End-of-Tenancy Cleaning and Getting Your Bond Back

Getting your full bond back comes down to two things: leaving the property in the condition your tenancy agreement requires, and knowing how the actual refund process works.

What condition is actually required

Most residential tenancies require the property to be left "reasonably clean and tidy" at the end of the tenancy -- not immaculate, and not necessarily professionally cleaned, unless your specific agreement says otherwise. Check your tenancy agreement for the exact wording rather than assuming a standard applies.

A regular weekly-clean standard usually isn't enough. Ovens, cupboard interiors, window tracks, extractor fans, and skirting boards are the details a "reasonably clean" inspection actually checks -- and the ones a normal clean often skips.

How the bond refund actually works

Bonds are refunded through Tenancy Services' Bond Hub, not by paper form -- your landlord submits the refund request online, and you'll get a notification with a link and a one-time password to agree to the amount. You then have a limited window to respond before the refund can proceed.

If your landlord hasn't submitted a refund request and isn't responding, Tenancy Services (0800 TENANCY) can help you submit one directly.

Before you hand back the keys

1. Do the final clean on your actual move-out day, not before -- an empty property can pick up dust again if there's a gap before the inspection.
2. Take dated photos of every room, including cupboards and appliances -- your best evidence if there's ever a disagreement over the bond.
3. Check your agreement for carpet cleaning specifically -- some tenancies require it explicitly, separate from the general cleanliness standard.
4. Keep your cleaning receipt if you hire a professional -- useful evidence the standard was genuinely met.

This is general guidance, not a substitute for your specific tenancy agreement -- check the exact wording there, and contact Tenancy Services directly if a dispute comes up.