If you’re a long term renter, you’ll know all the pitfalls of being a tenant, and you’re well-versed in the art of managing snap inspections and end-of-lease negotiations.

But for those new to renting, chances are you may need a few tips to make sure the end-of-lease goes smoothly, so you don’t fall out with your landlord and you get your bond back.

Afterall, a month’s rent is a lot of money.

Paying bond

When you sign a lease on a property you’ll be asked to pay a bond. This is a security deposit paid to the landlord or real estate agent. It’s held in trust by the Residential Tenancies Board, to cover any expenses such as unpaid rent, or compensation for that accidental hole in the wall. This way you are protected, but so is the property owner.

Your landlord will lodge the bond with your state’s Bond Authority, and you should receive notification it’s been lodged within a few days. If you don’t hear from the Bond Authority within a fortnight, contact the Authority as soon as you can.

If you move out before the end of the lease, don’t forget to have the bond transferred into the name of the new tenants. You can do this by contacting the Bond Authority and getting a Bond Transfer form . Of course, you’ll also have to get the new tenants to reimburse you for the cost of the bond.

The condition report

Immediately after you take possession of a property, it’s essential to fill out a condition report. This is a detailed assessment of the condition of the property, both inside and out. It’s a good idea to take photos of anything damage you notice – scratches on walls, dents in floorboards – in case you need to prove later on that any damage or stains were pre-existing. Be thorough.

You’ll need to get two copies of the condition report signed by the landlord or the agent. Return them to the landlord or agent within three days of moving in, but keep a copy for yourself.  Now you’ve got a signed agreement that will protect you from being asked to pay for damages you didn’t cause.

End of tenancy inspection

At the end of your lease your landlord will inspect the property. This is where the  condition report is crucial. If the inspection is positive, your landlord will make a request from the Bond Authority for the return of the bond.

You need to both sign a Claim Form, and the bond will be deposited into your account – make sure the claim form has the agreed amount of bond listed on it.

But if your landlord finds any damage not listed on the condition report, you may be liable for it. The landlord will file a complaint, and the cost of the damages will come off the amount held in bond.

It’s best to be realistic – and reasonable – about any damages. If there are crayon marks on the wall, or stains on the carpet that you caused, be prepared to pay for the repair.

And if you don’t clean the property thoroughly at the end of the lease, be prepared for cleaning costs to be deducted too.

If you both agree to the costs to be deducted, then you can apply for a Claim Form, with the agreed amount of deductions outlined on it.

But if there is a dispute about costs, contact your state’s Tenancy Union for help.

For more advice, check out this link to the Tenants Union of Victoria.