What to check before the final rental inspection

An earlier pre-inspection can leave time to identify work that still needs attention. Tenancy Services recommends doing the final inspection after belongings have been removed and cleaning has finished. Arrange a time with the landlord or property manager; if a joint inspection is not possible, each party can inspect separately and take photos.

Use the tenancy agreement and entry inspection report as the baseline. Keep rent and utility records available, along with messages about repairs or agreed changes. Photos are most useful when they are well lit, dated and show both the whole room and any detailed point.

• Entry condition report
• Dated move-in and move-out photos
• Repair messages and agreed changes
• Cleaning or specialist-service invoices

Remove rubbish and cleaning supplies. Return all keys, remotes, access cards and items provided with the tenancy. Record the water meter if you pay for metered water, and consider a final electricity reading. Check the agreed method for handing over keys if the office is closed.

The current Tenancy Services process may use Bond Hub. Confirm the amounts before accepting a refund request. Do not agree to information that is blank or incorrect. If cleaning or damage is disputed, exchange the records and try to resolve the exact item rather than treating the whole bond as one issue.