What to expect when you move out of your rental

There are always a myriad of reasons why a rental tenancy may come to an end —whether the owners decide to sell, a new opportunity arises to relocate, or it’s simply time for a change.

Moving out of a rental can be a stressful process, but it doesn’t have to be. We’ve put together a guide to help you know what to expect when moving out of your rental.

Give notice

The first thing renters should understand when preparing to move out is the notice process. This refers to the reasonable period in which you must inform your landlord that you intend to end the lease agreement.

Notice can be given via email or phone; however, we recommend providing written notice to have a record for future reference.

The minimum notice period is usually outlined in your rental agreement. If you plan to end the tenancy early, a break fee may apply.

In some cases, this fee can be waived by the Property Manager — be sure to check your tenancy agreement for specific details.

If your Property Manager decides not to renew the lease, they are also required to provide notice. For tenants on a fixed-term agreement, a minimum of 30 days’ notice is typically required.

For a periodic tenancy, you must be given 90 days’ notice. This may change from state to state, so we recommend looking at your lease agreement.

The next important step when vacating a rental is completing the end-of-lease cleaning and addressing any damage that goes beyond normal wear and tear.

Cleaning and Repairs

An end-of-lease clean is a thorough, deep clean that exceeds standard day-to-day cleaning.

If you don’t have time to complete this yourself, many small businesses across Australia offer professional end-of-lease cleaning services. If you’re unsure where to start, contact your Property Manager — they may be able to recommend a trusted provider.

It’s also essential to assess and repair any damage that exceeds normal wear and tear. To help determine what qualifies, refer to the original condition report completed when you first moved in.

Final inspection and getting your bond back

A final inspection with your landlord or Property Manager is the next step in the move-out process.

This inspection takes place after all your belongings have been removed and the end-of-lease clean has been completed. If you wish to attend, ensure to book in a time with the Property Manager when giving notice.

During the inspection, your agent may take photos to compare the current condition of the property with its state at the beginning of your tenancy.

We recommend having a copy of the original condition report on hand to help resolve any discrepancies, should they arise. If you attend you can return the keys at this time and complete any remaining paperwork.

Once the final inspection is complete — and provided everything is in order, such as final water payments — you’ll be entitled to receive your bond back. This is the amount you paid at the start of your tenancy as a security deposit.

Disconnecting utilities

The next step in the move-out process is the often-overlooked but important task of disconnecting your utilities. Fortunately, this is usually simpler than expected.

Start by contacting your energy providers (electricity and gas) to arrange a disconnection or to inform them of your move-out date. Wherever possible, aim to give at least one week’s notice.

In some cases, your provider may need to take a final meter reading to issue your final bill — this can often be arranged to coincide with your final inspection.

It’s also a good idea to check your tenancy agreement, as it may outline who is responsible for managing utility connections and disconnections.

We hope this guide has answered your questions about the move-out process. Want more? Be sure to check out our social channels and read more about it here.