Guide · NSW Tenants ·
How to Get Your Full Bond Back in NSW — 8-Step Guide
Getting your full rental bond back in NSW comes down to one thing: leaving the property in the same condition you found it. Here is exactly how to do it — from cleaning requirements to handling disputes with your real estate agent.
Step 1: Know What NSW Law Requires
Under the NSW Residential Tenancies Act 2010, a landlord can only claim from your bond if the property is not returned in the same condition as at the start of the tenancy (fair wear and tear excluded). You are NOT required to have the property professionally cleaned — but you must leave it in the same standard. In practice, most leases include a "professional cleaning" clause, and real estate agents expect it.
Step 2: Get a Copy of Your Original Condition Report
Before you do anything, find the ingoing condition report you signed at the start of your tenancy. This is the benchmark. Any damage or uncleanliness present at move-in cannot be charged to you. If photos were taken at the start, get those too.
Step 3: Complete a Full End of Lease Clean
This is the biggest factor. Clean every room to at least the standard documented in your condition report. Use our end of lease cleaning checklist as a guide. Pay special attention to: oven and rangehood, bathroom tiles and soap scum, carpet stains, windows and tracks, and walls for marks. If in doubt, hire a professional — a quality end of lease cleaner in Sydney costs $330–$450 depending on property size, which is far less than bond deductions.
Step 4: Book Carpet Steam Cleaning if Required
If your lease says "carpets to be professionally steam cleaned at move-out", you must do it. Keep the receipt — your real estate agent will ask for it. Crazy Cleaning offers carpet steam cleaning as an add-on to your end of lease clean.
Step 5: Take Your Own Photos Before Handing Back Keys
On the day of your move-out inspection, photograph every room, every corner, and every appliance. Time-stamped photos are your evidence if there is a dispute. Do this before handing back keys.
Step 6: Attend the Final Inspection
Request to be present at the final inspection. Walk through with the property manager, compare notes with the original condition report, and ask for any issues to be raised on the spot. If the agent finds cleaning concerns, you have the right to re-clean before bond claims are made.
Step 7: If There Is a Dispute
If the landlord or agent tries to claim from your bond unfairly, you can dispute it through NSW Fair Trading or the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT). You must first attempt to resolve it directly. Document everything in writing. NSW Fair Trading offers free mediation for bond disputes.
Step 8: Lodge Your Bond Claim
Once you and your landlord agree, your bond is refunded through the NSW Rental Bond Board (RBB). If there is no dispute within 14 days of your move-out date, you can apply for your bond online at rental.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au.
Need Professional End of Lease Cleaning in Sydney?
Crazy Cleaning provides end of lease cleaning across all Sydney suburbs — with a 5-day, 100% bond back guarantee. We follow the NSW Real Estate 64-point checklist and provide a receipt for your agent.