"It's cleaner now than when I moved in!"

When managing properties, it is important to understand that we are not just the managing bricks, mortar and money – but real human emotions. The property has been someone’s “home” for a period of time.

When dealing with tenants at a final inspection, we need to be sensitive to their emotions and be understanding in our approach – but firm.

The first issue to address in managing the property’s cleanliness and presentation at the final inspection is to ask the questions, “does the tenant know our expectations?”.

At Doyle Spillane Real Estate when a tenant advises us of their intention to vacate we confirm in writing and supply the tenants with a Final Inspection Guide highlighting what we will be checking during the final vacate inspection.

We let the tenant know that failure to address all of the listed areas could result in additional costs or delays in the bond refund process.

Following is a guide of areas that we pay special attention to:

Kitchen

* Oven and griller is to be cleaned, drip trays to be cleaned of all grease.

* Range hood to be cleaned, including the filters.

* Floors and bench tops to be cleaned and free from grease.

* Cupboards to be cleaned inside and out (don’t forget tops).

* Walls and tiled areas to be free from grease.

Bathroom

* Shower recess to be scrubbed.

* Grouting to be free of all soap residue or mildew.

* Shower screen o be cleaned.

* Mirrors to be wiped over.

* Toilet to be cleaned thoroughly, including bowl, seat (under seat) and cistern.

All Rooms

* Exhaust fans throughout property to be cleaned, vents to be free of dust.

* Blinds to be cleaned and dusted and washed of all marks.

* Flyscreens to be removed carefully and hosed or brushed to remove dirt/dust.

* Windows and window sills/tracks to be cleaned thoroughly.

* Doors and door frames to be left clean and undamaged, marks to be removed from walls

* Cobwebs to be removed from ceiling cornices and walls.

* All light fittings to be cleaned and free from insects.

* All floors and skirting boards to be washed.

* Clean all mirrors throughout including wardrobe door mirrors.

* All items on inventory to be accounted for.

Laundry

* Clothes dryer filter to be cleaned out, clean under laundry tub and clean plug hole.

Carpets

* Carpets are to be professionally cleaned if soiled or marked and our recommended carpet cleaned used. If the tenant’s choose not to use our offices recommended carpet cleaner they can be liable to have the carpets re-cleaned should they not meet our standard of cleanliness.

Damage

* Damage that occurs due to the tenants neglect will be rectified at the tenants cost.

The above cleaning is a guide only and additional cleaning may be required. Once the tenant has a clear outline of our expectations we are one step closer to a hassle free final vacate process.

There will always be occasions, where disputes will arise at the end of a tenancy over the cleanliness of the property. The best way to we manage these situations is to make sure we have a very detailed condition report at the commencement of the tenancy.

To reinforce the condition report, we also take photos of the property and request the tenants sign and date these, this will highlight to the tenant the condition of the property prior to them taking possession.