Advice on getting a bond refund.
Advice on getting a bond refund.
You should receive your bond refund at the end of a rental agreement. This amount should add up to four weeks worth and you have fulfilled your obligations for this too! If it’s not enough, then there may be an issue with how the property was handed over. If you don’t want to end up with less than what’s owed on your bond, there are plenty of things that can be done.
LEAVING BY THE RIGHT DATE
While most tenants plan to leave by the last date on their rental agreement, there are scenarios that may force them to stay for a few days longer than their lease. This can incur extra rental charges and if you’re unable pay these fees then it’s likely your landlord will take money out of your bond as compensation.
CLEAN ALL APPLIANCES AND FIXTURES
When you make plans to vacate the property, it’s important that all appliances and fixtures are taken care of. You may need professional help cleaning them but first ensure they work properly by going around your home with an inventory list making note any potential repairs needed before leaving for good!
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN WEAR AND TEAR AND PROPER DAMAGE
You may take note of things that look damaged. You initially think it’s your responsibility to get them fixed, but in some cases there really isn’t a need for you to repair the damage yourself; sometimes this can be wear and tear or even if you took care of every feature on property with love. There will still come across features which are beyond restoring through maintenance alone.
REVIEW YOUR INITIAL CONDITION REPORT
Before you signed your rental agreement you should have been given a condition report. This type of report outlines the condition of the house before you moved in. Ideally, your rental property should be in the same condition as what’s outlined in the condition report. This is just one of the many requirements you will need to fulfil to get your bond back.
Your manager will check the condition of your home when you leave, and if it doesn’t match up with what is noted on their report they may take action!
The best way I’ve found for comparison purposes are going room by room. So make sure everything matches prior Knowledgeable renters know not only how important condition reports.
RETURNING ALL KEYS
After you vacate your property, it is essential that all the keys are returned to your property manager. These can include garage door openers and key rings for windows as well as side gate access cards or house door handles if they exist onsite at our properties in order to ensure smooth transitions while there’s still someone living there!
MEET YOUR OBLIGATIONS AS A TENANT
You should always be sure to give your landlord notice if you need the property before it’s due for an extended stay. If not, additional costs may apply and they could increase monthly rental rates on top of this!
USING PROFESSIONAL HELP
One of the essential tasks you need to do for retaining your bond is leaving the house spotless. Read through your lease agreement and condition reports carefully which specifies how this property should be left after a tenancy has ended, and consider checking whether professional cleaning services are available if it states so in writing!
UNDERSTAND THE PROCESS FOR GETTING A BOND REFUND
One of the best things you can do to get your bond back is by understanding how this whole process works, calling the RTBA is a great place to start. Another good options is speaking to your property manager about the process and how long it normally takes.
You will need the details of an account where funds can be transferred. You also require contact information in case anything goes wrong with this process or if someone else needs access for emergency services during a fire outbreak response time frame (this includes both residential properties as well).
I know it can be tough, but don’t worry- there are plenty of things you should do before your rental agreement ends so that everything runs smoothly.
For more information have a read of Consumers Affairs Victoria renters guide.