How to avoid cleaning and inspection hassle when moving out? It may sound contradictory, but you should always THINK ABOUT MOVING OUT when YOU ARE MOVING IN. Documenting the state of the rental upon moving in will reduce potential problems with landlords/agents when you need to move on.

Take photos of the rental property

Take photos and recordings of the initial property state. Do it before you even unpack your stuff. Photograph furniture, appliance, carpet, wallpapers, walls, cleanliness, any existing damages. Store the photos somewhere safe e.g. online on Google Drive so you don't lose them. You may need that documentation in few years when moving out. No one will remember if that stain on the wall was there already?

When you are done send the photos in an email to your landlord or property manager (or best both!) saying:

"Hi, I made documentation of the current state of the house, to keep the record for the future. Just sharing the photos and recordings with you for your reference."

The landlord doesn't live in the place and may not even be aware of the actual condition of the property. The extra benefit - everyone knows you did it and everyone has the record. They will be less likely to delay your bond refund by creating problems where there are none.

Ask for initial property inspection

Due to the law tenant and landlord should run an initial inspection together. It should be part of tenancy agreement. There is even a dedicated form provided by Tenancy Services. Unfortunately in practice it's rarely used. So if you did not sign the form as part of your agreement, still suggest it to your landlord or property manager. Do it after you sign the contract but before you move in e.g. when you are getting the keys! You have the right to request it and they should have no reason to say no, should they? If they don't respond or make a problem of it – still follow up with the photos and recordings you made yourself before unpacking (see above).

It is also a good idea to have the property inspected on a regular basis. e.g. every 6 month or at least once a year. If the landlord or property manager don't do it, encourage them - it really is in your best interest. You will make sure the landlord or property manager is on the same page in terms of wear and tear of the house. You can also tell them about anything that needs fixing. Again utilise the inspection form, take photos and do follow up with an email (see below)!

Communicate with your landlord in writing

It is a good habit to always communicate with your landlord or property manager in writing. If you had a conversation about something, follow up with an email:

"Hi, Thanks for the chat today. Just to sum up on what we talked about... We agreed that... Feel free to correct me if I have misunderstood anything."

Keep the record of rent payments or ask the landlord

Keep receipts of your rent and bond payments or ask for a copy of the landlord's record. The easiest way to keep track of your payment it is to pay via a electronic bank transfer. If you landlord wants cash (hmm.. I always wonder why?) make sure they give you receipts for every payment. They should always do so straight away. Electronic payments solve that for you, so if possible stick to it.

Receipt for cash payment should contain:
the property address, amount $$$, covered period, date paid, name of the person that paid and landlord's signature.

The landlord should also keep the record the rent payments for seven years after the tax year to which they relate. You can ask for a copy of that record at any time, but you need to ask in writing.

Sources
Initial property inspection
https://www.tenancy.govt.nz/starting-a-tenancy/ready-to-rent/initial-property-inspection/

Receipts and records
https://www.tenancy.govt.nz/rent-bond-and-bills/rent/receipts-and-records/

Ready to rent guide
https://www.tenancy.govt.nz/starting-a-tenancy/ready-to-rent/ready-to-rent-guide/#id_331295-tips-for-tenants

Tenancy agreements
https://www.tenancy.govt.nz/starting-a-tenancy/tenancy-agreements/