How to Pass Your Bond Inspection on the First Try

Getting your full bond back isn’t about luck—it’s about knowing exactly what property managers look for and delivering it. After working with hundreds of Gladstone landlords and property managers, we’ve learned the exact formula for passing bond inspections on the first try.

This guide reveals the insider secrets, common pitfalls, and specific strategies that virtually guarantee you’ll get your bond back in full.

Understanding Bond Inspections in Queensland

What Property Managers Are Looking For

Bond inspections (also called final inspections or exit inspections) compare the property’s current condition to the entry condition report you signed when moving in.

The Standard: Property must be returned in the same condition as when you moved in, allowing for fair wear and tear.

Fair Wear and Tear Includes: ✓ Minor carpet wearing in high-traffic areas ✓ Small marks on walls from normal living ✓ Slight fading of paint from sunlight ✓ Minor scratches on hard floors from furniture ✓ Normal aging of fixtures and fittings

NOT Fair Wear and Tear: ❌ Carpet stains from spills or pets ❌ Holes in walls (even from picture hooks) ❌ Broken fixtures or fittings ❌ Excessive dirt, grime, or mould ❌ Damaged blinds or curtains ❌ Burnt or damaged benchtops ❌ Neglected outdoor areas

The Inspector’s Checklist

Property managers in Gladstone typically follow a systematic room-by-room checklist. Here’s what they’re documenting:

Every Room:

• Walls (marks, holes, damage)
• Floors (cleanliness, stains, damage)
• Windows (cleanliness, cracks, operation)
• Light fixtures (working, clean)
• Power points and switches (clean, working)
• Doors (operation, cleanliness)
• Skirting boards (clean, intact)

Specific Areas:

• Kitchen: Oven, rangehood, cupboards, appliances
• Bathrooms: Mould, grout, fixtures, shower screens
• Carpets: Stains, cleanliness, professional cleaning
• Outdoor: Lawns, gardens, patios, driveways

They’ll take photos of any issues found.

The 4-Week Countdown to Inspection Success

4 Weeks Before Move-Out

Review Your Entry Condition Report

• Locate your original entry condition report
• Note any damage already documented
• Identify any new damage you’re responsible for
• Take dated photos of current condition

Assess Required Repairs

• Walk through property with critical eye
• Make list of all damage beyond fair wear and tear
• Get quotes for repairs if needed
• Budget for repairs and cleaning

Book Professional Services

• Reserve bond cleaning (2-3 weeks ahead minimum)
• Book carpet cleaning if required
• Arrange pest control if in lease
• Schedule any repairs or maintenance

Start Decluttering

• Begin packing early
• Remove excess furniture that makes cleaning hard
• Donate or dispose of unwanted items
• Clean as you pack

2 Weeks Before Move-Out

Complete Repairs

• Fill nail holes and picture hook holes
• Touch up paint if allowed/required
• Replace broken or damaged items
• Fix any damage you’re responsible for

Deep Clean as You Pack

• Clean each room thoroughly as you empty it
• Wipe down emptied cupboards and drawers
• Clean behind furniture as you move it
• Address any mould or staining issues

Garden Maintenance

• Mow lawns to reasonable height
• Edge garden beds
• Remove weeds
• Trim overgrown plants
• Clear rubbish and debris

Confirm Cleaning Booking

• Reconfirm professional cleaning date
• Ensure property will be empty
• Arrange key access for cleaners
• Clarify any special requirements

1 Week Before Move-Out

Remove All Belongings

• Property must be completely empty for cleaning
• Check roof space, under house, sheds
• Remove all garbage and recycling
• Leave only items that came with property

Final Outdoor Prep

• Final lawn mow (2-3 days before inspection)
• Sweep driveways and paths
• Clean outdoor areas
• Ensure bins are empty and clean

Utilities and Services

• Schedule utility disconnections for AFTER inspection
• Ensure all services working for inspection day
• Replace any burnt-out light bulbs
• Test all appliances are working

Document Everything

• Take comprehensive photos of entire property
• Include date stamps on photos
• Photograph all repairs completed
• Keep receipts for cleaning and repairs

Day Before Inspection

Post-Clean Inspection

• Do final walkthrough after professional clean
• Check all areas on inspection checklist
• Look for anything missed
• Call cleaners if issues found (bond-back guarantee)

Final Details

• Ensure all keys are accounted for
• Have remote controls ready (garage, air con, etc.)
• Prepare any documentation (receipts, photos)
• Confirm inspection time

Room-by-Room Inspection Strategy

Kitchen - The Highest-Scrutiny Area

Why It Matters: Kitchens are the #1 reason for bond deductions. Property managers know DIY cleaning often fails here.

