Steps to take when vacating your property
There are three things you must do when preparing to move out:
Complete the vacating request form
Advise us in writing by completing the vacating request form via the Teacher and police housing portal.
Contact your managing agent to schedule inspection and key return
Contact your managing agent to schedule the end of tenancy inspection and the return of keys to your estate agent’s office (keys must be returned on or before your last day).
Clean the property and arrange for any work needed
Clean the property and arrange any work needed to return the property to the condition it was in when you moved in. Use the Vacating inspection checklist on this page, or download a copy (PDF 186.39KB).
Take care of your mail and utilities
Disconnect your utilities and redirect your mail to your new address.
When you need to give us notice
If the fixed term of your lease has expired
After the fixed term of your lease has expired, you must give us 21 days’ written notice of your intention to vacate the property.
If your lease is due to expire
If the lease is due to expire, you can give us 14 days’ written notice of your intention to vacate the property.
If you need to move out urgently
If you need to move out urgently because you’ve been transferred at short notice, we may reduce the notice period. Please call 1300 137 343 or email teacherandpolice@homes.nsw.gov.au for more information.
Vacating inspection checklist
Please contact your managing agent to arrange a mutual time to complete an end of tenancy inspection. It is in your interest to attend and complete this inspection with your managing agent to discuss any further cleaning or repairs that you may be responsible for undertaking.
| Part of property | What you need to do | Check when complete |
|---|---|---|
| Whole premises | Remove all personal items and effects from the dwelling. | |
| Whole premises | Disconnect utilities with service providers – telephone, gas and electricity. | |
| Bathroom | Cabinets and vanity – empty, clean and wipe out. | |
| Bathroom | Clean glass and mirrors where applicable. Exhaust fans – remove and clean protective covers. | |
| Bathroom | Shower screen and recess – scrub and remove all soap residue and mould, including tiles and grout. | |
| Bathroom | Wall tiles – scrub and remove all soap residue and mould from tiles and grout. | |
| External | Verandahs and garage floors – clean and remove any oil and/or grease stains. Garden – remove any debris and rubbish. | |
| External | Correct/rectify any damage caused by animals. | |
| External | Lawns to be mowed and clippings removed (this item applies to houses only). Guttering – remove leaves and debris (this item applies to houses only). | |
| External | Garage, carport and storeroom – remove all rubbish and personal possessions, and sweep | |
| Kitchen | Drawers, cupboards and bench tops – empty, clean and wipe down. | |
| Kitchen | Exhaust fans – remove and clean protective covers. | |
| Kitchen | Stove – clean stove, griller, drip trays, oven and burners and general body of stove (behind stove where possible). | |
| Laundry | Laundry tub – wash and remove any stains or soap residue. | |
| Laundry | Dryer and washing machine (furnished units only) – remove and clean lint filters. Wipe over appliances. | |
| Throughout dwelling | Air vents and air conditioner filters – dusted/cleaned. | |
| Throughout dwelling | Carpet – cleaned, marks and stains removed. | |
| Throughout dwelling | Cobwebs, nests and mould– remove and clean throughout premises (internal and external). | |
| Throughout dwelling | Cupboards, drawers and storage/ wardrobes cupboards – emptied, shelving wiped down and ‘face’ panels cleaned. | |
| Throughout dwelling | Curtains and/ or blinds – cleaned and dusted. | |
| Throughout dwelling | Doors, skirting and architraves – dusted and washed. | |
| Throughout dwelling | Floors, lino and floors to wet areas (laundry, bathroom and toilet) – swept and mopped. | |
| Throughout dwelling | Globes and fluorescent tubes – in working order. Do not remove globes and fluorescent tubes when vacating. | |
| Throughout dwelling | Light fittings – remove light fittings, dust, clean and refit. | |
| Throughout dwelling | Walls – remove marks with light sponging. Windows, sills and flyscreens – cleaned. | |
| Bond Clean completed | Return all keys, including copies, to your managing agent. | |
| Bond Clean completed | Advise your managing agent if you have changed the security alarm code. | |
| Bond Clean completed | It is not acceptable to leave keys with your neighbours, or your housemates. | |
| Bond Clean completed | If you have pets, receipts of steam cleaning must be provided along with evidence of pest control. |