a day ago
The three spots real estate agents ALWAYS check before giving back your bond: 'Miss these and you'll be called back or charged a cleaning fee'
A professional cleaner has shared her insider knowledge on the five things renters wish they knew before moving out - and the three spots real estate agents always check.
Kacie Stephens, from Melbourne, visits thousands of rental properties each year to perform regular services or a one-off end-of-lease cleans.
So she knows all the tips and tricks for getting your full bond back with ease.
If you're looking to save money by doing your own deep clean, the business owner recommends setting aside at least a full day - or even two.
'Cleaning takes way longer than you think. This is not a two-hour job,' the business owner of Big Clean Co said in her video.
'Even houses that are regularly cleaned are surprisingly dirty once everything is moved out.'
Kacie explained that there are three areas tenants often forget to clean - and this can slow down the process of getting their bond back.
'Agents check the same things: oven trays, skirting boards and window tracks,' she said.
'Miss these and you'll either be called back or charged for a cleaner.'
She added that carpet cleaning and pest control are usually 'non-negotiables' so it's always best to call in the professionals to handle those jobs.
'That's a couple of hundred dollars gone, even if you DIY the rest,' she explained.
'You'll only get one shot. Block out the day after your final inspection as well because it's really common to be asked to come back and fix something.
'You might save money but it will cost you in stress - unless cleaning all day long is really your thing - it might be worth just handing it to the pros.'
Many agreed with Kacie about the areas agents look out for, with one saying: 'The obsession landlords and real estate agents have with tracks is insane.
'They don't even really care, they just want a "gotcha, you're not getting your bond back, suckers".'
Kacie previously shared the five things property managers have 'hawk eyes' for.
'It's drilled into our brains to not miss these things,' she said.
She said property managers are 'obsessed' with window tracks.
'The best way to clean window tracks is to vacuum the excess out (using a small attachment), then place a cloth over the end of a toothbrush to clean,' she explained.
The cleaner said you should always remove hidden soap scum, mould and rust stains from the edges around shower screen doors.
She explained how ovens are often neglected by tenants before moving out.
'Use a toothbrush to get into the corners of the oven,' she advised, adding that ovens require a thorough clean inside and out.
Kacie also suggested soaking greasy cook top knobs - if they come off - in soapy water, and making sure the surrounding area is cleaned property.
Other commonly forgotten areas to clean include exhaust fans and ceiling fans, which collect a lot of dust over time.
