Tenants

Moving out

Moving is busy enough. Here's how vacating works, step by step, so nothing catches you out and your bond comes back without fuss. If anything is unclear, ask me early.

Step by step

How vacating works

Step 1: Give me written notice (Form 22)
Use the Notice of Termination form (Form 22). For a periodic tenancy, give at least 21 days' notice. If you are on a fixed-term lease, give at least 30 days' notice before the end date.
Step 2: Book your final inspection
Let me know your moving date and I'll book a time. I compare the home against the property condition report from when you moved in, so keep your copy handy.
Step 3: Clean and clear the home
Leave the home in the same condition as when you moved in, allowing for fair wear and tear. Use the checklist below so nothing is missed.
Step 4: Return every key
Hand back all keys, remotes and access cards on or before your last day. Let me know if anything has been lost.
Step 5: Your bond is released
Once the final inspection is done, I start the bond release through the Bond Administrator. Everyone on the bond is notified and needs to respond. Processing can take up to 4 weeks.

Your checklist

Cleaning and handover checklist

The aim is simple: the home should look the way it did on your ingoing report, allowing for normal wear and tear.

Inside

Kitchen: oven, cooktop, rangehood and filters, dishwasher, benchtops, splashback, and cupboards and drawers inside and out
Bathrooms and laundry: tiles and grout, shower screens, mirrors, basins, toilets, exhaust fans and drains
Walls, doors and skirting boards: wipe off marks and scuffs (please ask me before patching or painting anything)
Windows: glass, sills, tracks and flyscreens, plus blinds and curtains
Light fittings and ceiling fans dusted, with any blown globes replaced
Air-conditioner filters cleaned
Floors vacuumed and mopped, and carpets left in the condition shown on your ingoing report (check your lease for any carpet cleaning clause)
Cobwebs removed, and every cupboard, wardrobe and storage area emptied

Outside

Lawns mown and edged, garden beds weeded
Paths, patios and the garage swept, with any oil stains cleaned
All rubbish and belongings removed, including anything in the shed or garage
Bins emptied and rinsed

Before you go

Arrange final readings and disconnection for power, gas and internet
Update your address with your bank, insurer, the Department of Transport, the electoral roll and Medicare, and set up mail redirection
Give me your forwarding address for the bond and any final paperwork

Wear and tear is not damage

Normal wear from everyday living, like faded curtains or light carpet wear in walkways, is not something you pay for. Damage beyond that is. I'll always be fair about the difference and walk you through anything I find.

Your ingoing report is your best friend

The property condition report you completed when you moved in protects you at the end. Compare the home against it, room by room, before your final inspection.

Need to leave before your lease ends?

Talk to me first. A fixed-term lease can only end early in certain situations, such as by written agreement with the owner, and you may need to cover reletting costs. I'll explain your options plainly.

If you are not safe at home

If you are experiencing family and domestic violence, special rules let you end your tenancy with 7 days' notice. Talk to me in confidence, or see Consumer Protection WA for support.

Notice periods and bond rules are from Consumer Protection WA and are general information only. Your lease and the Residential Tenancies Act 1987 (WA) set out the exact terms that apply to you.

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need a hand?

Moving out soon and not sure what comes next? Get in touch and I'll talk you through it.

Contact me 0429 493 976

Or email me at pip@redfernrealty.com.au