When should you start planning your move?
Leaving Specialist Disability Accommodation involves more than packing boxes. A clear SDA moving out plan helps you manage notice periods, supports, property checks and the move into your next NDIS housing arrangement.
Start by reading your tenancy or residency agreement and SDA service agreement. Notice periods depend on your agreement and the type of housing arrangement, so ask your SDA provider to confirm the required date in writing.
| When | What to do | Who to contact |
|---|---|---|
| 4 to 8 weeks before | Give written notice and book movers | SDA provider |
| 2 to 4 weeks before | Arrange cleaning and support changes | Support coordinator |
| Final week | Take photos and confirm inspection | SDA provider |
| Moving day | Return keys and record meter readings | Property contact |
If you receive Supported Independent Living, speak with your SIL provider separately. SDA and SIL cover different services, as explained in SDA vs SIL.
Which documents and costs should you check?
Your SDA tenant checklist should include the documents that show the condition of the property and what you have paid. Keep digital or paper copies where you can access them after leaving.
Collect these records before the final inspection:
- Tenancy or residency agreement
- SDA service agreement
- Original property condition report
- Bond receipt and payment records
- Approved modification records
- Emails about repairs or damage
- Written notice and confirmation of your final date
SDA funding pays for the dwelling itself. It does not cover electricity, water, gas or internet, so arrange final readings and account closures or transfers. Confirm the final Reasonable Rent Contribution amount with your provider and request a written account statement.
Bond return steps depend on your housing agreement and the WA laws that apply to it. Do not sign a bond disposal form with blank amounts. For more detail on agreements and household expectations, read living with others in SDA.
How should you prepare the property?
Use your original condition report as the reference point. Clean accessible surfaces, remove personal belongings and photograph each room once it is empty.
Before moving day:
- Empty cupboards, storage areas and the letterbox
- Remove food and dispose of household rubbish
- Clean appliances included in your agreement
- Check walls, doors, flooring and bathroom fixtures
- Return remotes, access cards and all key copies
- Label any equipment that is moving with you
Ask the provider who owns each item of assistive technology. Portable equipment purchased through your NDIS plan may move with you, while built-in doors, blinds, sensors or communication systems may belong to the property.
Do not disconnect fixed smart home equipment without approval. Remove your personal accounts only after the provider confirms the correct process, as an unplanned reset may affect other property systems. The smart home maintenance guide explains how to record device details and handover information.
What should happen at the final inspection?
Attend the final inspection if possible, or ask a trusted person to attend for you. Compare the property with the entry condition report and ask the provider to identify any concerns before signing documents.
Take dated photos of:
- Every room and accessible outdoor area
- Existing marks or damage
- Cleaned appliances and fixtures
- Electricity, gas or water meters
- Keys, remotes and access cards being returned
Ask for written confirmation that possession has been returned. You should also receive information about any final charges, bond processing and when your SDA agreement ends.
Update your address with the NDIA, plan manager, support coordinator and service providers. If you are moving to another SDA property in Perth or elsewhere in Western Australia, confirm that the new provider has the required funding and move-in details. Use the SDA move-in checklist to prepare for the next home.
Summary
A planned move protects your records, equipment and bond. Give written notice, check your agreements, photograph the property, settle utilities and keep confirmation that you returned the keys.
If you need help coordinating an SDA move in Perth, contact the Innogreen team to discuss your current housing and next steps.