There is a fine line between getting your entire bond back and losing a significant sum, which is often due to the criteria set forth by property managers. When talking to numerous real estate agents around the country, we have learned the dos and don’ts of bond cleaning that makes the difference between a successful outcome and a devastating offside.
“From my experience, within the first thirty seconds of a final inspection, I could tell if the tenant is going to get the full refund or not,” a senior property manager from Caporn Young said, “It boils down to knowing what specific aspect of the unit you have to focus on that the majority of tenants do not.” Caporn Young is one of the leading real estate agencies in Perth.
We now have a definitive bond cleaning checklist and outline a how to guide on meeting the exact standards property managers expect during their inspections. This guide and checklist helps meet the criteria needed to to ensure that bond outcomes are always favorable.
Being Aware of Property Manager’s Expectations
Property managers are not trying to withhold your bond money – they simply have professional procedures that they have to follow when a new tenant wants to move in.
Long-time property manager Sarah Walker said, “We hunt for something in between. What tends to happen is people do not meet the standards of expectation, and it results in bond squabbles. In essence, the expectation should be that the premises are left in a reasonable condition.”
Most property managers utilize inspection checklists which pay most attention to cleanliness, functionality, and condition. Effective end-of-lease cleaning is done with a certain degree of predicting what the property manager expects of the cleanliness as well as the cleaning levels of the inspected areas. Understanding these expectations helps. So does knowing what matters most to the inspectors so the cleaning can be focused on those areas.
Areas Mostly Not Done Properly
These areas are known to create bond deductions, and they are frequently neglected by the tenants which makes cleaning these areas a lot easier to accomplish. According to real estate experts, these areas almost always result in bond deductions being deducted:
- Oven and Range Hood: Buildup of grease and burnt food always comes first, putrid smells always come second.
- Window Tracks And Sliding Door Channels: Detrimental dirt accumulation that comes with non-working windows and doors.
- Exhaust Fans: fans that have dust all over them and they are in bathrooms or laundry rooms.
- Skirting Boards: Usually forgotten about when the cleaning is done.
- Light Fixtures And Switches: Milky fingerprints and heavy deposition of dust on surfaces.
- Behind and Under Appliances: These areas help to gauge the overall thoroughness of the cleaning.
“I can effortlessly spot a tenant who has prepared themselves for inspection when their oven racks have been scrubbed clean and their window tracks are tidy,” says property manager Michelle Davidson, Harcourts.
Priorities for Bond Cleaning Room by Room
Kitchen
- Deep clean the insides and outsides of all drawers and cupboards.
- Deep clean oven, door glass, racks, and control knobs.
- Clean the range hood filters and degrease the entire range hood.
- Every countertop, sink, and backslash needs to be cleaned.
- All appliances shall be wiped down if they are going to remain in the kitchen. Make sure to wipe down both the inside and outside of appliances that are remaining.
- Wash the soap dispensers and filters of the dish washing machine.
Bathroom
- Clear soap scum, mildew, and mold from shower stall and bathtub.
- Clean the grout that is found in between tiles.
- Remove scales from taps and shower heads.
- Wipe down the mirror cabinet, vanity and the sink.
- Disinfect the toilet seat, bowl, and surrounding areas.
- Remove dirt and dust from exhaust fans and light fixtures.
Living Areas & Bedrooms
- Dust the light fixtures, ceiling fans and surfaces.
- Clean inside drawers, cupboards, and wardrobes.
- Wipe all skirting boards.
- Wipe the windows, clean the window framing, and take off the curtains and clean them.
- Clean walls by removing the stains while ensuring the wall paints are not damaged.
- Mop and vacuum floors.
Additional Areas
- Outdoor spaces: Sweep patios, remove cobwebs, and wipe the railings.
- Entryway & Halls: Polish and wipe light fixtures. Remove scuff marks from the floor.
- Laundry Room: Wash out the cups and sinks, and cleanse the lint filters.
TheProfessional Nuance That Makes All The Difference
Certain cleaning strategies are considered the most comprehensive and care oriented by real estate agents, and it is clear that they all agree on this fact:
The Top-to-Bottom Approach
In order to not double your effort, painstakingly clean your house from top to bottom. Begin by wiping the ceiling first, clean the wall and windows next, and then mop the floor.
The Right Products For the Right Surfaces
Using the correct products for cleaning demonstrates to me that the tenants are keen on looking after the property as needed. Property manager Brad Thompson explains. Different surfaces require different cleaners.
- Natural stone: pH-neutral cleaners only
- Stainless steel: Specialized stainless cleaners
- Glass: Ammonia-free glass cleaners
- Wood: Appropriate wood cleaners for the finish type
Methodical Cleaning System
Professional cleaners work with a systematic approach to ensure they do not miss anything:
- Work clockwise around each room.
- Create a detailed checklist and mark items as completed.
- Use the “Clean Room” method – complete one room before moving to the next.
Time-Saving strategies
Bond cleaning can take the better part of the week. These techniques, however, do promise to save time:
- Preparation is key: When cleaning, gather all supplies beforehand.
- Soak first: Start by putting cleaners on tough areas such as the oven and shower, and let them soak while cleaning other areas.
- Delegate wisely: Decide which particular rooms each person can help in.
- Clean as you pack: The moment areas are emptied, start cleaning right away.
- Focused sessions: Finish work in 45-minute intervals and short breaks to remain productive.
When DIY Isn’t Enough
It is possible that some areas of your house may simply be beyond your cleaning abilities, and a professional is needed. Some cases in which skilled cleaners help significantly include:
- Use of industrial machinery for severely stained carpets
- Ongoing problem with mold in bathrooms
- Overly dirty ovens that even the most enthusiastic DIYers cannot tackle
- Properties with special surfaces which require skilled handling
In these cases, professional end of lease cleaning services may well be worth the money, as they can help you avoid losing too much from your bond.
Final Inspection Preparation
Before a property manager comes, make sure you go through your own checklist as well. After you finish the cleaning, make an order of inspection yourself and check for:
- Use your phone’s camera flash to look for dust in hard to reach places
- Walk around the room and look at it from different angles
- Examine every surface by using your finger
- Take pictures for proof of cleaning
- Do a comparison analysis between your condition and the property’s condition report from your initial move in
Conclusion
In the end, success in bond cleaning lies in knowing what property managers pay special attention to during their inspections and being organized about it. By following this checklist suggested by real estate agents, you will have a far better chance at getting all of your bond money back.
Always prioritize quality over speed. Make sure to follow the right procedures, make records of your actions, and if you face any sort of problems during the cleaning, reach out to your property manager in advance.
A smooth transfer into your next dwelling is guaranteed by proper planning and techniques along with having the appropriate expectations. With these in mind, you can perfect bond cleaning.
