How To Do An Exit Clean To Get Your Rental Bond Back

Getting your bond back is a big deal for renters, so what's expected and what's best practice?

Residz Team 5 min read

How To Do An Exit Clean To Get Your Rental Bond Back

Over a very nice risotto, we last night farewelled a young British couple who’ve been our neighbours for the past six months. They’re moving out of their rental property and asked us about the required “exit clean.”

As you probably know, a thorough exit clean is crucial to ensuring you receive your bond back in full.

I thought it was a good subject for a blog, so off I went to do some research. Here’s what I found.

What The Authorities Require By Law

Getting the bond back is why most tenants do a thorough exit clean, perhaps even hiring professionals to do the job. Nevertheless, leaving the property at least “reasonably clean” is law in most states and territories. Here’s what their wording says:

Consumer Affairs Victoria says that when moving out, renters and residents must leave the property reasonably clean, in the same condition as when they moved in (taking into account fair wear and tear).

Fair Trading NSW says at the end of a tenancy, the tenant is responsible for leaving the property as near as possible to the same condition as when they started living in it. However, the tenant is not responsible for 'fair wear and tear'.

Residential Tenancies Authority Qld says tenants are responsible for leaving the premises in the same condition it was in at the start of the tenancy, less fair wear and tear.

Tasmanian Government’s Consumer, Building and Occupational Services says tenants should leave the property in the same condition it was in at the beginning of the lease. It advises to use your ingoing condition report, and take photographs when you have finished.

The WA Government says tenants must keep the property reasonably clean and are expected to hand it back in a similar condition to how it was at the start of the agreement, taking into account normal use (fair wear and tear).

The SA Government says to clean and tidy the property, including gardens. Repair any damage you have caused to the property and check the condition of the property against the original property inspection sheet.

Legal Aid ACT says you are expected to return the property in substantially the same condition and level of cleanliness it was in at the beginning of the tenancy, allowing for fair wear and tear.

NT Consumer Affairs says when a tenant moves out they should leave the property reasonably clean and in a reasonable state of repair, allowing for fair wear and tear.

What is Fair Wear and Tear?

Fair Trading NSW says fair wear and tear is normal deterioration that occurs over time to the property.

Examples include: faded curtains, scuffed wooden floors or worn areas of carpet, faded or cracked paint, worn benchtops, worn sliding tracks on doors, water stains from a leaking roof or poor plumbing, or paint worn off around light switches.

Damage, on the other hand, might include burn marks or stains on carpets or benchtops, missing or torn curtains, broken glass, an unapproved poor quality paint job, water stains from indoor pot plants, damage to paint from blu-tack or stickytape.

Before You Move Into a Rental Property

Most authorities recommend that before you unpack your belongings into any rental property it is a good idea to take photos of all rooms, gardens and any problem areas. Any existing damage to the property or other issues should be noted in the property condition report.

Expectations for an Exit Clean

When you’re time and cash poor, it’s a pain to have to lift your cleaning standards up a notch. But this is what is usually required for an exit clean to get your bond back. Being prepared is key.  

Cleanliness Standards: Start by checking your lease agreement or speaking with your landlord or property manager to understand their specific cleanliness standards. Different landlords may have varying expectations, so it's crucial to be aware of these requirements.

Time Frame: Plan your exit clean well in advance of your move-out date. Depending on the size and condition of your rental property, it may take several days to complete the process thoroughly (and for carpets to dry if you’re steam cleaning them).

Supplies and Tools: Gather all the necessary cleaning supplies and tools. You'll need items like all-purpose cleaner, glass cleaner, microfibre cloths, a vacuum cleaner, mop and bucket, scrub brushes, rubbish bags, and any specialised cleaners for specific surfaces.

Exit Clean Techniques

It’s good to do a bit of planning so you can divide and conquer, and do a thorough job as quickly as possible.

Declutter and Remove Personal Items: Begin by decluttering each room and removing personal items. This includes furniture, decorations, and any items you brought into the property. Leave the property as close to its original condition as possible.

Dust from Top to Bottom: Start by dusting from the top of the room (ceiling, light fixtures, and vents) and work your way down to lower surfaces. Use microfibre cloths or a duster to trap dust effectively.

Wipe Down All Surfaces: Clean all surfaces, including countertops, appliances, cabinets, and walls. Pay special attention to high-touch areas like doorknobs, light switches, and handles.

Clean Inside and Outside Appliances: Don't forget to clean inside and outside of appliances, including the oven, refrigerator, microwave, and dishwasher. Remove any food particles and stains.

Clean Bathrooms and Kitchens Thoroughly: Scrub the bathroom fixtures, tiles, and grout. In the kitchen, clean the sink, stove, and countertops meticulously. Check for any grease or residue.

Clean Floors: Vacuum or sweep all floors, and then mop with the appropriate cleaner for the flooring type. Repair any visible damage to flooring, if applicable.

Windows and Glass: Clean windows, mirrors, and glass doors with glass cleaner. Ensure there are no streaks or spots left behind.

Replace Light Bulbs: Replace any burnt-out light bulbs to ensure all fixtures are in working order.

Inspect and Repair: Carefully inspect the property for any damages or issues beyond regular wear and tear. Address any necessary repairs or maintenance.

Sequencing for a Thorough Exit Clean

I learned about sequencing from a neighbour who has a rental property that she cleans for AirBnb guests. She always starts at the top and works her way down. You can plan a logical sequence for your exit clean, but here are some topline suggestions.

Room by Room: Clean one room at a time to ensure you don't miss any areas. Start with the least frequently used rooms and work your way towards the main living spaces.

Common Areas Last: Save common areas like the living room, kitchen, and bathrooms for last, as these tend to accumulate more dirt and dust during the cleaning process.

Final Walkthrough: After completing the cleaning process, conduct a final walkthrough to ensure nothing has been overlooked. Address any missed spots or areas in need of additional cleaning.

Photographic Evidence: Take photographs of the property after the exit clean is complete. This documentation can serve as evidence of the property's condition at the time of departure.

Remember that a thorough exit clean is not only a requirement of most rental agreements but also a sign of respect for the property owner. By following these techniques and sequencing, you can leave your rental property in pristine condition and increase the likelihood of receiving your full security deposit refund.

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