Vacating a Rental Property

Moving from one property to another can be a stressful time. We hope that this page will help to clarify your rights and obligations as a tenant vacating a premises. The vacating process begins when a tenant issues a Tenant's Notice to Terminate the Tenancy, or when a lessor issues a Notice to Leave. If a tenant intends to leave when their lease expires, they are still required to provide at least two-months notice.

Once adequate notice has been given, a tenant will be issued with a vacate date. This is the latest date that a vacating tenant is able to return the keys to Charah. A tenant is also required to have all their property out from the property and have left the property in good order. You are required to pay rent until this date, regardless of whether you occupy it in the final days or not.

Tenants are required to complete an exit condition report upon leaving a property. We highly recommend that you make our cleaning checklist below your guide to preparing for the vacating process. This details all your obligations with respect to cleaning, smoke detectors, appliances and so forth. If the property is not left in a respectable condition, we will hire professional cleaners at your expense.

Should you need any further information on the vacate process, your property manager will be happy to answer any questions you may have.

Cleaning checklist

General

  • Vacuum and clean all sliding door and window tracks.
  • Sweep or mop all non carpeted floors, removing any marks.
  • Clean Carpets.
  • Fumigate for Fleas – by registered Pest Company, if pets were kept at property. Supply paid invoice copy which specifies service details.
  • Clean light fittings – gently remove light fittings and clean.
  • Clean marks off walls, ceilings and light switches.
  • Clean baseboards, windows including frames, sills and tracks, above cupboards, picture rails, architraves and both sides of all doors, all other fittings, and insect/security screens etc.
  • Clean curtains and blinds. Refer to Agent for method advice.
  • Remove all cobwebs and insect marks and nests.

Kitchen

  • Clean inside and outside of all cupboards and doors.
  • Clean inside, outside and around stove.
  • Clean inside and outside of oven, griller, doors, trays, racks, glass.
  • Clean inside, outside and behind refrigerator and dishwasher and microwave space.
  • Clean sink, especially drain holes, drainers and taps.
  • Range hood exhaust and filter‐ filter can be removed and cleaned.

Bathroom

  • Clean all walls, floors, mirrors and windows and window tracks.
  • Clean inside and outside all cupboards and drawers.
  • Clean toilet, bath, shower recess, remove built up soap residue on tiles and shower screens, clean sink and all taps, towel rails.
  • Clean in wardrobes, shelves, drawers and mirrored doors. Remove scuff marks.
  • Shower curtain washed with bleach or replaced if applicable.

If you have a laundry facility

  • Clean behind, inside and around washing machine space. Clean equipment and filters if applicable.
  • Clean inside, outside and behind dryer. Remove lint.
  • Clean inside, outside and around laundry tub, cabinets, shelves, drawers, taps.
  • Clean all walls and floors, ceiling.

If you have a verandah, deck, or outdoor areas

  • Sweep and mop, clean railings, glass and light fittings.
  • Remove all cobwebs etc.

If you have a garage, carport, driveway

  • Sweep out and remove any oil residue from concrete, pavers, paths, driveways.
  • Empty Recycling bins and place bins out on footpath for next collection
  • Close and lock garage door, if applicable.

If you have a garden, lawn, and/or pool

  • Mow lawn, trim all edges, weed gardens, general garden tidy, remove all rubbish.
  • Return pool to condition as per condition report at start of the tenancy and supply Pool Test report to Agent
  • Report to be completed on the end of tenancy date.

If the apartment is furnished

  • Ensure all items are clean and are located in original rooms as per Inventory list.