Vacating Procedures

So you are packing up and getting ready to move onto the next journey of your life — we wish you all the best during this existing chapter🎉 It was nice having you call one of our properties home during the last few months (or years!). This guide will run you through the full vacating procedures so you will know what to expect and have a smooth move-out process, as well as the all-important step of getting your bond back!

Giving notice to Vacate

The first step is to let us know that you are moving out by submitting a Notice to Vacate form. This allows us to update our system and begin the vacating process. If you haven’t yet head on over to our guide [Notice to Vacate]

Preparing the Property

Preparing the property properly is key to a smooth vacate process and timely bond refund:

• Work with our agency for open inspections – We’ll need to conduct open inspections during your final weeks to help secure the next tenant. Please assist us with access at the agreed times.
• Pre-book the elevator with your building manager – This ensures your move runs smoothly and you will be able to move out on the day of your choice. Tip: ensure your understand the building by-laws, some buildings require a deposit paid before you can begin your move.
• Redirect your mail – Organise your postal redirection early so you don’t miss important documents.
• Notify your utility providers – Inform them of your vacate date, but make sure power and water remain connected until after the outgoing inspection. Without power, we cannot complete the report and your bond refund will be delayed.
• Organise professional cleaning – We strongly recommend using an end-of-lease cleaner (not just a routine cleaner). This ensures the property meets vacating standards and helps avoid disputes or delays.

Returning the Keys

Your rent is chargeable as a daily rate until all keys are returned to our office, all furniture is removed, and the property has been cleaned to end-of-lease standards. Keys must be returned promptly on or before your vacate date.

Final Inspection and Bond refund

We will complete an outgoing inspection once you have vacated. To help ensure your bond is refunded without delay:

• Report or repair any damages before handing back the keys.
• Replace any non-working light bulbs.
• Remove all hooks, stickers, or items attached to the walls.
• Make sure rubbish and belongings are removed.
• Ensure the property is left in as close to the original condition as possible, allowing for fair wear and tear.

Our goal is to process your bond refund within 3 business days of the inspection being completed successfully.

Helpful contacts

Need some extra assistance? Here are some services you may find useful:

• Cleaning company: Ray 0434 968 908
• Removal company: Rebecca 0420 502 188
• Moving your Utility: Myconnect 1300 187 449

A Final Note

We understand that getting your bond back on time and without stress is one of your top priorities. From our experience managing thousands of tenancies, the single biggest hold-up is end-of-lease cleaning. That’s why 9 out of 10 tenants choose to hire a professional end-of-lease cleaner. If you find a cleaner yourself on google or elsewhere, make sure they:

• Offer a guarantee to return free of charge for any missed areas.
• Specialise in end-of-lease cleans (not just routine cleans).

You’ve been a great tenant, and the last thing we want is to leave a sour note at the end of your journey with Sydney Realty Group. Thank you for being part of our community and wish you all the best in your move. We hope we can be of assistance in the future for any of your property needs, until then, this is good bye!