Bond cleaning inspections in Rockingham are particularly thorough. However, with enough preparation as well as an understanding of what property managers are on the lookout for, tenants can boost the odds of them getting their full bond back greatly. This guide outlines essential bond cleaning requirements in Rockingham and provides practical strategies for meeting even the strictest inspection criteria.
The Reasons Rockingham Property Managers Have Higher Standards
Over the past few years, Rockingham’s rental market has seen considerable growth, which in turn leads to higher standards when it comes to inspections:
- The competitive market allows property managers to be more selective
- Increased property values lead to higher expectations surrounding maintenance
- The many investment rental properties owned by remote investors and interstate owners come as expected to be managed and maintained immaculately
- New premium developments increase the standards for cleaning across the board for all properties
- The rental market surrounding the property allows the rental agencies to tighten control which leads to stricter standards
Property managers in Rockingham generally require more comprehensive inspection checklists compared to other suburbs in Perth. They also tend to expect tenants to fix things that other suburbs would tend to overlook.
Top 10 Most Commonly Failed Areas in Bond Inspections
Local property management data reveals these areas as the most frequent causes of bond deductions:
- Shower Screens and Hard Water Deposits: The water supply in Rockingham is high in minerals and calcium is more difficult to remove than usual even for stronger cleaners.
- Oven Interiors and Rangehoods: Grease build up is the main area of concern when inspecting these areas, and the condition of the oven is expected to be in “as new” state.
- Window Blinds and Vertical Drapes: Dust build up between slats is often missed when cleaning, but inspectors definitely notice.
- Air Conditioning Vents and Filters: These are usually neglected when cleaning, but particularly in new homes, inspectors are looking for thorough cleaning in these areas.
- Cabinet Interiors: Most of the tenants only clean the outside of the cabinets and leave the insides to gather dust, including liners, corners, and shelves.
- Tile Grout Lines: Grout mold and discoloration is a big problem that will often require additional and specialized cleaning tools.
- Light Switch Plates and Power Points: Inspectors are expected to look for smudges and discoloration.
- Skirting Boards Behind Furniture: Inspectors expect that people will move furniture to clean these areas, but it is often neglected.
- Rangehood Filters: These are expected to be cleaned to a point of being degreased. Most people do not realize that standard cleaners will not be enough.
- Ceiling Fans and Light Fixtures: Inspectors check and notice elements that aren’t visible from below and where dust collects.
Rockingham’s Unique Cleaning Challenges
Rockingham properties have some unique challenges when it comes to cleaning them:
Hard Water Issues
The water that Rockingham supplies contains minerals that causes bond cleaners to have problems:
- Shower screens that don’t come clear, even with regular glass cleaning, will look cloudy
- Shower heads and taps will have white mineral build up and scales that reduce water flow
- Toilet bowls will have discoloration that, even after cleaning, will not come off
These will have to be removed with a specially formulated acid cleaner that will dissolve calcium and magnesium.
Modern Home Features
Many Rockingham rentals feature:
- High-gloss cabinetry that shows fingerprints and smudges more visibly
- Designer tapware with intricate details that trap limescale
- Engineered stone countertops that are easily stained
- Complex shower designs with multiple glass panels
- Textured tile finishes that trap dirt in microscopic surface variations
Strict Property Management Practices
Rockingham’s agencies often utilize:
- Digital inspection apps that document condition with high-resolution photography
- Before-and-after comparison techniques
- Detailed checklists with up to 80 individual inspection points
- Preferred supplier relationships with professional cleaners
Effective Bond Cleaning Timeline
2 Weeks Before Inspection:
- Assess problem areas and identify specialized cleaning needs
- Book professional services if required (carpet cleaning, pest control)
- Purchase specialized cleaning products for hard water issues
- Address any maintenance items needing repair
1 Week Before Inspection:
- Deep clean bathrooms with focus on shower screens and grout
- Apply specialized scale removers to tapware and glass
- Deep clean oven, including between glass panels
- Clean exhaust fans and air conditioning vents
3 Days Before Inspection:
- Clean inside all cabinetry and storage areas
- Ensure all window treatments are addressed (blinds, curtains, tracks)
- Clean light fixtures, ceiling fans, and switch plates
- Treat any grout discoloration
1 Day Before Inspection:
- Final vacuum and mop of all floor surfaces
- Polish all mirrors and glass surfaces
- Cross-verify all areas with your checklist
- Document all cleaning with photographs
Specialized Cleaning Products for Success
Standard cleaning products are inadequate for bond cleaning in Rockingham.
