How To Get Your Bond Back
7 Essential Tips to Ensure You Get Your Bond Back
Essential tips to get your bond back when moving out. Expert advice on on what to know to get 100% of your bond back
Moving out of a rental property can be exciting as you prepare to start your new journey. But the question of how and, more importantly, when you get your bond money back from the landlord or property manager can be daunting. Is that tiny scratch in the paint enough for them to say no?
Your bond is a significant amount of money, usually equivalent to several weeks' rent, which you paid as a security deposit when you first moved in. If you can get it back, you’ll have a nice little start to your next move, but how can you make sure it’ll be back in your bank account at the end of your rental contract?
When do you get your bond back?
This can vary depending on the factors we will go through, but mostly will be indicated within your tenancy agreement. Simply asking your agent directly, "when do i get my bond back?" is a good way to start on the same page. Short of that, the bond refund process typically takes anywhere from a few days to several weeks after the end of the tenancy.
Understanding the tenancy agreement
The first step to securing your bond is to thoroughly read and understand your tenancy agreement. Don’t skip ahead because you’re feeling a bit lazy or you’re too excited to move in, as tempting as that is. Familiarise yourself with the conditions and requirements for moving out, including notice periods, cleaning expectations, and any specific instructions provided by the landlord or property manager, such as NBN connection requirements. That way, when the time comes to move out, you can plan and organise according to these details.
Plan ahead
Moving can be chaotic, but planning ahead will help you stay organised and avoid any last-minute rush. Make a checklist of tasks to be completed before moving out, such as cleaning, repairs, and organising your belongings.
Try to start early and tackle one task at a time, so there’s plenty of time to deal with any issues and your transition is more stress-free! If you’re unsure of timing, ask friends or family for help, or better yet, call your service providers to work out timelines. The Direct Connect team is available 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday, and 9am to 5pm Saturdays and can help you with all things related to your connections, cleaning or removalists.
Conduct a pre-inspection
If you have time, consider requesting a pre-inspection from your landlord or property manager. This inspection will help you identify any areas that need attention or repairs before the final inspection, so you can address them as soon as possible, and you have better chances to get your bond back without deductions for damages.
Cleaning is key to getting 100% of your bond back
One of the most critical factors in receiving your bond back is leaving the property in a clean and tidy condition. Clean all rooms, including carpets, windows, and appliances, and pay special attention to areas that are often overlooked, such as inside cupboards, under furniture, and behind appliances. You might even want to hire professional cleaners if you're short on time or lack the cleaning expertise to get everything spick-and-span.
If you find yourself wanting a professional clean, our team can get you connected with WHIZZ, who have provided cleaning services to over 40,000 customers since 2014 and offer a 100% Happiness Guarantee to make sure your home is left sparkling clean.
Repair damages
Repair any damages that occurred during your tenancy, such as holes in walls, broken fixtures, or damaged flooring. Taking care of these repairs before the final inspection demonstrates your responsibility as a tenant and enhances the likelihood of receiving your bond in full.
Provide proper notice
Give your landlord or property manager the required notice as per your tenancy agreement. Failure to give proper notice could result in financial penalties or deductions from your bond.
Document everything
Throughout the moving-out process, make sure to document the property's condition with photographs or videos. This evidence can serve as proof of the property's condition when you left it, protecting you from any unfair claims of damages. Also, make sure to keep all communication with your landlord or property manager in writing to maintain a record of any agreements or discussions.
How do you get your bond back if you break lease
If you need to break your lease agreement early, here's what to do to get your bond back. Firstly, review your lease agreement carefully to understand the terms. Notify your landlord in writing about your intention to terminate the lease early and discuss potential options with them. Follow any procedures outlined in the lease for early termination, including paying any fees or providing notice. Arrange for a final inspection of the property to assess for damages beyond normal wear and tear. Complete all necessary paperwork accurately and submit it to the appropriate parties. Negotiate any disputes regarding the bond refund with your landlord if needed. Follow up to ensure the bond refund is processed in a timely manner.
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