Can You Pass a Bond Inspection with DIY Cleaning?

Leaving a rented property will involve one significant task that needs to be accomplished—that is, passing the final bond inspection and getting the bond money back. There is one thing that many renters wonder about—whether DIY cleaning is enough to satisfy the requirements of landlords and property managers. The answer is yes, DIY cleaning can help you pass a bond inspection, but only if you clean your place well enough and satisfy all the conditions of your lease contract. The fact is that cleaning is not the only criterion taken into account at the inspection stage. Damage to the property, owed rent, condition of the property, and other factors can also play a role in the process. This article describes situations in which DIY cleaning is enough and when you need professional cleaning services. ## What Is a Bond Inspection? A bond inspection, otherwise known as the final inspection, takes place after the tenant leaves the property to determine whether the premises have been handed back in accordance with the terms of tenancy. While performing the inspection, they generally look into the following: * Cleanliness * Kitchen appliances * Bathrooms * Floors and carpets * Windows and window tracks * Walls and skirting boards * Cupboards and wardrobes * Exterior spaces * Any damages apart from fair wear and tear If the property has been thoroughly cleaned, it gives a favorable impression, thus avoiding cleaning deductions from the bond. ## Will DIY Cleaning Work For Passing a Bond Inspection? It will—but there are certain things that will determine its success. DIY cleaning will suffice where there hasn’t been any neglect throughout the tenancy period, the house doesn’t have any stains or damages, and you have enough time to clean all areas effectively. Vacuuming floors and cleaning the areas that can be seen is not sufficient because bond inspections require an extensive inspection of areas that are usually ignored during normal home cleaning. The probability of passing the bond inspection increases greatly when there is a proper cleaning checklist and enough time for completing the process. ## Which Sections Are Inspected in a Bond Inspection? The property manager ensures that both visible and unseen parts of the building are inspected properly. Some of the commonly inspected sections are as follows: * Oven, stove, and range hood * Kitchen cabinets and drawers * Tiles, grouting, and shower screens in bathrooms * Toilets, basins, and mirrors * Windows, window frames, and window tracks * Power outlets and light switches * Doors and skirting boards * Ceiling fans and light fittings * Floor and carpets * Wardrobe * Patios and garage If even some of the above-mentioned sections are not inspected, the client may demand more cleaning. ## Typical Cleaning DIY Errors Tenants typically overlook how thorough the clean-up process needs to be for the final inspection. Typical errors include: ### Overlooking Dirty Hard-to-Reach Places Such places include window tracks, exhaust fans, baseboards, and the top of cabinets. ### Using the Wrong Cleaners This will lead to damaging some surfaces, leaving streaks and residues. ### Overlooking Stubborn Stains These include old grease, mold, soap residues, and carpet stains. ### Overlooking Carpet Clean-Up Dirt on carpets or carpet stains may influence the result of the final inspection process. If your rental agreement stipulates that the carpet is to be steam-cleaned professionally, do this before the inspection. ### Leaving the Clean-up to the Last Day This will lead to stress and missed spots. ## When DIY Cleaning Would Suffice DIY cleaning could be considered a suitable choice in cases when: * The premises have been kept clean regularly. * The lease has been a short one. * There are no stains or damages at all. * There is sufficient time until the inspection. * A thorough move-out cleaning checklist has been adhered to. DIY cleaning could be enough for small apartments and well-maintained houses. ## When Professional Bond Cleaning Services Could be Useful However, there are occasions when hiring some help could be reasonable. Professional bond cleaning could be useful when: * The house is big. * There is insufficient time for moving. * The oven, bathrooms, and windows need to be cleaned intensively. * Stains and smells could be found in the carpets. * Professional carpet steam cleaning is necessary under the terms of the lease agreement. * Pest control services are needed due to the presence of pets in the place. * Additional security is desired before the inspection. Professional cleaners possess specialized equipment and high-quality cleaning supplies that work better than common household items. Many cleaning companies also provide invoices, which may be useful if your lease requires evidence of professional services such as carpet steam cleaning. ## Advice on How to Increase Your Chances of Passing Regardless of whether you will do the work by yourself or engage professionals in the task, here are some easy tips that could increase your chances of passing. ### Begin Early Give yourself enough time to complete the process in several days instead of doing everything at the last moment before moving out. ### Use a Checklist A room-to-room checklist will help you not forget anything. ### Start Cleaning Only When You Move the Furniture Out It is much easier to get to walls, trimmings, windows, and floors when there is nothing inside. ### Inspect Each Room Thoroughly Go through the entire property like a property manager would and check each place thoroughly. ### Save the Invoices If you pay for services of professionals who will clean your carpets or treat pests, make sure to save those invoices. ## Summary Thus, is it possible to pass the bond inspection using DIY cleaning? Yes—though only if the property will be properly cleaned and all lease requirements fulfilled. Bond inspection not only involves surface cleaning but also depends on the condition of the property, carpet cleaning, maintenance, damages, and the conditions specified in your tenancy agreement. As a rule, DIY cleaning is applicable to people who are responsible for the condition of the rental property and have enough time for carrying out an exhaustive cleaning process. However, in case of a large house, a very dirty property, or the necessity to perform professional carpet cleaning and pest control, it would be better to entrust this task to professionals. Proper preparation is crucial for the success of passing the bond inspection. It includes early preparation, creating a proper checklist, paying special attention to forgotten areas, and fulfilling all the conditions that should be met according to your lease.