Discovering Australia

Departure Departures can be quite challenging, in particular regarding the condition of the property. In Australia, landlords expect the property to be returned in such a condition that they can immediately rent out the property to the next tenant.

The property is inspected at the end of the lease and if necessary, deductions are made from the bond for cleaning and repairs. The lease might sometime include a clause on the condition the property should be returned in a cleaned and sometimes painted condition. This is individually agreed upon in the lease and has to be checked individually to ensure the property is returned according to the lease contract.

Returning a Property The lease termination period in Australia varies in each state or territory, however, the specific termination period is always mentioned in the lease. The monthly rent, utilities, and all property-related expenses must be paid until the end of the lease. It is advisable to have a pre-inspection with the landlord or real estate agent before lease-end/moving out to determine which items need to be completed (cleaning, painting, etc.) Be aware that a pre- inspection is not final, as furniture may still be in the property and so possible damage may not be seen. Cleaning, repainting if you changed wall color, and repair of any damaged items during this period will be your responsibility. The documents guiding what needs to be done before returning the keys include the lease contract and the inspection report and inventory list made at the beginning of the lease period. The checklist of the property condition at move-in is very important. It is a document amended to the contract and should be provided to the tenant when moving in, and again before vacating the property, both with the landlord present. To leave the rental in the same condition it was found, you should follow the checklist and make any appropriate changes. Make sure that the list is created on move-in day and shortly after to avoid misunderstandings, and to give an accurate account of any damage present.

© 2019 Dwellworks

Page 35

Discovering Australia