Vacating A Rental Property Townsville information for tenants preparing to give notice, return keys, complete cleaning, prepare for the final inspection and understand the bond process.
Giving Notice To Vacate
Ending a tenancy depends on the type of tenancy agreement in place and the circumstances around the notice being given. This page provides practical information to help tenants prepare for vacating a rental property managed by Lynham & Co.
Notice periods and tenancy requirements can change, so tenants should refer to current Residential Tenancies Authority Queensland information or contact our office if they are unsure.
Giving notice
When you are ready to end your tenancy, the correct written notice should be provided. The form and notice period may depend on whether the agreement is fixed term, periodic, or another circumstance applies.
Fixed term tenancy
If you are on a fixed term tenancy, check your agreement and current RTA requirements before giving notice. The vacate date generally needs to align with the terms of the agreement unless otherwise agreed.
Periodic tenancy
Periodic tenancies have different notice requirements. Tenants should use the correct RTA form and confirm current notice requirements before planning their move.
Break lease situations
If you need to leave before the end of your fixed term agreement, this may be treated as a break lease. Rent, reletting costs or other costs may apply depending on the situation.
Written notice
Notice should be provided clearly and in writing. Keep a copy of what you submit, including the date it was provided and any confirmation received.
Reletting inspections while you are vacating
Once notice has been received, inspections may be arranged so prospective tenants can view the property. Our team will work with you where possible to arrange suitable times and provide the required written notice before entry.
Preparing to vacate
Once notice has been received or issued, there are a number of practical items to organise before handing back the keys. Preparing early can help reduce delays with the final inspection and bond refund process.
- Continue paying rent until the tenancy has ended and all keys are returned.
- Use the entry condition report as a guide when preparing the property.
- Arrange cleaning, carpets, pest treatment or lawns if required.
- Keep electricity connected until cleaning and any required pool servicing is complete.
- Remove all rubbish, personal items and unwanted belongings.
- Return every key, remote and access device provided at the start of the tenancy.
Vacating checklist
A thorough final clean and careful preparation can help the vacate process run more smoothly.
Inside the property
- Clean walls, skirting boards, doors, switches and marks where practical.
- Clean cupboards, wardrobes, drawers, shelves and mirrored doors.
- Clean windows, frames, sills, tracks, screens and sliding door tracks.
- Remove cobwebs, insect marks and nests.
- Clean light fittings, fans and air-conditioning filters.
Kitchen, bathroom and laundry
- Clean inside and outside cupboards, drawers and doors.
- Clean oven, cooktop, rangehood filters, trays, racks and glass.
- Clean sinks, tapware, drain holes and appliance spaces.
- Clean toilets, showers, screens, mirrors, floors and drains.
- Remove lint from dryers and clean laundry tubs and cabinetry.
Outside areas
- Mow lawns, trim edges, weed gardens and remove garden waste.
- Sweep garages, carports, decks, verandahs and driveways.
- Remove oil residue from concrete where possible.
- Empty council bins or place them out for collection.
- Return pools or spas to the required condition if applicable.
Rent, utilities and key handover
Rent remains payable until the tenancy has ended and all keys, remotes and access devices have been returned. Returning keys late may result in additional rent being charged.
When organising electricity, gas or other disconnections, allow enough time for cleaning to be completed. If the property has a pool, electricity may need to remain connected until the official vacate date.
Please return all keys, remotes and access devices by the agreed handover time and provide your forwarding address and updated contact details.
Final inspection and bond refund
The final inspection compares the property condition at the end of the tenancy with the condition recorded at the start of the tenancy, allowing for fair wear and tear.
Exit condition report
The exit condition report is completed after vacating and helps record the condition of the property at the end of the tenancy.
Fair wear and tear
Fair wear and tear generally refers to deterioration from normal use or age. Damage, cleaning issues or missing items may be treated differently.
Rectification items
If items need attention after the inspection, tenants may be contacted about rectifying them or arranging approved contractors where appropriate.
Bond process
Once the tenancy obligations and exit inspection matters are resolved, the bond refund process is handled through the RTA.
Helpful vacating tips
A few practical steps before key handover can help reduce delays and make the end of tenancy process easier.
Before key return
- Check your tenancy agreement for special conditions.
- Compare the property to your entry condition report.
- Keep receipts for carpet cleaning or pest treatment if required.
- Take photos after cleaning for your own records.
- Check all rooms, cupboards, outdoor areas and storage spaces.
At handover
- Return every key, remote and access device.
- Provide your forwarding address.
- Provide updated phone and email details.
- Hand in any required receipts or reports.
- Ensure the property is ready for the final inspection.
If there is a disagreement
- Our aim is to resolve concerns as quickly as possible.
- Any undisputed bond amount can be progressed where applicable.
- The RTA provides dispute resolution processes.
- Keep records, receipts and photos to assist discussions.
- Ask questions early if you are unsure about the process.
Vacating documents
These documents may help tenants prepare for key handover, cleaning and the final inspection.
Vacating Information Guide
A practical guide to help tenants prepare for vacating, including rent, utilities, key return, inspections and bond information.
Download GuideCleaning & Preferred Contractor List
A helpful cleaning checklist and contractor list to assist tenants preparing a property for the final vacate inspection.
Download ChecklistThis page is general information only. Tenancy requirements can change, so tenants should refer to current guidance from the Residential Tenancies Authority Queensland or contact our office if they are unsure about giving notice, vacating or bond processes.
Helpful tenant links
These tenant resources may also help when preparing to move out of a rental property.
Reporting Maintenance
Report repairs as soon as practical. Do not leave maintenance issues until the final inspection if something needs attention.
View maintenance information
Routine Inspections
Routine inspections help identify property care and maintenance matters during the tenancy before the vacating process begins.
View inspection information
Tenant Information Hub
Find useful tenant resources for applying, moving in, reporting maintenance, inspections and vacating.
View tenant informationPlanning to vacate your rental property?
If you are preparing to give notice or have questions about the vacating process, contact the Lynham & Co property management team.