Vacate Cleaning Mistakes Perth Tenants Must Avoid to Get Their Bond Back

In Perth, rental bonds are equal to four weeks’ worth of rent or more, making them the biggest upfront cost for tenants. Yet, every year countless renters lose part of their bond because of cleaning oversights during the final inspection. Even things like missed spots in the oven, stains on the carpet or grimy window tracks that you forgot to clean, could give your landlords enough reason to withhold your bond money. The result? Added financial strain at a time when moving is already expensive and demanding.

This article highlights the most common vacate cleaning mistakes that tenants make during vacate cleaning and offers practical tips to help reduce these chances and ensure your move goes more smoothly. By understanding the common pitfalls, you can leave your rental in excellent condition and maximise chances of getting your bond back. If you are seeking more assistance, professional vacate cleaning Perth can also be reliable way to meet the strict standards set by landlords and property managers.

1. Don’t Neglect the Kitchen Nooks and Crannies

The kitchen is very heavily scrutinised during a final inspection. Property managers often check ovens, stovetops, rangehoods, cupboards and splashbacks in detail. Tenants commonly make the mistake of giving all surfaces a quick wipe while ignoring the grease build up on the inside of the oven or burnt food stains on stovetops.

To avoid deductions, you’ll have to ensure the oven is thoroughly cleaned, filters are degreased, and cupboards are free of crumbs and stains. Don’t forget the sink area: limescale, rust spots and food residue can all raise red flags for inspectors. You can also hire budget vacate cleaning Perth services if you don’t have ample time to take care of all this yourself.

2. Forgetting to Clean Carpets and Flooring

Carpets are notorious for trapping everything from dust and pet hair to food spills and musty odours, making them a major focus area for landlords. Most tenants will only vacuum the carpets but overlook deep cleaning them. This can leave behind stains and those pesky lingering smells. Similarly, hard flooring is often only mopped but not scrubbed at the edges where dirt tends to collect more.

If your lease requires it (and it often does!) arrange for professional carpet cleaning to be done, especially if pets have been in the property. Failing to do so is one of the most common reasons behind why bonds are partially withheld. Taking time to clean skirting boards and floor edges also shows that you’ve paid attention to detail. This is greatly appreciated by the landlords.

3. Overlooking Cleaning of Windows, Blinds and Tracks

Windows are one of the most easily forgotten areas during a deep cleaning; hence, they are an easy target for making deductions. Dusty blinds, dirty window sills and clogged tracks can make an otherwise clean property look neglected. And with Perth’s dusty climate, it means that the windows can accumulate grime more quickly than you expect (both on the inside and out).

To avoid having to incur bond deductions, you’ll have to make sure the glass is streak free, blinds are dusted and tracks are vacuumed / wiped down. Tenants who skip these details may find themselves in a tricky situation. They may have to pay for avoidable cleaning charges after the inspection.

4. Ignoring Outdoor Area Cleaning

Most tenants direct their entire focus on cleaning the inside of the property and forget that landlords also inspect the exterior spaces. Balconies, courtyards and gardens are all part of the final assessment. Overgrown grass, dirty patios or cobweb covered outdoor lights can reflect poorly on the overall property condition. Even simple steps like mowing the lawn, sweeping paved areas and removing rubbish can prevent deductions.

5. Rushing the Bathroom Clean

Bathrooms require special attention because soap scum, mould and water stains can accumulate quickly. Tenants mostly clean visible areas and forget the grout, shower screens, behind taps and fittings. These are the very areas landlords inspect closely. Use the right cleaning products to clean these. Pay extra attention to drains, mirrors and tiles. A bathroom that sparkles, shows you’ve taken care of the property; reducing the likelihood of disputes.

6. Attempting a Last Minute Clean

One of the biggest mistakes tenants make is leaving all the cleaning for the last day. Rushed cleaning means overlooked details, which then means deductions. A better approach is to start cleaning a week before the move out date. Example, clean the oven and cabinets first, then concentrate on the windows and outside spaces, and lastly finish the floors and restrooms, prior to the day of handover. Tenants can also book expert Vacate Cleaning Perth services, to guarantee higher cleaning standards.

7. Not Following the Property Condition Report

At the start of a lease, tenants are given a property condition report (PCR). This document records the state of the property before you moved in. Many renters fail to review the PCR during vacate cleaning, meaning they don’t clean to the same level that was documented at the beginning. This in turn means the landlord will make deductions for it.

Always compare your cleaning efforts with the PCR. If a carpet stain or wall mark existed before you moved in, note it again to avoid being unfairly charged. Take photos of the final clean to protect against disputes.

Infographic: Perth Tenants Must Avoid These Vacate Cleaning Mistakes

Wrapping Up

Bond refunds are an important aspects of moving out, yet many Perth tenants lose it because of avoidable cleaning mistakes. Small oversights can quickly add up. Avoiding the typical vacate cleaning mistakes mentioned above, can increase your chances of leaving your rental in excellent shape and receiving your bond back.