Renting a property in Melbourne is an exciting experience, but when the time comes to move out, ensuring that you get your full bond back can become stressful. A significant portion of your bond may be withheld if your rental property is not cleaned to the landlord or property manager’s standards. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore essential bond-back cleaning tips for renters in Melbourne, offering practical advice to help you leave your rental property spotless, avoid deductions, and get your bond back in full.
What is Bond-Back Cleaning?
Bond-back cleaning refers to the thorough cleaning process tenants must perform before vacating a rental property. This cleaning aims to restore the property to its original condition, ensuring it meets the cleanliness expectations of the landlord or property manager. This is an essential part of the moving-out process as it directly impacts your ability to get your full bond refunded.
1. Start with a Detailed Checklist
Before diving into the cleaning process, it’s important to create a cleaning checklist. A checklist helps you stay organised and ensures that no area is overlooked. Make sure your checklist includes:
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Kitchen:
Clean oven, stove, microwave, fridge, and all surfaces.
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Bathrooms:
Scrub shower, bathtub, sink, and clean mirrors and tiles.
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Bedrooms and Living Areas:
Dust all surfaces, vacuum carpets, and wipe down walls.
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Floors:
Mop or vacuum all floors depending on the type.
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Windows and Doors:
Clean windows, window sills, and door frames.
This checklist can guide you through the process and help ensure you don’t miss any important cleaning tasks.
2. Deep Clean the Kitchen
The kitchen is often a critical area when it comes to bond-back cleaning. A poorly cleaned kitchen can lead to deductions from your bond. Focus on these key areas:
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Oven and Cooktop:
Use a degreaser to remove any grease or food stains. Make sure the oven racks are clean and the glass is streak-free.
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Refrigerator:
Empty the fridge and freezer, then clean all shelves with warm soapy water. Ensure no food remnants are left behind.
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Microwave and Small Appliances:
Wipe down the microwave, kettle, toaster, and any other small appliances. Remove any crumbs or food stains.
3. Tackle the Bathrooms Thoroughly
Bathrooms tend to accumulate grime and soap scum over time, making them one of the most scrutinised areas during bond inspections. Focus on:
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Shower and Bathtub:
Scrub away soap scum and lime buildup from tiles, grout, and glass panels. Use a bathroom cleaner that’s effective on hard water stains.
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Toilets:
Clean both the inside and outside of the toilet, including the base and tank. Pay special attention to any mineral buildup.
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Mirrors and Sinks:
Use a glass cleaner for mirrors and wipe down the sink with a gentle cleaning solution to avoid scratches.
4. Vacuum and Clean Carpets or Floors
Whether your rental has carpet, tiles, or hardwood flooring, thorough cleaning of all floors is essential.
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Carpets:
Vacuum the entire area, and if there are any stains, use a carpet cleaner or hire a professional cleaning service. Carpet stains can be a common cause of bond deductions, so tackling them early is key.
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Tiles and Hardwood Floors:
Sweep or vacuum all floors before mopping them. Use the appropriate cleaner for the floor type to avoid damaging the surface.
5. Pay Attention to Walls and Light Fixtures
While it’s easy to forget, landlords often check walls and light fixtures for cleanliness.
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Walls:
Look for marks, scuffs, or dirt on the walls. Use a mild detergent to clean walls, or opt for a magic eraser for stubborn marks.
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Light Fixtures and Ceiling Fans:
Dust light fixtures, clean any lightbulbs, and wipe down ceiling fans.
6. Ensure All Windows Are Clean
Window cleaning is often a point of contention during bond inspections. Clean both the inside and outside of your windows. Don’t forget to:
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Window Tracks and Frames:
Wipe down the window tracks and frames to remove dirt and dust.
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Screens:
If your rental has window screens, make sure they are free from dust and debris.
7. Professional Cleaning Services
While many renters handle the bond-back cleaning themselves, hiring a professional cleaning service is an option that ensures a high standard of cleanliness and can save time and stress. Professional cleaners like Melbourne Cleaning Services specialise in bond-back cleaning and are experienced in meeting the specific requirements of landlords and property managers. They use professional-grade equipment and products to clean every corner of your property.
If you’re unsure about whether your cleaning efforts will be enough to secure your bond, hiring a professional cleaning company can give you peace of mind and increase the likelihood of a full bond refund.
8. Take Photos Before Leaving
Once you’ve completed all cleaning tasks, take photos of every room and area. This documentation can serve as evidence in case of any disputes with the landlord or property manager regarding the condition of the property. Clear photos can show the condition of the property when you leave and prevent any unfair deductions.
9. Remove All Personal Belongings and Trash
Ensure that the property is free of all your personal belongings and that there is no trash left behind. This includes cleaning out storage spaces, cupboards, and under furniture.
10. Inspect the Property with the Landlord or Property Manager
Before returning your keys, it’s a good idea to inspect the property with the landlord or property manager. This gives you the opportunity to address any potential cleaning issues before they become a problem. If there’s something they notice that needs attention, you can quickly resolve it before the final inspection.
FAQs About Bond-Back Cleaning for Renters in Melbourne
Q1: Can I do the bond-back cleaning myself, or should I hire a professional?
A1: You can certainly do the cleaning yourself if you are thorough and follow a detailed checklist. However, hiring a professional cleaning service ensures that every detail is covered, which can give you a better chance of getting your full bond back.
Q2: How much does professional bond-back cleaning cost in Melbourne?
A2: The cost of professional cleaning can vary depending on the size of the property and the cleaning company. On average, bond-back cleaning services in Melbourne range from $200 to $600.
Q3: How long before my move-out date should I start cleaning?
A3: Start cleaning at least 3-4 days before your move-out date. This gives you ample time to tackle each area of the house and ensure everything is spotless.
Q4: What happens if the landlord finds cleaning issues after I’ve moved out?
A4: If there are cleaning issues, the landlord may withhold part of your bond to cover the cost of additional cleaning. This is why it’s crucial to meet or exceed their cleanliness expectations.
Q5: What if I accidentally damage something during cleaning?
A5: If you accidentally damage something, it’s important to report it to your landlord or property manager. You may be responsible for the cost of repairs, and reporting the damage early can help avoid misunderstandings.
Q6: How can I ensure that I get my full bond back?
A6: Thorough cleaning, addressing any repairs, and ensuring the property is returned to its original condition are key to getting your full bond back. You can also request a final inspection with your landlord to resolve any concerns before handing over the keys.
Start Early!
Bond-back cleaning is one of the most important tasks for renters in Melbourne. By following a detailed checklist and paying attention to every corner of the property, you can increase your chances of getting your full bond back. Whether you decide to handle the cleaning yourself or hire a professional cleaning service, ensuring the property is spotless will give you peace of mind and help you avoid costly deductions. Remember, the key is to start early, be thorough, and take the time to address every detail. Happy cleaning!
