It’s wonderful to move into a new rental, isn’t it? There’s the sense of starting again, the excitement of personalising the area, and possibly even a few design ideas circling about in your brain.
However, there’s one important step that might make or break your experience before you start decorating the walls and settling in: the rental walkthrough.
This is more than simply a cursory look around your new place to determine where the furniture should go. Particularly when it comes to your end-of-lease bond cleaning, a comprehensive walkthrough can save you a tonne of hassles down the road.
However, what specifically should you search for when conducting this inspection? So that you can move in with confidence and steer clear of any unpleasant surprises when it comes time to move out, let’s take a deeper look.
Take Pictures of Everything
First and definitely most importantly, document everything with pictures. Although you have most likely heard this before, there is a reason everyone advises this. It’s about defending oneself, not about being finicky.
Having pictures of the state of the property when you moved in will make all the difference when the time for your bond cleaning at the end of the lease arrives.
From the kitchen tiles to the skirting boards, from the bathroom taps to the light fittings, snap images of every corner and cranny. Look for floor scratches, cracked paint, or other damage that subsequently could be ascribed to you. Take a snapshot of even something seemingly little.
Regarding strengthening your bond, you cannot have too much proof in your hand. Date-stamping your pictures will help to clarify when they were taken.
Examine Utilities and Appliances
Let’s now address the utilities and appliances. It’s likely that you will still have a few essential appliances like a cooker, oven or heater whether you’re renting an empty flat or a completely furnished house. Make sure everything is operating as it should before getting too comfy.
Turn on every appliance and let it run through its complete cycle to begin. Does the oven heat up correctly? Does the refrigerator provide the proper cooling impact? Additionally, make sure the hot water is functioning and check the water pressure in the faucets. Turn on and off the light switches and power outlets to ensure that everything is operating as it should.
What makes this so crucial? You’ll want to know about any issues before you move in because of this. If not, you can be required to replace or fix something that was previously broken and believe me when I say it’s the last thing you want to be surprised with when your lease expires.
Look at The Flooring and Walls
When you’re ready to move in, it’s easy to ignore little blemishes on the walls or floor, yet, these can resurface when it comes time for your end-of-lease cleaning. Examine the walls closely for any scuffs, holes, or discolouration.
Although these things might not seem important now, landlords usually expect you to leave the property in the same state as when you moved in, including cleaning or correcting anything that seems odd.
Remember also to check the flooring. Hard flooring should be checked for scratches or wear; carpets should be stain and damage-free. If these kinds of problems go unreported early on, they can cause further costs.
Pointing them out immediately is better than having to pay a cleaning or repair bill later.
Testing the Windows and Doors
Although you wouldn’t consider it, another vitally necessary action is testing every door and window. Make sure they lock, open and close correctly. Safety hazards could include a door that does not close entirely or a window that cannot lock.
Furthermore, should a landlord find similar problems following your departure, they may attempt to claim the damage done under your watch.
Besides that, broken doors or windows can influence your energy costs. Should they not close correctly, you could find yourself spending extra to heat or cool your house—a pricey and unpleasant habit.
Review the Lease Agreement
This one is more about ensuring your coverage of documentation than it is about the physical inspection. Your lease should specify exactly who is in charge of upkeep and repairs as well as the state of the property you must live in.
Certain landlords demand expert end of lease bond cleaning, including a complete bond cleaning after lease termination. Although it’s not always cheap, you must obtain your money returned in full, and so this is essential.
Should the lease specify professional cleaning, be aware of what is anticipated.
Sometimes, landlords may have specific services they would like you to use or a checklist of tasks to do before you turn back the keys. Knowing these specifics now can help you avoid being surprised at the end of your tenancy.
Remember the Outside of The Property as Well
If you are fortunate enough to have a patio, balcony, or garden, make sure you also check these places.
Later on, overgrown grass, untamed shrubs, or broken outdoor furniture could cost you. Outdoor areas must be kept in good shape during your tenancy, same as the inside of the house; they should also be inspected just as carefully on your first walkthrough.
Note any maintenance or damage problems such as leaky gutters, broken railings, or cracked pavements. If the property includes garden tools or outside furniture, evaluate its condition and, naturally, snap pictures.
Make a Note of Any Pests
Imagine arriving at your ideal property only to find unwelcome visitors such as ants, cockroaches, or even more sinister mice.
Although nobody wants to deal with a pest infestation, it’s crucial to know any possible problems before you sign your lease. Look for any indications of pests throughout the walkthrough, such as droppings or odd scents.
Bring anything unexpected you find right away to your landlord or property management. Before you move in, they should take care of the problem; you would want paperwork proving that the problem was pre-existing should it not be completely fixed before the end of lease cleaning.
Understand Your Rights
Let’s not forget that you have rights as a renter. Don’t hesitate to bring up anything that seems wrong if the property isn’t up to standards. This walkthrough benefits you as much as the landlord does.
Before you move, make sure any damage or issues are recorded and decided upon. In this sense, you won’t be left covering costs for items that weren’t your initial duty when it comes time for the end-of-lease cleaning.
Conclusion
Moving into a new home requires conducting a thorough rental walkthrough, despite the fact that it may seem like a lengthy process.
Examining every detail, including appliances and pest management, in-depth and documenting any issues now will protect you from future disputes and unanticipated costs.
If your rental walkthrough is done properly, you should have a hassle-free stay. So, take your time, exercise caution, and rest easy knowing that you’re moving into a solid environment.
- The Things to Look for When Performing a Rental WalkthroughIt’s wonderful to move into a new rental, isn’t it? There’s the sense of starting again, the excitement of personalising the area, and possibly even a few design ideas circling about in your brain. However, there’s one important step that might make or break your... The post The Things to Look for When Performing a […]