Moving out of a rental property in Perth can be a whirlwind of emotions – excitement for your new home, mixed with the stress of packing and coordinating with the best movers to get everything shifted on time. However, amidst the chaos, it’s easy for tenants to overlook crucial steps that can jeopardise their bond return. In Western Australia, a significant portion of bond disputes arise from misunderstandings or forgotten obligations during the vacate process.
To help you secure your full bond back and avoid unnecessary headaches, here’s a comprehensive guide to what Perth tenants often forget when moving out of a rental.
1. The Pre-Vacate Inspection and Communication
- Forgetting to Re-read Your Lease Agreement: Your lease is your bible. It outlines specific clauses regarding cleaning, gardening, repairs, and notice periods. Re-read it thoroughly well before your move-out date.
- Neglecting to Conduct a Pre-Exit Inspection: Before your official final inspection, do your own thorough walkthrough with a copy of your Property Condition Report (PCR). This helps identify areas needing attention before the agent does.
- Failing to Communicate with Your Property Manager: Don’t leave your property manager in the dark. Keep them informed of your move-out date, any potential issues, and when you expect to complete cleaning. Good communication fosters a good relationship.
2. The Deep Clean: Beyond a Quick Wipe-Down
This is arguably the biggest reason for bond deductions. Tenants often underestimate the level of cleanliness required.
- Overlooking “Hidden” Areas:
- Oven & Rangehood: These must be spotless – inside, outside, racks, and filters.
- Skirting Boards, Door Frames & Walls: Dust, cobwebs, and scuff marks are easily missed.
- Windows & Tracks: Inside and out (if safely accessible), including the often-grimy tracks.
- Light Fittings & Ceiling Fans: Dust and insect build-up.
- Blinds & Curtains: Vacuum or wipe down, check for mould.
- Cupboards & Drawers: Inside and out, including shelves and handles.
- Dishwasher & Washing Machine Filters: Clean thoroughly.
- Not Addressing Mould/Mildew: Especially in Perth’s humid climate, bathrooms and laundries can accumulate mould. This must be professionally cleaned or treated.
- Neglecting Professional Services (When Required):
- Carpet Cleaning: If it was professionally cleaned when you moved in, your lease often requires it to be professionally cleaned upon exit. Keep the receipt!
- Pest Control: Often a lease requirement if you had pets, or if pests were an issue during your tenancy. Keep the receipt.
- Leaving Behind Rubbish: Any items left behind (even a single old magazine) can be considered rubbish and incur removal fees. Don’t forget hard rubbish and garden waste.
3. Repairs & Maintenance: Wear and Tear vs. Damage
- Confusing Wear and Tear with Damage: Landlords are responsible for reasonable wear and tear. You are responsible for damage you or your guests caused. Address any damage (e.g., holes in walls, broken fixtures) before vacating.
- Not Consulting the PCR: Your Property Condition Report is crucial. Use it to compare the condition of the property at the start and end of your tenancy. Take photos and videos when you move out to document the condition.
- Ignoring Minor Repairs: Loose door handles, leaky taps, broken lightbulbs – fixing these small issues yourself can save you from a larger deduction.
4. Outdoor Areas: Don’t Forget the Garden!
- Overgrown Gardens: Lawns must be mowed, edges trimmed, weeds removed, and gardens generally neat and tidy, as per the condition at the start of your tenancy.
- Uncleaned Patios/Balconies: Sweep, remove cobwebs, and wash down.
- Dirty Garages/Sheds: Sweep out, remove oil stains if applicable, and clear out any forgotten items.
- Wheelie Bins: Empty and clean them.
5. Utilities & Administration: Tying Up Loose Ends
- Forgetting to Disconnect Utilities: Ensure electricity, gas, and internet accounts are disconnected or transferred out of your name on the correct date. Failure to do so could mean you’re liable for subsequent bills.
- Not Redirecting Mail: Set up mail redirection with Australia Post to your new address.
- Changing Your Address: Update your address with banks, superannuation funds, insurance providers, subscriptions, and government services (ATO, Medicare, DoT).
- Returning ALL Keys: This includes house keys, garage remotes, letterbox keys, and any common area access cards. Missing keys can lead to lock replacement fees.
Quick Takeaways for Moving Out of a Perth Rental
- Read Your Lease: Re-familiarise yourself with all exit clauses for cleaning, repairs, and notice.
- Use Your PCR: Conduct a pre-exit inspection comparing current condition to your entry Property Condition Report.
- Deep Clean Everything: Pay attention to ovens, windows, skirting boards, and professional carpet/pest control if required.
- Address Damage: Fix any damage beyond normal wear and tear.
- Tend to Outdoors: Mow lawns, weed gardens, and clean outdoor areas.
- Admin Essentials: Disconnect utilities, redirect mail, update addresses, and return all keys.
By meticulously following this checklist, Perth tenants can significantly increase their chances of a smooth move-out process and a full bond refund. Proactivity and attention to detail are your best allies!
FAQs
Q: How much notice do I need to give when moving out of a rental in Perth?
This depends on your lease type.
* Fixed-term lease: You must give at least 30 days’ written notice before your lease end date. If you break the lease early, different conditions and potential costs apply.
* Periodic lease (month-to-month): You must give at least 21 days’ written notice.
Always refer to your specific lease agreement.
Q: Do I always have to get the carpets professionally cleaned?
Not always, but often. Your lease agreement will state if professional carpet cleaning is required. If the carpets were professionally cleaned at the start of your tenancy, it’s highly likely you’ll be required to have them professionally cleaned upon exit. Always keep your receipt as proof. If not specified, they must still be returned to a reasonably clean condition.
Q: What is considered “fair wear and tear” in WA?
Fair wear and tear refers to the deterioration that occurs over time with normal use, despite reasonable care. Examples include faded curtains, worn carpet in high-traffic areas, minor paint chips from normal use. Damage, however, is caused by negligence, misuse, or accident (e.g., large stains, holes in walls, broken windows). The Property Condition Report is key to distinguishing between the two.
Q: Can my property manager charge me for general cleaning if I did it myself?
If the property manager deems your self-cleaning insufficient and not to the standard outlined in the lease (or “reasonably clean”), they can arrange for professional cleaners and deduct the cost from your bond. This is why thorough cleaning, sometimes professional, is critical.
Q: What if I disagree with bond deductions?
If you believe bond deductions are unfair, first try to negotiate directly with your property manager/landlord. If an agreement cannot be reached, you can dispute the bond deduction with Consumer Protection WA (who hold all rental bonds). They offer a free conciliation service, and if that fails, you can apply to the Magistrates Court for a final decision.
