Information for Vacating Tenants

Giving Notice

Notice to leave MUST be done in writing using the RTA form 13 (or equivalent), always giving at least 14 days notice. If you wish to leave before the end of a fixed term tenancy, then you will need to discuss this with a property manager to find out how this can be done and what it would typically cost to do so.

It is essential that you pay rent in advance right up to the vacate date and not expect any rent arrears to be deducted from the bond. This is a breach of your tenancy agreement and would be treated as such.

Services & Utilities

When vacating, you will need to:

  • notify Energex on 131253 to cancel your electricity account. Energex require 2 working days notice when you are vacating in order for them to take a final meter reading. Please do NOT ask them to disconnect the power.
  • notify Origin Energy (if town gas is connected) for properties north of the Brisbane River on 132461 giving 3 working days notice or Energex Gas for properties South of the Brisbane River on 131253 giving 2 working days notice;
  • make arrangements with your local Australia Post Shop/Office to redirect mail to a new address remembering that they normally take THREE working days to activate such a request.


Recommended Contractors

General Cleaning
Carpet Cleaning & Pest Control
Handyman
Plumber
Electrician
Gardener
 Happy Scrubber
Don, Sunline Carpet Cleaning
Rodney, Brisbane Glazing
FIKA
Kev Sellwood Electrical
Les, VIP Maintenance
 0433 164 000
0418 889 900
0412 824 029
3852 5554
3369 4411
0438 501 763

Preparing the Property for Vacating

Once your Notice to Quit is in writing, we will provide you with an Exit Condition report (RTA Form 14a) and if furnished, a copy of the original Inventory report. These forms must be carefully completed, signed and handed in along with the keys when vacating.

You should refer to the tenancy agreement, agreement annexure, condition report and inventory that you signed at the beginning of your tenancy so as to ensure you understand all your obligations at the end of the tenancy.

We remind you that when your tenancy commenced, you agreed to leave the property in a clean and undamaged state. Should this not be done, then we will ask you to come back and fix the problem(s). If this then fails, we will ask professional contractors to deal with it.

In order to minimise any problems, we have compiled a checklist to assist you. Please note this list does not cover all your cleaning obligations but simply highlights the more common items that in our experience need to be attended to.

Cleaning Checklist

The stove should be cleaned thoroughly inside and out. Proper oven cleaner should be used and left for the recommended time to enable all grease to be removed. Do not forget to clean the griller, drip trays, beside and behind the oven.

  • Rangehood filters need to be removed and all grease cleaned off.
  • Venetian and vertical blinds should be dusted and cleaned thoroughly.
  • Air-conditioning filters should be removed gently, vacuumed and wiped with a damp sponge.
  • Flyscreens should be vacuumed and wiped with a damp cloth to remove dust.
  • Windows, window sills and tracks & grooves need to be cleaned thoroughly.
  • Scuff marks etc should be cleaned from the walls with a gentle product, and skirting boards wiped free of dust.
  • Light fittings are to be cleaned and bugs removed along with dusting cobwebs from the walls and ceilings.
  • All floors need to be swept/mopped and carpets to be professionally steam cleaned. A receipt for this work should be handed in with the keys.
  • All cupboards must be empty, cleaned inside and out.
  • When cleaning the bathroom, pay particular attention to removing soap scum, calcium deposits, mildew and other residue from the grouting, tiles and shower screen. You should use one of the many products on the market specifically for the purpose.
  • All furniture and upholstery should be left in a clean condition. If repairs are needed, please arrange before the final inspection. If you have stained the upholstery, employ a professional to clean it and retain the receipt for office use or possible re-imbursement.
  • Wipe out the inside of the washing machine and dryer. Remove and clean the lint filter. Remember to clean behind and around the washing machine and dryer as well.
  • Fridges and freezers should be empty, defrosted and cleaned out and freshly smelling. Power to these appliances should be turned off and doors left slightly open
  • All rubbish bins must be emptied, cleaned out and disinfected. This includes the wheelie bins as well.
  • If provided, the vacuum cleaner should be left clean and empty.
  • Check to see that all light bulbs are in working order and replace where appropriate.
  • Leave all user manuals in a kitchen drawer.
  • Make sure all remotes are accounted for and left in a sensible place near the relevant appliance.
  • Go through the inventory and ensure all items are present. Breakages or missing items are to be replaced.
  • If applicable, mow the lawns, weed the garden and yard throughout, prune bushes and remove all garden rubbish.
  • Ensure NO discarded possessions or rubbish is left under the building or elsewhere.
  • Ensure the garage/carport is cleaned and all rubbish removed. Special cleaners should be purchased for the removal of oil stains.
  • Where applicable, gutters should be cleaned. We recommend that a handyman be employed by you for this job.


Vacating the Property

Remember this is your opportunity to ensure that all outstanding issues have been finalised so that your bond can be refunded to you as quickly as possible!

You will need to return the following to our office at 60 Leichhardt Street, Spring Hill:

  • all keys to the property,
  • remotes for the garage doors,
  • all Commonwealth Bank deposit books,
  • completed Exit Condition Report,
  • completed Inventory Report if applicable,
  • receipt for the carpet cleaning if applicable.


This needs to be done on the vacate date by 5.15pm if it is a weekday or 3.15pm if it is a Saturday or if it is a public holiday, then by 9.00am on the next day the office is open.

If the keys are not handed in on time, then rent will be payable until you do or alternatively, when we have the locks re-keyed. Should re-keying be required, then we will seek to recover this cost from the bond.

Upon receipt of the keys we will then undertake a final inspection within 1 working day reporting back to you whether what outstanding issues (if any) are in need of attention. Usually you will be given 24 hours to fix any problems that are identified. If this is not possible, then we will have it dealt with professionally and will seek to recover such costs from the bond.

Refunding your Bond

Once the condition of the property is satisfactory, we will sign the bond over to you (RTA form 4) less any outstanding rent and/or costs. You can claim the bond monies in cash from any Australia Post Office usually within 30 minutes or alternatively, have the funds transferred to your bank account.

Should we not be able to agree over the disbursement of the bond, then it won’t be released until it has either been resolved using the RTA’s Dispute Resolution Service or failing this, by both parties attending a Small Claims Tribunal hearing where a binding decision will be made