird droppings and cobwebs; get a pressure washer if needed, but be mindful of water usage restrictions in your area. Small details like these, during thorough bond cleaning in Ipswich, can determine how clean an area looks or feels.

6. Documenting Your Efforts

Once all the cleaning tasks and repairs are done, take photographs of the entire property as proof of its condition. This step is crucial in case any dispute arises with the landlord.

Make sure to cross check the property’s condition report from the beginning of your tenancy, so that you don’t end up wasting resources on damages that are not associated with you. Keep your receipts from the professional services you hired, like Bond Cleaning Ipswich, and inform the landlord or agent about any pre-existing damages you had documented earlier. All of this will safeguard you from any unfair claims and ensure a smoother exit process.

Get Your Property Inspection Ready

Info on How to Prepare Your Property for a Bond Inspection?

Wrapping up

A well-cleaned and well-prepped property will increase your chances of getting a full bond return. By keeping all of the above mentioned points n mind and documenting every detail of the process, you’ll be able to ensure a smooth transition and approach the property inspection with confidence. Happy Cleaning!