What happens at the end of a tenancy?

Highlands Property  |  Published 14 September 2026

When your NSW tenancy is ending, there are five things to work through: giving the right amount of notice, allowing viewings if we're finding a new tenant, returning the property in a similar condition to when you moved in (fair wear and tear aside), completing a final inspection, and returning your keys so your bond can be released through Rental Bonds Online. Exactly what applies to you depends on whether you or your landlord is ending the tenancy, and the type of agreement you're on.

This guide walks through each step, whether you're renting in Bowral, Moss Vale or elsewhere across the Southern Highlands. It's general information based on the Residential Tenancies Act 2010 (NSW) — for anything specific to your agreement, your Highlands Property manager can confirm the detail.

How much notice do I need to give?

Notice periods exist so both sides have enough time to prepare — you to organise your move, and us to prepare the property for its next chapter.

If you're ending the tenancy:

●        Fixed-term agreement, ending at the end of its term — at least 14 days' notice.

●        Periodic (month-to-month) agreement — at least 21 days' notice.

Different notice periods can apply if you need to end your tenancy early or if other circumstances affect your agreement, so it's worth checking with your property manager before you submit notice if you're at all unsure.

If your landlord is ending the tenancy, the notice period depends on the reason and the type and length of your agreement. Your notice will set out the vacate date and the reason the tenancy is ending.

What happens with viewings before I move out?

If we're finding a new tenant, we may arrange viewings during the final 14 days of your tenancy, on a reasonable number of occasions, unless you agree to earlier access.

You'll be given reasonable notice of each viewing, and wherever possible we'll work with you on suitable times. Entry is generally between 8am and 8pm, and not on Sundays or public holidays, unless you agree otherwise.

We know the final weeks of a tenancy are often busy with packing and organising the move. We aim to keep viewings well organised and communicate times clearly, so you know what to expect.

What condition should I leave the property in?

Before handing the property back, remove all your belongings and leave it as close as possible to the condition it was in when your tenancy began, allowing for fair wear and tear.

Your original ingoing condition report is the best reference point — it records the property's condition at the start of your tenancy and helps you spot anything that might need attention before the final inspection.

Before you go, it's worth allowing time to:

●        Complete a full clean, inside and out

●        Remove all rubbish

●        Tidy any outdoor areas

●        Address any damage that occurred during your tenancy

What happens at the final inspection?

Once you've fully moved out and the property is vacant, we carry out a final inspection, comparing its condition against your original ingoing report, allowing for fair wear and tear.

You're welcome to attend if you'd like — just let your property manager know. If we identify anything that needs attention, such as additional cleaning or tenant-caused damage, we'll contact you to talk it through.

When do I return the keys?

All keys, remotes and other security devices should be returned on or before your agreed vacate date, once you've fully moved out.

Your tenancy legally ends when you give vacant possession — that is, once you've moved out and returned every key. If keys aren't returned by the vacate date, you may remain responsible for rent for each additional day until they are, and until vacant possession is given.

Returning every key and access device provided during your tenancy also helps things move quickly when it comes to finalising your bond.

How does my bond get returned?

Once your tenancy has ended, you're entitled to claim your bond through Rental Bonds Online, provided rent is paid up to date, your belongings are removed, the property is appropriately cleaned and any tenant-caused damage has been addressed.

You can lodge your own claim, but we'd generally recommend letting us complete the final inspection and talk through any outstanding items with you first. It gives everyone a chance to agree on cleaning, damage or outstanding rent directly, before a formal dispute becomes necessary.

If a claim is lodged before agreement is reached and the landlord disputes the amount, the matter may need to go through the formal process with NSW Fair Trading and the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT). Working through concerns with us first usually makes the bond return simpler and quicker.

A smoother end to your tenancy starts earlier

The end-of-tenancy process is generally much easier when you give yourself enough time to prepare. Use your ingoing condition report as a guide, report maintenance issues as they arise rather than leaving them until the end, keep us informed of your moving plans, and make a note of when your keys are due back.

If Highlands Property manages your tenancy and you're unsure about any part of the vacating process, pop in, call or send our Property Management team a message — we're happy to talk you through what's needed and help you prepare for a straightforward handover.

Sources: Residential Tenancies Act 2010 (NSW); NSW Fair Trading (fairtrading.nsw.gov.au); Rental Bonds Online (rentalbonds.nsw.gov.au); NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (ncat.nsw.gov.au). Please confirm current notice periods and links against these sites before publishing, as tenancy law can change.