I’m leaving a rental property – how can I make sure I get my bond back?
Raine and Horne Murraylands property manager Milaina Gregory shares her tips on exiting a rental home without losing a fortune.
This sponsored story is brought to you by Raine and Horne Murraylands.
So you’re moving out of a rental property, preparing for the inspection that will be due at the end of your lease.
Unless you’ve been the perfect tenant, it’s natural to feel a little nervous about what scrapes or spots your property manager might find on your way out.
In an ideal world, though, you’d like to get back as much of your bond as possible…
We’ve asked Raine and Horne Murraylands property manager Milaina Gregory: what can you do to make sure you get your cash back when you move out?
Take care of the place
Our first suggestion is the most obvious: try not to trash the joint if you can avoid it.
“Double check (before moving out) that you’ve gone through the property, it’s all clean, there’s no damage,” Milaina says.
“Allow sufficient time for cleaning.”
Normal wear and tear is to be expected in any property, especially if you’ve been there for a number of years.
But property managers hope not to find black marks on walls, abandoned mattresses or sheds full of scrap metal.
For proof that you’ve taken care of the place, you’ll want to refer back to the inspection report you would have been given when you moved into the property.
Hopefully you’ll have kept it in a cupboard out of the way somewhere, or taken photos of it on your phone that you can find later.
If not, and if you’re moving into another rental, you might like to think about where you’ll keep that report next time.
Communication, communication, communication
Milaina’s next tip is to stay in touch with your property manager throughout your tenancy.
Answer any letters or return any phone calls as soon as you’re able, and if the property has been damaged, don’t be afraid to let your property manager know.
“They might be able to suggest options to fix it or give you tradespeople you can reach out to,” she says.
“A clear line of communication helps.
“If there are any issues, (knowing about them in advance) makes for a nicer finish to the tenancy.”
Likewise, if you have any other questions about the bond refund process, just contact your property manager.
Make sure you’re all paid up
The next thing you’ll want to do is make sure your rent and any outgoings are paid and up to date.
“Make sure your rent is paid up to your move-out date,” Milaina says.
“We will calculate your final water bill after you vacate the rental property, so just ensure that that’s paid.”
If you’re moving out before the end of your tenancy, you should be aware that you may also face a cost for breaking the lease.
“That’s something to take into account, because it can be an unexpected thing you don’t think about,” Milaina says.
“If you are thinking about moving out early – your circumstances change, work changes or you’ve purchased a property – we’d like to have a conversation prior to that so we can speak to an owner and see if we can come to an agreement between the two parties.”
If you think you may have trouble paying the bond for a new rental property before you get your old bond back, Milaina suggests you contact Housing SA.
The state government agency may be able to help eligible renters bridge the gap.
- More information: Visit www.sa.gov.au.
Getting your bond back
Provided you’ve looked after your rental property, communicated when you’ve needed to, and paid all your rent up to the day you’re moving out, Milaina says, you’re not likely to have any problems getting your bond back.
Then it’s good luck to you, and all the best in your new home.
- More information: Visit www.raineandhorne.com.au/murraylands, call 8532 3833 or drop into Raine and Horne Murraylands’ office at 4 Seventh Street, Murray Bridge.
Advertising to more than 20,000 highly engaged locals can do wonders for your business. Call Murray Bridge News’ Jane Intini on 0418 835 768 or email jane@murraybridge.news.
Peri Strathearn
