Leasing: End-of-Lease Guide for Landlords

August 5, 2026 – 7 minute read – by Don Binkley

The end of a tenancy marks the beginning of preparing your property for its next chapter. While most tenancies are straightforward, when your tenant vacates there are several important steps to ensure the property is returned in the appropriate condition and any outstanding matters are resolved.

Keep in mind that there can be a big difference between a guest departing after a short-term stay and a tenant vacating after at the end of a long-term lease, starting with different regulatory requirements and inspection processes. Get in touch if you’re looking for short-term rental information.

What to Expect When Your Tenant Moves Out

Our role is to manage the process from start to finish, keeping you informed while protecting your investment.

Stage	What Happens
1. Notice Given	The tenancy end date is confirmed and notice provided.
2. Preparing for Vacate	We stay in touch with the tenant and prepare for the handover.
3. Keys Returned	Vacant possession is provided and the tenancy ends.
4. Final Inspection	We inspect the property against the Entry Condition Report.
5. Bond Resolution	Any agreed claims are finalised and the bond is released.
6. Ready for What’s Next	We coordinate a new tenancy, maintenance or handover for owner occupation.

1. Notice to Vacate

The vacating process begins once notice has been received from the tenant or issued in accordance with your instructions and NSW tenancy legislation.

The notice confirms the tenancy end date and allows everyone to prepare for a smooth handover.

If either party later wishes to withdraw the notice, this can only occur if both parties agree. Should this arise, we’ll discuss the options with you before any decision is made.

2. Preparing for Vacate

In the lead up to the vacate date, we’ll maintain regular communication with the tenant to help ensure they’re on track to move out as agreed. We will provide the tenant with a exit checklist to assist a smooth transition.

If you wish to re-let the property, we will work with you to update your listing and arrange inspections, with adequate notice.

3. Returning the Property

Tenants must return the property as close as possible to its initial condition on entry, aside from fair wear and tear. Normal ‘wear and tear’ happens in any property – no matter how perfect the home or the tenant is.

The property should be returned reasonably clean with bathrooms, kitchens, appliances, floors, walls, windows and surfaces cleaned; dust, cobwebs and all rubbish removed; and the home ready for its next occupant. Outdoor areas and gardens, depending on the lease conditions, should also be attended to. If pets lived at the property, pest treatments may be required under the lease.

Landlords should be mindful that furnished properties add additional considerations and responsibilities for all parties, and while furniture should be reasonably returned by the tenant to match the original condition report, not every item is expected to be perfectly placed, replaced ‘as new’ or unused.

The tenancy officially ends once the tenant has:

vacated the property;
removed all personal belongings; and
returned all keys, remotes and access devices.

Until vacant possession has been provided, rent generally remains payable and we cannot complete the final inspection.

3. Final Inspection

Once the property has been returned, we’ll complete a detailed final inspection, usually within two to three business days.

The inspection compares the property’s condition against the original Entry Condition Report while allowing for fair wear and tear—the natural deterioration that occurs through normal everyday use.

If we identify any cleaning, damage or missing items that fall outside fair wear and tear, we’ll discuss the findings with the tenant and landlord, and recommend the most appropriate next steps while keeping you informed of the outcome.

It’s important landlords do not enter the property before this final exit inspection is completed to protect your interests and avoid bond disputes.

5. Rental Bond Return

The rental bond is held by NSW Rental Bonds Online, not by Property Providers.

Once the property’s condition has been agreed and any applicable deductions have been resolved, the bond refund can be processed.

If an agreement cannot be reached, we’ll guide you through the formal bond dispute process and represent your interests throughout.

6. Preparing for your next tenant

The period between tenancies is often the ideal time to complete maintenance, repairs or improvements.

If required, we can coordinate:

photography or video updates
maintenance and repairs
painting and touch-ups
appliance servicing
compliance reviews
presentation improvements

Planning these works early can help minimise vacancy and maximise your property’s appeal.

Do you have a tenancy ending in your investment property? Get in touch with us today.

Frequently Asked Questions

When can I access my property?

Once the tenant has returned all keys and legally handed back vacant possession. It is recommended you access the property after the final exit inspection is completed.

Can landlords attend the final exit inspection?

Yes. You’re welcome to attend the final inspection with your Property Manager.

How can landlords distinguish between wear and tear and intentional damage?

Fair wear and tear refers to natural deterioration from everyday use and aging, like faded or chipped paint, worn carpets or scuff marks in high traffic zones, minor marks on walls, used appliances, and light scratches on fixtures. Damage caused by accidents, neglect, misuse or poor cleaning is not considered fair wear and tear.

Can landlords charge for everyday wear and tear?

No, landlords cannot legally charge tenants for deterioration caused by normal wear and tear. Charges are applicable only for damages beyond the scope of regular usage, which impact the property’s value or require significant repairs.

What if the property isn’t left clean?

We’ll first give the tenant the opportunity to address any outstanding cleaning. If necessary, we’ll arrange professional cleaning and seek to recover the cost where appropriate.

What happens if items are damaged?

We’ll assess the damage against the Entry Condition Report and determine whether it exceeds fair wear and tear. If it does, we’ll discuss the available options with you and seek reimbursement from the tenant’s bond, where appropriate.

At Property Providers our core purpose is “Helping People Live Better”. As Sydney’s most flexible residential rental agency, we are totally focused on Property Management and renting “Your Property, Your Way”. We have designed 6 different rental services covering all facets of Long-Term Leasing as well as Short-Term Stays. Unlike franchise real estate agencies, we see the value in pragmatism and flexibility.

Whether you want to rent your property furnished or unfurnished, for 6 months or 5 years, we will manage your property, your way. Our bespoke marketing strategies deliver discerning international Tenants that understand quality and are prepared to pay for it. If you would like to learn more please continue exploring our website or call us on +612 9969 7599

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Don Binkley

Don is a Canadian native who has been living in Sydney since 2000. His career started in advertising/media working with a host of multinational brands. Evolving from marketing, he held a senior leadership position for a number of years at American Express. In 2010, he founded Property Providers, Sydney’s most flexible residential rental agency. He now leads a passionate team which has become recognised as experts in managing and marketing Sydney’s finest property to the most discerning clientele. Don is driven by the guiding principal that all long-term partnerships have a foundation of mutual respect, mutual commitment, mutual investment and mutual risk. Don is a proud father of 3 boys and is passionate about Skiing, Mountain Biking and Kayaking.