What Inspectors Check:

• Oven interior: Free of grease and carbon buildup
• Rangehood: Filters clean, no grease
• Cupboards: Clean inside and out, no crumbs
• Benchtops: No stains, scratches, or burns
• Sink: No water stains or limescale
• Splashback: Tiles and grout clean
• Appliances: Clean and working
• Floor: Mopped, no grease or stains

Common Failures: ❌ Grease on rangehood filter ❌ Baked-on oven residue ❌ Crumbs in cupboards and drawers ❌ Grout discolouration on splashback ❌ Water stains on sink and taps

Pro Tip: Even if you DIY the rest, get the oven and rangehood professionally done.

Bathrooms - Mould and Grout Focus

Why It Matters: Gladstone’s humidity makes mould common. Inspectors know what to look for and it’s a health issue.

What Inspectors Check:

• Shower: Glass clean, no soap scum or water marks
• Grout: No mould or discolouration
• Toilet: Spotless, no staining
• Vanity: Clean cupboards, no water marks
• Exhaust fan: Clean and working
• Walls/ceiling: No mould
• Floor: Clean grout, no mould

Common Failures: ❌ Mould in grout lines ❌ Mould on ceiling or walls ❌ Soap scum on shower screen ❌ Limescale on taps and fixtures ❌ Dirty exhaust fan

Pro Tip: Use a dedicated mould remover on grout 48 hours before final clean. The longer it sits, the better it works.

Living Areas and Bedrooms

What Inspectors Check:

• Walls: No marks, holes filled
• Carpets: No stains, professionally steam cleaned
• Windows: Clean inside and out, tracks cleaned
• Blinds/curtains: Clean and functional
• Doors: Clean, no marks
• Light fixtures: Clean and working
• Wardrobes: Empty, clean inside

Common Failures: ❌ Scuff marks on walls ❌ Unfilled nail holes ❌ Carpet stains (especially pet-related) ❌ Dirty window tracks ❌ Dusty ceiling fans and light fixtures

Pro Tip: Use a magic eraser on wall scuff marks—works like magic without damaging paint.

Outdoor Areas - Often Overlooked

What Inspectors Check:

• Lawns: Mowed, edged, reasonable condition
• Gardens: Weeded, trimmed, maintained
• Paths/driveways: Swept, no staining
• Patio/balcony: Swept, clean
• Garage: Swept, no oil stains
• Bins: Empty and reasonably clean

Common Failures: ❌ Overgrown lawns or gardens ❌ Weeds in garden beds ❌ Rubbish or debris ❌ Dirty patio/balcony ❌ Full bins left behind

Pro Tip: Final lawn mow should be 2-3 days before inspection—looks maintained but not freshly cut (which can look suspicious).

Top 10 Reasons Bonds Get Deducted

Based on property manager feedback, here are the most common bond deductions in Gladstone:

1. Insufficient Kitchen Cleaning ($150-$400)

   • Dirty oven/rangehood most common

2. Bathroom Mould ($100-$300)

   • Grout mould and ceiling mould

3. Carpet Stains ($200-$500)

   • Pet stains, food/drink spills

4. Unfilled Wall Holes ($80-$200)

   • Picture hooks, nails, screws

5. Dirty Windows and Tracks ($100-$200)

   • Inside and outside not cleaned

6. Yard Neglect ($150-$400)

   • Overgrown lawn, weeds, mess

7. Damaged Blinds/Curtains ($100-$300)

   • Broken slats, missing hooks

8. Dirty/Damaged Carpet ($300-$1,000+)

   • No professional cleaning or permanent stains

9. Light Fixtures Not Working ($50-$150)

   • Burnt bulbs not replaced

10. General Insufficient Cleaning ($200-$500)

    • Property not restored to entry condition

The Professional Cleaning Advantage

Passing Rate Statistics:

• DIY cleaning: 60-70% pass first inspection
• Professional cleaning: 95-99% pass first inspection

