Moving out of a rental property in Sydney is stressful enough without the worry of losing your bond. In NSW, landlords and property managers are entitled to claim bond money for cleaning costs if the property isn't returned in the same condition as when you moved in. The good news? With the right approach, getting a full bond refund is very achievable.

Here are 10 practical tips to help you pass your final inspection and walk away with every dollar.

1. Start with the Entry Condition Report

Before you touch anything, dig out the Entry Condition Report (ECR) you signed when you moved in. This document is your reference point — property managers compare the property's condition at move-out directly against it. Pay attention to any areas noted as clean or undamaged, and make sure they're returned to at least that standard.

If you didn't receive an ECR or can't find it, contact your property manager and ask for a copy.

2. Work Room by Room — Don't Skip Anything

The biggest mistake tenants make is rushing and leaving areas half-done. Work through every room systematically, top to bottom (ceiling fans and light fittings first, floors last). Use our full cleaning checklist as your guide — it covers every item a property manager is likely to inspect.

Pro tip: Clean in this order — kitchen → bathrooms → bedrooms → living areas → entry & hallway → laundry. Save vacuuming and mopping until last so you don't walk over clean floors.

3. Give the Kitchen Your Full Attention

The kitchen is where most bond disputes originate. Property managers look closely at:

  • Oven and stovetop — grease buildup is one of the most common bond deductions. Soak oven racks overnight in hot water and dish soap, then scrub with a non-scratch pad. Use an oven cleaner spray for stubborn baked-on grease inside the cavity.
  • Rangehood filter — remove and soak in hot soapy water or run through the dishwasher if it's dishwasher-safe.
  • Inside cupboards and drawers — wipe down all shelving, including the inside of pantry doors.
  • Behind the fridge and oven — pull them out and clean underneath and behind.

4. Don't Underestimate the Bathrooms

Soap scum, mould, and limescale are the three things that will fail your bathroom inspection. For each bathroom and toilet:

  • Remove soap scum from shower screens with a dedicated glass cleaner or white vinegar
  • Treat any mould on grout with a bleach-based spray — leave for 10 minutes before scrubbing
  • Descale taps and showerheads using vinegar or a commercial limescale remover
  • Clean behind and around the toilet base — inspectors check here
  • Polish mirrors and chrome fittings until streak-free

5. Tackle Marks on Walls Early

Scuffs and minor marks on walls can usually be removed with a magic eraser sponge or a small amount of sugar soap. Test on an inconspicuous area first. If there are larger marks or nail holes, you may need to touch up with paint — but only if you can match the colour exactly, otherwise it can look worse.

Check around light switches, door handles, and along skirting boards where marks accumulate.

6. Clean All Windows Inside and Out

Dirty windows are highly visible and often overlooked. Clean interior glass with a streak-free glass cleaner and a microfibre cloth. For exterior windows, a squeegee on an extension pole works well. Don't forget to wipe window tracks, sills, and flyscreens — these collect dust and grime and are commonly checked.

7. Address Carpets Carefully

If the property had carpets, vacuum thoroughly throughout and treat any stains before the inspection. For general wear, a professional carpet steam clean is often required by lease agreements — check your tenancy agreement. Keep the receipt as proof, as property managers may ask for it.

Note: Normal wear and tear (light flattening from furniture, minor fading) cannot be charged against your bond in NSW. Only stains, burns, or damage beyond reasonable wear can be deducted.

8. Clean All Light Fittings and Switches

Dust on light fittings is one of the easiest things for a property manager to spot — and one of the easiest things to miss when cleaning. Wipe down all light shades and fittings with a dry microfibre cloth. Clean power points and light switches with a slightly damp cloth (make sure power is off or use a dry cloth).

9. Don't Forget the Laundry

The laundry is often an afterthought, but property managers inspect it too. Clean:

  • Inside the washing machine drum, detergent drawer, and rubber seal
  • Dryer lint filter and drum interior
  • Behind and underneath both appliances
  • Laundry tub and taps
  • Walls and skirting boards

10. Do a Final Walkthrough Before Handover

The day before you hand back the keys, do a slow walkthrough of every room with fresh eyes. Open every cupboard, check every corner, and look at surfaces from different angles — light reveals marks you'd otherwise miss. Take dated photos of every room as evidence of the condition you returned the property in. This protects you if there's a dispute later.

When to Call a Professional

If you're short on time, unsure you can meet the standard, or simply want the peace of mind of a guarantee, a professional end of tenancy clean is worth every cent. At Kleanly, we clean to the NSW exit condition standard and offer a re-clean guarantee if your property manager identifies anything missed from our checklist.

Our fixed prices start from $359 for a studio or 1-bedroom apartment — with no hidden add-ons. View our full pricing here.

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