For tenants in Brisbane, one of the most important parts of moving out is securing the return of your rental bond. That bond—often equivalent to four weeks’ rent—can amount to thousands of dollars, and losing even a portion of it can put a dent in your moving budget.
The good news? With the right preparation and attention to detail, getting your full bond back doesn’t have to be stressful. This step-by-step guide will show you how to approach the process, from planning your bond clean to navigating inspections, so you can leave your rental with confidence.
Every tenancy agreement in Brisbane includes specific cleaning obligations. Many leases require carpets to be steam cleaned, and if you’ve had pets, pest control may also be mandatory. Review your agreement and Entry Condition Report so you know what the property manager will expect when you hand back the keys.
For example, if the lease states “professional carpet cleaning,” simply vacuuming won’t be enough. Missing this requirement could mean an automatic deduction from your bond.
Trying to clean while movers are carrying boxes around is a recipe for stress. Plan your timeline carefully:
Tenants who wait until the last day often rush through cleaning, which increases the chance of missing critical details.
Before diving into deep cleaning, declutter the property. Remove rubbish, unwanted items, and personal belongings. A quick pre-clean—like wiping down benches or vacuuming—will make the detailed cleaning process much smoother.
A structured bond cleaning checklist is the best way to ensure you don’t miss anything. Here’s a snapshot of what to include:
By ticking off each task, you’ll reduce the chance of disputes during the final inspection.
Certain parts of the property are inspection hotspots:
Spend extra time here or consider hiring professionals for peace of mind.
If you’re short on time or your property is large, hiring professional cleaners can be worth the cost. Many companies in Brisbane offer a bond back guarantee, meaning they’ll return free of charge if the property manager isn’t satisfied.
Professional carpet cleaning and pest control are often non-negotiable. Booking these services not only ticks off your lease requirements but also gives you receipts you can present to your property manager as proof.
Once cleaning is complete, inspect the property yourself with a critical eye. Use the Entry Condition Report as a reference and check every room against your checklist. Look for overlooked spots such as:
Taking photos at this stage can also provide valuable evidence if disputes arise later.
Handing back the keys isn’t just about dropping them at the office. Arrange a time for the final inspection or confirm when it will happen. Provide copies of professional cleaning or pest control receipts, and let the property manager know if you’re available for a walkthrough.
Being proactive shows you’ve done your part and can help resolve issues on the spot.
In Brisbane, the Residential Tenancies Authority (RTA) oversees rental bonds. If a dispute arises, the landlord or agent must provide evidence to justify deductions. If you disagree, you can lodge a dispute resolution request with the RTA.
Knowing your rights can give you confidence during the process and prevent unfair claims.
Finally, once the inspection is complete, your property manager will lodge a bond refund form. If there are no disputes, the money is usually released within days. Keeping receipts, photos, and your checklist handy will help if any questions come up.