Renting in Perth? Here's How to Get Your Full Bond Back

Getting your full bond back at the end of a tenancy isn't complicated — but it does require preparation. Property managers in Western Australia follow consistent inspection criteria, and the more you understand what they're looking for, the better your chances of walking away with every dollar.

Here's a practical guide to giving yourself the best possible shot.

Start Early — Don't Leave It to Moving Day

One of the biggest mistakes tenants make is leaving the clean until the day they hand back the keys. By that point, you're exhausted from moving, short on time, and likely to miss things.

Start at least a week before your move-out date. Tackle one room at a time so the job feels manageable and nothing slips through the cracks.

Refer Back to Your Entry Condition Report

Your entry condition report is your reference point. It documents the state of the property when you moved in, and it's what the property manager will compare against when you leave.

Go through it room by room and address anything that has changed — keeping in mind that fair wear and tear is expected and generally not held against you.

Focus on the Kitchen and Bathrooms

These two areas account for the majority of bond disputes. In the kitchen, the oven, stovetop, rangehood, and inside of cupboards are the areas most likely to be scrutinised. In the bathroom, grout, shower screens, and exhaust fans are commonly flagged.

If you're not confident you can get these to inspection standard yourself, this is where a professional clean pays for itself.

Don't Forget the Outside

Outdoor areas, garages, and gardens are part of the lease agreement too. Make sure lawns are mowed, gardens are reasonably tidy, and any outdoor entertaining areas are swept and clean.

Fix Minor Damage Before Inspection

Small nail holes, scuff marks on walls, and minor marks on surfaces are easy to address before inspection with a bit of filler, touch-up paint, or a magic eraser. Leaving them for the property manager to note is far more costly than dealing with them yourself.

Consider a Professional End of Lease Clean

Many leases specifically require the property to be professionally cleaned. Even if yours doesn't, a professional end of lease clean is one of the smartest investments you can make before handing back the keys.

At CleanHaus by R&R, our CleanHaus Reset service is designed specifically for this situation. We cover every area property managers check — from the oven and rangehood to cobwebs, internal windows, and cupboard interiors — so you can hand back the keys with confidence.