Is your lease finishing up soon and it's time to get ready to vacate?
We’ve put together a quick go-to guide for vacating a rental, minus the worry. Let’s get to it!
The month before
Have you received a lease renewal notification and decided not to re-sign? Start off the process by giving your property manager ample notice and letting them know that you will not be continuing the lease. According to the Residential Tenancies Authority, tenants are required to give at least 14 days’ notice but there are also shorter periods applicable for reasons such as hardship or death. If breaking your lease early, you will need to communicate this with your property manager.
Once this is done, consider any companies or organisations that you will need to change your address with – for example, your work, GP or the Department of Transport. Be sure to also organise a mail redirection with Australia Post and contact any utility providers to disconnect their services on the last day. Next, read over any paperwork provided when you started the tenancy to ensure there aren’t any special terms that need to be kept in mind.
Ticked off all the ‘official stuff’? Save potential hassle down the road and make a checklist of all the things you will need to pack. It’s a smart idea to have different lists for the rooms in the property (living room, bedroom, bathroom, etc.) and to categorise items. This might save arguments over ‘what belongs where’ when unpacking at your new place. On that note, give thought to whether you will require the services of a removalist and make enquiries now.
Lastly, have a thorough look at the property and see if there are any jobs that might need attention in advance. You will want to leave the residence in its best condition, so tidy up that courtyard garden, switch any dimming lightbulbs and see to any squeaky doors! Found any major jobs? Flag this with your property manager, as it’s your duty as a tenant to report any maintenance or repairs needed.
Two weeks before
Time to take care of the nitty-gritty. Perhaps one of the most important steps is to check the payments on your current rental and make sure everything is paid up to the date of leaving. Next, get in contact with your property manager and see if you need to fill out an exit condition report. Don’t forget to also check your rental bond number so you can inform the RTA and get organised for your next rental (if applicable).
To save any last-minute stress, start packing any items that you don’t need on a daily basis and leave a suitcase or bag of essentials (toothbrush, change of clothes, medication, etc.) for the day of moving. Tenants are required by Queensland law to leave the rental in the same condition it was in originally (less fair wear and tear); now is the perfect time to get out the cleaning products and focus on any surfaces that need a little TLC. If you’re considering booking in for a bond clean, check in with your property manager and see if they have a list of recommended cleaners and make enquiries to get your place looking good as new!
The week of
When everything is packed, get to work cleaning the property from top to bottom. Don’t overlook any grime that might have gathered around taps or sinks, as well as any fingerprints on light switches and dust on windowsills. It might sound obvious, but also set aside time for walking through the property with the checklist you made earlier and inspect each room for any hidden items – it can’t hurt to double or triple-check!
Before saying goodbye to your rental for the last time, take photos of its condition for your records and gather any keys or remotes for your property manager. You will also need to hand over a finished Exit Condition Report (your property manager should provide you with this). Now, you’re ready to move on and enjoy your new place! Treat yourselves to a takeaway pizza dinner or a glass of something delicious, you’ve earned it.
For more ideas and to keep up-to-date with all things Brisbane real estate, subscribe to our newsletter.