How to make leaving a rental stress-free
You know what they say about moving…it potentially ranks as one of the more stressful experiences in life.
But it doesn’t have to be that way. Whether you’re moving to a property you own, are shifting to another town or your rental agreement has come to an end, here’s how to make leaving a rental stress-free.
Know your key dates
Exiting a rental involves setting a few key dates that you need to work to, with the ultimate deadline being the day you hand back the keys.
Depending on the furniture and personal possessions you need to move and what’s involved with exiting the property, you should work backwards, allowing yourself enough time to clean the property (or have it cleaned), have carpets cleaned (if required) and undertake pest control (if required).
You will also need to schedule the actual date for your removal, with the aim being to have the property vacant, free of all your possessions and clean by the time you hand back the keys.
Return the property to its original condition
Exiting a rental involves returning the property to its original condition. That means it should be the same as when you moved in except for any fair wear and tear.
Depending on the size of the property there might be a fair bit involved in this process, but as a general rule of thumb it includes:
- Cleaning all windows
- Wiping down all cupboards and walls
- Cleaning all fans and air conditioning filters
- Replacing any lightbulbs that aren’t working
- Cleaning security grilles and flyscreens
- Cleaning all the floors
- Having the carpets cleaned
- Ensuring the oven is clean
- Mowing the lawn
- Tidying the garden and exterior
Consult the Entry Condition Report
When you first entered the rental property, the property manager would have provided you with an Entry Condition Report which thoroughly documented every part of the property including any existing issues, what was included, and what was working and what wasn’t.
This document comes in very handy during the exit process and you should cross-check the condition of the property against it as you leave.
Disconnect services
As you prepare to move out, don’t forget to contact all the relevant utilities companies to organise the disconnection of services such as the telephone, internet, and electricity.
If the property has gas bottles, you will also need to have these filled prior to leaving, and ensure you contact Australia Post to redirect your mail to your next address.
The last day
On your last day at the property, finalise any repairs or maintenance and ensure everything is neat, tidy and returned to its original condition.
You might also want to take photos of the property and its condition as a safeguard. Then gather up all the keys, remotes, or access cards that need to be returned to the property manager.
Once these have been returned, the property manager will then inspect the property and, providing all is as it should be, organise the return of your rental bond.
How we can assist
Our experienced property managers pride themselves on establishing great relationships with both rental occupiers and owners.
We manage every property as if it were our own and you can learn more about our property management services here.
Alternatively, if you are looking to rent a property, you can view the properties we currently have available here.
