Top 10 Mistakes Tenants Make During Bond Cleaning

When tenants are in the midst of preparing for a move, they often have to juggle multiple tasks, simultaneously because of time constraints. There are multiple commitments, tasks and pending issues that need to be coordinated, solved or resolved. In all this chaos and upheaval, it’s easy for tenants to make mistakes during their bond cleaning. What’s not easy, however, are the consequences that they’ll have to deal with as a result of those mistakes. Namely, these mistakes could prove to be really costly for your bond deposit. Nobody wants this.

So, how do you avoid making mistakes that end up costing you? The answer is simple. Learn about these possible mistakes beforehand, make a plan for them and execute that plan. This blog will help you understand the top 10 mistakes that tenants make during bond cleaning. It will help you prepare a plan of action and ensure that the final cleaning gets done smoothly and efficiently. Additionally, if you hire the assistance of budget end of lease cleaning Newcastle, the task of bond cleaning will become easier. There will be fewer mistakes and you’ll be able to leave with your bond deposit secured.

1. Ignoring the Property Condition Report

Many tenants overlook the fact that they need to study the property condition report they received at the start of the lease. This document contains detailed information about the particulars that need to be covered throughout the property during the bond cleaning. You can use it as a guide to ensure you’re not missing anything when preparing to move out of the property.

Ignoring this could lead to disputes as the manager will be using this document to report things during the final inspection. So, review this carefully and compare the current state of each area to the original conditions to ensure that you’re restoring it to the same standards, as much as possible. Even the guaranteed end of lease cleaners Newcastle team, will tell you to do the same when hiring their assistance for bond cleaning.

2. Leaving the Cleaning Until the Last Minute

One of the other most common mistakes is that tenants will often leave the task of bond cleaning for the last. They’ll do it before the final day or two of moving out. But by then, exhaustion and stress would have taken over them, making it nearly impossible to complete the task thoroughly. Bond cleaning requires you to be highly detailed about the cleaning (it goes beyond the requirements of regular cleaning).

It needs you to scrub walls, skirting boards, oven and even the air ducts/ vents. So, starting early is critical to ensuring anything and everything has been cleaned in the entire property. Do it ideally a week before the move out date, as it allows you ample time to deal with stuff without getting overwhelmed.

3. Forgetting Cleaning the Hard to Reach Areas

When carrying out a bond clean, tenants tend to focus on the parts and areas they’re able to reach or see like the floor, countertops, etc., while forgetting the hidden areas or places that are harder to reach. These include things like ceiling fans, light fittings, inside of cupboards, behind appliances and window tracks. Property inspectors will pay close attention to these overlooked areas and neglecting them could lead to deductions from your bond. Making a detailed checklist and ticking off these items as you clean can ensure you miss nothing.

4. Using the Wrong Cleaning Products

Not all cleaning products are suitable for every surface. Tenants often use harsh chemicals or abrasive tools on surfaces that need gentle care. They end up causing damage to benchtops, tiles or wooden floors. For example, bleach can permanently stain some types of grout or laminate. Always check the manufacturers cleaning recommendations for things like appliances and surfaces before you start. Also make sure that you opt for pH neutral cleaners and microfiber cloths for general use; they clean much better without leaving scratches or residues.

5. Overlooking cleaning Appliances and Fixtures

If your property has provided you with appliances as part of the lease, you cannot afford to ignore cleaning them. All appliances like microwave, dishwashers, rangehoods, etc. must be cleaned both inside and out. Similarly, bathroom fixtures like shower screens, faucets and mirrors require that you give them special attention.

Failing to remove grime, limescale or grease buildup is one of the main reasons landlords withhold part of the bond. Clean all filters of the rangehood and air conditioners; these small details can make a huge difference to how clean the place feels. For a stress free experience, hire professional end of lease cleaning Newcastle team to ensure every corner meets inspection standards.

6. Neglecting Cleaning the Outdoor Spaces

If your property includes a balcony, patio, garage or garden, these areas also need to be cleaned and tidied up accordingly. Tenants assume that bond cleaning only includes the interiors of a property, but the truth is it includes everything that is part of your lease. So sweep the pathways, remove cobwebs, wash any outdoor windows and mow the lawn (if you have one). Outdoor presentations will also affect your property inspection outcomes, so be careful how you present it.

7. Not repairing Minor Damages Caused During Tenancy

It’s inevitable that some form of damage would have occurred to the property during your time as a tenant there. For example, small holes from picture hooks, scuffed walls or chipped paint. Most tenants assume that cleaning alone is sufficient, but property managers will need you to return the property back to its original shape (barring fair wear and tear).

So, you need to patch up these holes, repaint any scuffed areas and replace blown lights. All of these will help you avoid unnecessary deductions. Address these issues before the final cleaning begins to save time and stress later on during the process.

8. Forget to Clean the Carpets and Upholstery

If the lease had provided you with furniture or carpets before you moved in, you will have to ensure these things are thoroughly cleaned as well. You’ll have to clean these thoroughly, removing all dust, pet hair and odours they may have developed. You can consider giving them to the professionals like end of lease cleaning Newcastle for steam cleaning, especially if you’ve had pets in the property. Most leases usually state the same in their lease contracts.

9. Not Documenting The Cleaning Results

It’s a good idea to take numerous images and videos of your cleaning results. This could be used as proof of the property’s condition at handover. In the case of a later dispute over cleanliness, these visual evidences will support your claim that the property was left in good condition. Make sure all photographs and videos are appropriately dated and timed, and that they clearly show all of the property’s rooms/areas.

10. Doing All the Cleaning Alone

While doing DIY cleaning may seem economical, this could actually end up costing you more than you think. Without the right equipment or products, you might cause accidental damage to the property, or you miss cleaning certain areas due to exhaustion/ human error. So, it’s better to hire professionals who specialise in this task.

Infographic: Bond Cleaning Mistakes Tenants Make

Wrapping Up

Bond cleaning is no doubt a stressful event, but with the right preparation it can become worth the effort. You need to avoid making the mistakes listed above and prepare thoroughly. A coordinated move and bond cleaning will help you meet the expectations of your landlords, helping you walk away with your bond money intact. Happy Cleaning!