The bond inspection — also called the exit inspection or final inspection — is the last hurdle between you and your full bond refund. Property managers in Perth use the REIWA Property Condition Report to compare the property's current state against its condition at the start of your tenancy. Miss something and you're looking at bond deductions.
The good news: passing first time is entirely achievable if you know what's being checked. This guide covers exactly that.
What Is a Bond Inspection?
A bond inspection is a formal assessment carried out by your property manager or landlord after you vacate. They walk through the property with the ingoing Property Condition Report — the document signed at the start of your tenancy — and note any differences. Those differences can result in money being withheld from your bond to cover cleaning, repairs, or replacements.
In Western Australia, the bond is held by the Bond Administrator (Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety). The property manager cannot simply keep your bond — they must apply to have it released, and you have the right to dispute any claim.
What Do Property Managers Check?
They follow the REIWA exit condition report room by room. The areas most scrutinised are:
Kitchen
- Oven — interior grease and baked-on residue is the single most common deduction
- Rangehood filters — frequently missed by tenants doing their own clean
- Benchtops, splashback, and sink
- Cupboard interiors — crumbs and spills on shelves
Bathrooms
- Shower screen soap scum and water marks
- Grout mould — especially in older properties
- Toilet under the rim and behind the base
- Exhaust fan covers
Throughout the Property
- Blind slats — each one needs to be wiped individually
- Skirting boards — particularly behind furniture
- Window tracks and sills
- Light fittings and ceiling fan blades
- Walls — scuff marks and picture hooks
- Carpets — stains, pet hair, and odour
The Most Common Reasons Tenants Fail in Perth
After hundreds of exit cleans across Perth, these are the areas that cause the most deductions:
- Oven not cleaned properly — a quick wipe isn't enough. The racks, door glass, and cavity all need to be degreased.
- Carpet not professionally steam cleaned — many leases require it. Check yours.
- Blind slats skipped — easy to overlook, always checked.
- Mould in shower — needs a specific mould treatment, not just a wipe.
- Rangehood filters left greasy — soak in hot soapy water or run through the dishwasher.
- Walls not spot-cleaned — scuffs near light switches and door frames are common.
How to Prepare for Your Bond Inspection
The best preparation is a thorough clean completed 1–2 days before the inspection. Use our REIWA-aligned end of lease cleaning checklist to work through every room systematically.
On the day of the inspection:
- Make sure the property is completely empty — no boxes, furniture, or rubbish
- All light globes should be working — replace any blown ones
- Have all keys, remotes, and fobs ready to hand over
- Be available by phone in case the property manager has questions
- Have your receipt from a professional bond cleaner ready if applicable
Should You Hire a Professional Bond Cleaner?
For most Perth tenants, yes. A professional bond cleaner works from the same REIWA checklist your property manager uses — so nothing gets missed. They also back the work with a guarantee: if the property manager raises an issue within 72 hours, they return and fix it at no extra cost.
The cost of a professional clean ($250–$700 depending on property size) is almost always less than the cost of a failed inspection — which typically results in bond deductions of $300–$800 or more. See our full Perth bond cleaning price guide for a detailed breakdown.
What Happens If You Fail?
If the property manager identifies cleaning issues, they will notify you in writing and apply to the Bond Administrator to retain part or all of your bond. You have the right to:
- Return to the property and re-clean (if the property manager agrees)
- Dispute the claim through the Magistrates Court of WA
- Negotiate a reduced deduction
The best outcome is obviously passing first time — which is exactly what a professional bond clean with a guarantee gives you.
We respond within 1 hour, 7 days a week.