Helpful Info for Happy Renting

Moving Out & Cleaning

Moving Out & Cleaning

Leaving your rental in great condition is an important part of moving out—but keeping up with regular cleaning throughout your tenancy makes it so much easier! This checklist is here to help you make sure every nook and cranny is up to standard when it’s time to hand back the keys. A little effort along the way saves time and stress later, ensuring you leave your home sparkling and ready for the next tenants.

Every Room

  • Walls & Light Switches: Clean off scuff marks, fingerprints, and food marks. Wipe smudges off light switches. (Use hot soapy water or Spray & Wipe. For stubborn stains, use Jif with a soft cloth.)
  • Ceilings: Remove cobwebs and fly spots. Check for mould and clean thoroughly. (Treat mould with Exit Mould or hot soapy water, ensuring the area is dried thoroughly.)
  • Light Fittings: Dust and remove dead insects. Replace any non-working bulbs.
  • Skirting Boards: Wipe with a damp cloth to remove dust.
  • Doors & Door Frames: Clean both sides of doors and frames and get rid of any removable marks. (Use Jif for stubborn marks. A green scourer pad can be used gently if necessary.)
  • Windows: Clean inside and out, including sills, tracks, and runners. A vacuum cleaner and small brush can help.
  • Curtains & Blinds: Dust and spot clean curtains (check care tags first). Wipe down or clean slats of blinds. Floors: Vacuum, mop, and clean hard-to-reach corners.
  • Ceiling Fans: Wipe fan blades and fittings to remove dust.

 

Bathrooms

  • Sink, Mirror & Vanity: Wipe down the sink, mirror, cabinet, and drawers. (Use Spray & Wipe or Jif. Polish the mirror with a clean cloth for a streak-free finish.)
  • Shower & Bath: Scrub the shower walls, glass doors, bath, and tiles. (Use Spray & Wipe or Jif. For tough build-up, use green scourer pads but avoid abrasive materials on delicate surfaces.)
  • Toilet: Clean the seat, bowl, and base thoroughly. (Use toilet cleaner for the bowl and hot soapy water or Spray & Wipe for the exterior.)
  • Exhaust Fans: Wipe fan covers and ceiling vents.

 

Laundry

  • Washing Machines: Wipe the drum, detergent drawer, and filters. (Use hot soapy water or Handy Andy. Clean lint filters in Simpson models.) Dryers: Remove lint from filters and wipe the interior. (Ensure filters are completely cleared of fluff to avoid hazards.)

Kitchen

  • Oven/Stove: Interior: Clean all racks, trays, and walls. (Use Selleys Oven Clean and allow time for it to work. This is not a quick job!) Exterior: Wipe down the stovetop, control knobs, and display. (Use Handy Andy or Jif with a green scourer pad for tough stains.)
  • Rangehood: Clean the pull-out filters and framework. (Use hot soapy water or Spray & Wipe for the framework. Ensure filters are completely dry before reinserting.)
  • Sink & Benchtops: Scrub, polish and wipe bench and sink. (Use Jif for stubborn marks.)
  • Dishwashers: Clean the filter and remove food scraps from the bottom. (Use hot soapy water.)
  • Cupboards & Drawers: Wash inside and out. (Dry thoroughly to avoid water stains.)
  • Fridge & Freezer: Clean the interior and exterior thoroughly. (Use hot soapy water or Spray & Wipe for the inside and leave doors open if powered off to prevent odours.)

 

Outdoor Areas

  • Lawns: Mow and trim edges just before vacating. (Dispose of grass clippings appropriately.)
  • Paths & Gardens: Sweep paths and paving, remove weeds, and clear rubbish or leaves. (Use a stiff broom for paved areas and garden gloves for weeding.)
  • Rubbish: Clear all waste, including behind sheds, under shrubs, and under the house. (Check for forgotten items and dispose of rubbish responsibly.)

 

Final Tips

  • Regular cleaning prevents build-up, making this final deep clean much easier.
  • Always test cleaning products on a small area first, especially for delicate surfaces.
  • Keep cleaning products like Exit Mould, Selleys Oven Clean, Jif, Spray & Wipe, and Handy Andy on hand for best results.
Moving Out & Bond Refunds

Moving Out & Bond Refunds

Moving out can be stressful, so we recommend starting early. It often takes longer than expected, and rushing at the last minute can cause unnecessary stress and costs. Once you let us know you’re not renewing your tenancy, we’ll arrange viewings for prospective tenants. While some mess from packing is fine, please ensure the property is tidy for these viewings.

Key Moving-Out Tasks

  • Inform us as soon as you’ve decided to move to make the process smoother.
  • Fill out a mail redirection form with NZ Post to ensure mail reaches you, as we cannot guarantee forwarding.
  • Inform utility providers of your moving date for final readings and service transfers to your new home.
  • Cancel any automatic payments at the end of your tenancy.

Getting Your Bond Back

What Can Affect Your Bond Refund?

Your bond may be withheld in part or full for the following reasons:

  • Any rent arrears may be deducted.
  • If there’s damage beyond normal wear and tear, the cost of repairs may be deducted from your bond.
  • If the property isn’t cleaned to a satisfactory standard, the cost of professional cleaning may be deducted.
  • If any items listed in the property’s chattels inventory are missing, or keys are not returned, you may be charged.

How to Maximise Your Bond Refund

  • Follow our comprehensive cleaning checklist to ensure the property is spotless. Pay special attention to areas that are often overlooked, eg. skirting boards, light fittings, and window tracks.
  • Fix any minor damages, such as filling nail holes or replacing lightbulbs, before your final inspection.
  • Once you’ve completed cleaning and repairs, we will inspect the property against the original condition report. Any discrepancies will be discussed with you before bond deductions are made.

The Bond Refund Process

  • After the final inspection, both you and the property manager will complete and sign a bond refund form. This is then submitted to Tenancy Services.
  • If there are no disputes, the bond will typically be refunded within 5–10 working days. If you have not received your bond within this time frame please contact Tenancy Services (0800TENANCY)
  • In the case of disputes, the bond amount will be held by Tenancy Services until the matter is resolved through mediation or the Tenancy Tribunal.

A Note on Fair Wear and Tear

Landlords can’t charge for normal wear and tear, like faded paint or worn carpets. Any deductions from your bond can only be for damage beyond regular use, such as broken fixtures or large stains.