The end of a tenancy can be one of the most stressful parts of renting. Between searching for a new home, packing up, and relocating, the last thing you want is delays in getting your bond back. Fortunately, with a little preparation and understanding of your obligations, you can wrap up your lease with minimal fuss — and in line with the latest NSW rental reforms.

1. Review Your Ingoing Condition Report

Before you hand back the keys, take time to review your ingoing condition report. This is your primary reference point when assessing the condition you need to return the property in. If you don’t have a copy, contact our property management team and we’ll provide it to you.

Walk through each room and compare the current state of the property with what’s documented. Look for things like:

• Marks or chips on walls

• Carpet stains

• Damage to fixtures or fittings

Under the NSW rental reforms, landlords are still entitled to claim for damage beyond fair wear and tear. If you identify damage, arrange repairs by qualified trades before vacating or discuss these issues early with your property manager.

2. Complete a Proper Vacate Clean

A vacate clean (or end-of-lease clean) goes well beyond the regular weekly tidy-up. Areas that are commonly overlooked — and often raised in bond disputes — include:

• Range hoods and exhaust fans

• Oven and stove tops

• Windows and sliding door tracks

• Skirting boards and light fittings

• Curtains and blinds

You can complete the clean yourself, but hiring professional cleaners is often a wise investment. Keep receipts for any cleaning or repairs — under the updated laws, tenants can use these to support their case if a bond dispute arises.

3. Finalise Rent and Bills

Ensure all outstanding rent and utility charges are paid. This includes usage charges for water, which remain the tenant’s responsibility provided the property meets water efficiency standards. If you’re ending the lease early, you may also be responsible for lease break fees as outlined in your agreement.

Under the May 2025 reforms, tenants can request a rental ledger from their agent free of charge — a helpful tool to double-check that all rent is paid up before vacating.

4. Return All Keys Promptly

Make sure you return all sets of keys and remotes by the agreed date and time — late returns can result in an extra day (or more) of rent being charged. Check your initial key register (provided at the start of the lease) to ensure nothing is missing.

5. Understand Your Rights Around the Bond

Under the revised bond refund process in NSW:

• Either tenant or landlord can now lodge a claim for the bond via Rental Bonds Online.

• If both parties agree, the bond is released quickly.

• If there's a dispute, the party claiming the bond must submit evidence, and NSW Fair Trading may assist in mediation.

To speed up your bond refund, make sure everything is in order — and if unsure, speak with your property manager.

Need Help Navigating the End of Your Lease?

If you're preparing to vacate and want a smooth, stress-free process (and your full bond back!), contact the property management team at Sternbecks Real Estate. We’re here to support you every step of the way.