Failing a rental inspection can be frustrating, especially when you’re already in the middle of moving out. You may have packed your belongings, arranged your new home and completed what you thought was a thorough clean, only to receive a list of things that still need attention.
The good news is that failing a final inspection does not necessarily mean you have lost your rental bond. In many cases, there are specific cleaning issues that need to be addressed before the property can be considered ready for handover.
If you’ve received cleaning-related feedback after your rental inspection, here’s what you should do next.
1. Read the Inspection Feedback Carefully
The first step is to understand exactly what your property manager or landlord has identified.
Don’t assume that you need to clean the entire property again. Go through the inspection report or feedback carefully and identify the specific areas that require attention.
Common issues can include:
- Dirty ovens or stovetops
- Dusty skirting boards
- Marks on doors or walls
- Dirty windows or window tracks
- Soap residue or grime in bathrooms
- Unclean cupboards or drawers
- Carpet stains or visible dirt
- Dust and debris in corners
- Untidy outdoor areas
Creating a list of the required tasks will help you focus on what actually needs to be corrected.
2. Compare the Property With Your Entry Condition Report
Your original condition report can be an important reference when you’re preparing to leave a rental property.
Compare the property’s current condition with the condition documented when you moved in. Pay attention to existing marks, stains, damage or wear that were already recorded.
This can help you distinguish between cleaning that needs to be completed and issues that may relate to the property’s original condition.
Keep copies of relevant reports, photographs and communication with your property manager for your records.
3. Focus on the Areas Mentioned in the Report
Once you know what needs to be addressed, work through the list systematically.
For example, if the report mentions the kitchen, don’t just wipe the benchtops. Check the oven, stovetop, rangehood, splashback, cupboards, drawers and other relevant areas.
If the bathroom has been flagged, check the shower screen, tiles, grout, toilet, basin, mirrors, taps and other surfaces.
A detailed approach can help prevent the same areas from being overlooked again.
4. Don’t Forget the Small Details
Sometimes the areas that cause problems are not the obvious ones.
A property can look clean overall while still having dust around skirting boards, dirt in window tracks, marks around light switches or grime in corners.
Before requesting another inspection, walk through every room slowly and look at the property from an inspection perspective rather than simply asking, “Does this look clean?”
Check high-touch areas, corners, edges and less-visible surfaces that are easy to miss during a normal household clean.
5. Take Photos After Cleaning
Once you’ve completed the required cleaning, take clear photographs of the areas you have addressed.
Photos can provide a useful record of the property’s condition after you have completed the requested work.
Take photos in good lighting and make sure they clearly show the relevant areas. Keep them with your inspection report and other moving-out documents.
6. Consider Professional Bond Cleaning
If the inspection requires more cleaning than you expected, completing everything yourself can become difficult, particularly when you’re also dealing with moving and other end-of-tenancy responsibilities.
Professional bond cleaners are experienced in detailed end-of-lease cleaning and can help address areas that are commonly missed during a standard household clean.
This can be particularly useful if the inspection feedback covers multiple rooms or requires detailed cleaning of kitchens, bathrooms, floors, windows and other areas.
7. Check Whether Carpet Cleaning Is Required
Carpets can be one of the more difficult areas to deal with after an inspection.
Vacuuming removes surface dirt, but it may not remove visible stains or deeply embedded dirt. If carpet cleaning has specifically been requested or the carpets require additional attention, consider whether professional carpet cleaning is appropriate.
Always check your tenancy requirements and the specific feedback you’ve received before arranging additional services.
8. Address the Issues Before the Next Inspection
If you have been given an opportunity to correct cleaning issues, don’t leave the work until the last minute.
Give yourself enough time to complete the cleaning properly and check everything again before the property is reinspected.
If you’re using a professional cleaning service, booking early can also give you more flexibility with appointment times.
9. Communicate With Your Property Manager
If you’re unsure about something mentioned in the inspection report, ask for clarification rather than making assumptions.
For example, if the report says an area requires additional cleaning but you’re unsure what specifically needs to be addressed, request clarification so you can deal with the correct issue.
Keeping communication clear and professional can make the process easier for everyone involved.
10. Don’t Panic About the Bond
Receiving a failed or unsatisfactory inspection report can be stressful, but the next step is to focus on the specific issues that have been raised.
A cleaning issue does not automatically mean that your entire bond is lost. The outcome can depend on the circumstances of the tenancy, the property’s condition and the requirements set out in your tenancy agreement.
If you’re unsure about your rights or obligations regarding your rental bond, consider obtaining advice from the relevant tenancy authority or a qualified professional.
How to Avoid Failing Your Final Rental Inspection
The easiest way to deal with a failed inspection is to reduce the chances of it happening in the first place.
Before handing back your rental property:
- Start cleaning before the final day.
- Use your entry condition report as a reference.
- Clean kitchens and bathrooms thoroughly.
- Check cupboards, drawers and appliances.
- Pay attention to windows and window tracks.
- Clean skirting boards, corners and hard-to-reach areas.
- Check floors and carpets carefully.
- Don’t overlook outdoor areas that are part of the property.
- Take photographs after completing the cleaning.
- Allow enough time to fix anything that may have been missed.
A detailed end-of-lease clean can make the final inspection process much easier to manage.
Get Your Brisbane Rental Ready for Reinspection
If your rental inspection has highlighted cleaning issues, the best approach is to deal with the feedback methodically and give yourself enough time to complete the required work.
For Brisbane tenants who don’t have the time or equipment to handle a detailed end-of-lease clean themselves, All In One provides professional bond cleaning services to help prepare rental properties for handover.
From kitchens and bathrooms to floors and commonly overlooked areas, a professional cleaning team can help take the pressure off when you’re preparing to move out.
Need help getting your rental ready for its next inspection? Contact All In One for a quote for your end-of-lease cleaning service.