- Scale Removers with Phosphoric Acid: Essential for shower screens and tapware affected by hard water
- Commercial-Grade Degreasers: For kitchen surfaces, particularly rangehoods
- Specialized Grout Cleaners: To restore discolored grout lines
- Steam Cleaners: For sanitizing without chemicals
- Microfiber Glass Cleaning Systems: For streak-free windows
Room-By-Room Cleaning Checklist
Kitchen
- Degrease all surfaces including splashbacks and rangehood
- Clean inside and behind refrigerator space
- Descale sink and tapware completely
- Clean inside all cupboards, removing shelf liners
- Clean oven door between glass panels
- Clean and degrease rangehood filters
- Address any grout discoloration between tiles
Bathrooms
- Remove all hard water deposits from shower screens and tapware
- Treat silicone for mold and mildew
- Clean exhaust fans, including cover removal, thoroughly
- Showerheads should be fully descaled
- Water stains on toilet bowls must be removed
- Chrome fixtures polish to a streak-free shine
- Remove hair and debris from drain covers
Living Areas and Bedrooms
- Remove covers and clean all light fittings
- Clean built-in wardrobes, including tracks
- Remove wall marks carefully to avoid paint damage
- AC vents and return air filters should be cleaned
- Any stains on the carpet or odors must be addressed
- Door handles and hardware must be cleaned
- Sliding door tracks should be cleaned
Outdoor Areas
- Clean the inside of the external window frames
- Remove cobwebs from eaves and entry points
- Clean light fittings and power points
- Check to ensure paved areas are free from stains
- Clean the security screen mesh
Professional vs. DIY Cleaning
- Typical professional bond cleaners’ fee is $250-$450, depending on the size of the property
- DIY cleaning requires the purchase of specialized products and costs $80-$150
- An average bond deduction for failed cleaning is $300-$600
- Professional cleaners often provide guarantee periods that align with inspection timelines
- Cleaning companies work with property managers
Preparing for Final Inspection
- Document Everything: Take date-stamped pictures of all cleaned areas
- Pre-Inspection Checklist: Request the checklist to know their exact requirements
- Morning Inspections: Schedule morning inspections as the natural light highlights cleaning
- Handover File: File receipts for professional services
- Odor Issues: Natural cleansers will eliminate odors, which is better than masking them with fake fragrances
Final Exit Requirements
Even after thoroughly cleaning your rental property, there are a few final requirements that are often overlooked. According to Rockingham real estate experts, it’s essential to:
- Empty your street bins before you leave
- Return all keys that were provided to you on the day you vacate – if any are missing, make sure to get copies made
- Be aware that once you return the keys, the property manager can conduct the exit inspection immediately, so don’t hand them over until everything is completely ready
Taking care of these final details can make a significant difference in how smoothly your bond refund process goes.
Bond Cleaning Regulations
The Residential Tenancies Act outlines that the property must be returned at lease end, in a “reasonably clean condition” which is vague. Rockingham property managers tend to assume it means professional standard cleaning as they cover:
- Carpets and floor coverings
- Window treatments
- Kitchen cleaning appliances
- Bathroom fixtures
Bond money can be withheld for legitimate reasons, and tenants should be aware of the different channels through which they can dispute unreasonable deductions. Tenants in Rockingham addressing specific cleaning challenges with proper attention to detail will markedly strengthen their chances of passing inspections.
This guide aims to help Rockingham residents navigate the thorough inspection process and ensure a smooth transition to their next home.