Why Professionals Pass More Often: ✓ Systematic checklists covering every detail ✓ Commercial equipment for tough jobs ✓ Experience knowing what inspectors expect ✓ Bond-back guarantees (free re-clean if needed) ✓ Professional carpet steam cleaning available as add-on ✓ Proper products for each surface type

Cost-Benefit Analysis:

• Professional clean: $350-$450
• Average bond deduction: $300-$800
• Risk reduction: Essentially pays for itself

Inspection Day Strategy

Be Prepared

Bring to Inspection:

• All keys (house, letterbox, garage)
• All remotes (garage, air con, gates)
• Receipts for professional cleaning
• Receipts for any repairs
• Photos of property condition
• Copy of entry condition report

Don’t:

• Be defensive or argumentative
• Make excuses for issues found
• Agree to deductions on the spot
• Sign anything without reading carefully

During the Inspection

Your Rights:

• You can attend the inspection (recommended)
• You can take your own photos
• You can question any issues noted
• You can request clarification

Be Professional:

• Arrive on time
• Be courteous and respectful
• Listen to feedback
• Take notes on any issues mentioned

Ask Questions:

• “Is this considered fair wear and tear?”
• “What specifically needs to be addressed?”
• “Can this be resolved with additional cleaning?”
• “What’s the timeframe for rectification?”

If Issues Are Found

Minor Cleaning Issues:

• Offer to rectify immediately if possible
• Call your cleaner (if bond-back guarantee)
• Ask for specific areas that need attention

Damage or Repairs:

• Review entry condition report
• Assess if damage is fair wear and tear
• Get quotes for repairs if needed
• Negotiate reasonable deductions

Disagreements:

• Don’t agree to anything unreasonable
• Request written details of issues
• Seek advice from RTA if needed
• Consider professional dispute resolution

After the Inspection

If You Pass

Next Steps:

1. Submit bond refund claim through RTA
2. Ensure property manager also submits
3. Expect bond return within 7-14 days
4. Keep all documentation for 12 months

If You Don’t Pass

Options:

1. Rectify Issues: Clean/repair problem areas

   • Usually given 3-7 days
   • Re-inspection scheduled

2. Negotiate: Agree to reasonable deduction

   • Get written agreement
   • Submit partial bond claim

3. Dispute: If deduction is unreasonable

   • Contact RTA dispute resolution
   • Provide evidence (photos, receipts)
   • May go to tribunal if unresolved

Gladstone-Specific Inspection Considerations

Climate Challenges

Mould is Expected:

• Property managers understand Gladstone’s humidity
• But they still expect it cleaned
• Professional mould treatment recommended

Industrial Dust:

• Window sills and tracks get especially dirty
• External windows need extra attention
• Coastal salt buildup on fixtures

Local Property Manager Standards

What Gladstone PMs Expect:

• Professional carpet cleaning (many require receipt)
• Thorough mould removal in bathrooms
• Clean external areas (balconies, patios)
• Well-maintained yards (mowing, weeding)

Your Inspection Success Checklist

2-4 Weeks Before: □ Review entry condition report □ Book professional bond cleaning □ Complete any repairs □ Start packing and cleaning

1 Week Before: □ Property completely empty □ Professional cleaning completed □ Lawns mowed, gardens tidy □ All utilities still connected and working

Day Before: □ Final walkthrough □ Check all light bulbs working □ Ensure all keys/remotes ready □ Take comprehensive photos

Inspection Day: □ Arrive on time with all keys/remotes □ Bring receipts and documentation □ Be professional and courteous □ Take notes on any feedback

The OutClean Guarantee

When you book OutClean for your bond clean:

✓ 95%+ First-Time Pass Rate - Our track record speaks for itself ✓ Bond-Back Guarantee - Free re-clean if you don’t pass due to cleaning ✓ Comprehensive Checklist - We know what Gladstone inspectors look for ✓ Professional Results - Commercial equipment and products ✓ Flexible Scheduling - We work around your timeline ✓ Documentation - Detailed service record for your inspection

Get Your Bond Back - Guaranteed

Don’t leave your bond refund to chance. Let OutClean’s experienced team handle your bond clean with our proven system that passes inspections the first time.

Book your guaranteed bond clean - Instant quote, easy booking

Call us for advice - Free consultation on your specific property

Learn more about our service - See our comprehensive checklist

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Moving out of your Gladstone rental? Book OutClean’s bond cleaning service and pass your inspection on the first try—guaranteed.