The hardest moment usually comes after the truck leaves. The house feels empty. You feel tired. Then you see marks on the wall you never noticed before.
This is when panic starts.
In Victoria, bonds often sit between $1,500 and $3,000. That money matters. You may need it for your next lease, school fees, or moving costs. When you understand what property managers check at final inspection, you protect that money.
Final inspections are not casual walk-throughs. Managers do not just glance at rooms. They document risk. They take photos. They compare every detail to the entry condition report. If something looks worse than before, they record it.
After reviewing hundreds of metro move-outs over the years, I see the same problems repeat. Many issues only show up once furniture is removed by house movers in Melbourne. When the room clears, hidden dents and stains appear fast.
You are not alone if you feel stressed about this stage. But most bond deductions follow predictable patterns. When you know those patterns, you can avoid them.
Wall Damage vs Fair Wear and Tear
Walls cause more disputes than people expect. Small dents create big arguments.
When furniture sits against a wall for years, pressure builds slowly. Once you remove it, the damage becomes obvious.
Why Corners and Door Areas Get Photographed
Managers focus on impact zones:
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Behind doors
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Hallway corners
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Around light switches
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Where bed heads touch plaster
Light surface scuffs may count as wear and tear. But cracked plaster, chipped paint, or compressed dents usually count as damage.
This is where many tenants lose money.
Real Example: Small Dents, Real Cost
In a two-bedroom unit, three hallway dents led to a $620 repair claim. The marks looked minor. But patching and repainting cost more than expected.
When rooms empty, the truth shows. Even a careful mover in Melbourne cannot prevent old pressure dents from appearing once heavy wardrobes come off the wall.
Simple rule: If plaster needs filling and repainting, it will likely be treated as damage.
Carpet Indentation, Stains and Steam Cleaning Disputes
Carpet problems often surprise people. The room looks fine with furniture inside. Then everything moves, and dents appear like shadows on the floor.
This moment catches people off guard.
Steam Cleaning: Condition Matters More Than Assumptions
Some leases mention professional steam cleaning. But decision makers usually look at actual condition first.
They check:
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Visible stains
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Traffic lines in hallways
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Pet smells
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Uneven fading
A clean carpet matters more than a receipt alone.
Why Dents Trigger Attention
Heavy wardrobes compress fibres over time. Once removed, the carpet may look permanently damaged. In many metro move-outs, about one in three carpet concerns relate to indentation, not staining.
Teams like Harry The Mover often see tenants react with shock when those dents appear after the final lift.
If fibres recover after light brushing or time, the issue may count as wear. If fibres stay crushed, it may count as damage.
Reality check: Deep compression that does not lift can lead to treatment or partial deduction.
Kitchen Grease and Appliance Areas Property Managers Check
Kitchens reveal habits fast. You may wipe the bench daily. But inspectors look deeper.
Grease builds slowly. Over time, it becomes obvious.
What Gets Close Attention
Managers usually inspect:
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Oven interior and glass
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Rangehood filters
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Splashbacks
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Cupboard interiors
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Behind the fridge space
When the fridge moves out, sticky residue and dark buildup often appear. This is a common trigger for cleaning claims.
Why Grease Signals Neglect
Grease that requires strong chemicals or replacement filters often gets treated as lack of maintenance, not normal use.
In one townhouse case, heavy grease inside a filter led to a $180 deduction. The rest of the home looked clean.
Key point: If cleaning requires scraping or part replacement, it may not qualify as ordinary wear.
Bathroom Mould and Maintenance Responsibility
Bathrooms carry constant moisture. That means they require steady cleaning.
Surface mould can appear even in well-kept homes. But inspectors look for signs of long-term neglect.
Common Photo Targets
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Shower grout
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Silicone edges
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Ceiling corners
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Exhaust fans
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Vanity interiors
If mould wipes away easily, it may not cause a dispute. If grout stains deeply or silicone peels, repair may be required.
Ventilation vs Cleaning
If ventilation works and windows open, cleaning responsibility often falls on the tenant. If airflow fails, responsibility may shift.
In one apartment, mould under a vanity shelf led to a deduction because buildup showed long-term neglect.
Clear line: Surface spotting may pass. Damaged seals and stained grout often do not.
Garage Floors and Storage Areas Often Overlooked
Garages feel separate from the main house. But they count the same during inspection.
Concrete floors absorb oil. Small drips grow darker over time.
What Raises Red Flags
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Oil patches under cars
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Paint spills
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Rust stains
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Wall anchor holes
Once shelves clear out, stains stand alone. They become impossible to ignore.
In one suburban property, oil stains required professional treatment and resulted in an $850 deduction.
Important truth: If repair requires chemical treatment or sealing, it likely counts as damage.
Outdoor Areas and Rubbish Removal Standards
Outdoor spaces must match the condition at lease start. Managers check lawns, bins, and visible clutter.
You may feel tired at this stage. But skipping this area often costs money.
What Gets Checked Outside
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Grass height
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Garden beds
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Fallen leaves
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Hard rubbish
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Wheelie bins
Inspectors often open bins. They look inside sheds. They photograph leftover items.
A single abandoned mattress once led to a $150 removal charge.
Simple rule: If it was not there at the start, it should not remain at the end.
How Tenants Win Bond Disputes
Disputes depend on evidence, not emotion.
You may feel frustrated. But decisions rely on reports and photos.
Use the Entry Condition Report
This document protects you. Compare every room carefully. If damage existed before, it should already appear in that report.
Take Clear Photos After Emptying
Photograph:
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Ceilings
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Cupboards
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Walls
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Garage floors
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Outdoor areas
Make sure rooms are fully empty when you take photos. Empty space reveals the full truth.
Understand the Process
The process usually follows three steps:
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The manager submits a claim.
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The bond authority holds the disputed amount.
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A tribunal reviews evidence if needed.
Clear documentation strengthens your position.
Strong reminder: Photos and reports carry more weight than verbal explanations.
Final Words Before You Hand Back the Keys
Most bond losses do not happen because tenants act carelessly. They happen because small details go unnoticed until the very end.
The inspection focuses on impact points, cleaning depth, and documented comparison. Once furniture leaves, the property tells its real story.
You can control that moment.
Walk through every room after it is empty. Compare it to your entry report. Fix what you still can. Document what you cannot.
When you understand how inspections work, you reduce stress. And you give yourself the best chance of getting your full bond back.
