What Happens If You Fail a Bond Cleaning Inspection?

Are you moving out of your rented home soon? Between the chaos of packing household belongings and updating a new address, many tenants overlook the importance of attention to detail bond cleaning. It is one of the most crucial tasks that can help you restore a rental property to its original condition, i.e reasonably clean. Leaving the premises in a dirty or unkempt state is considered a breach of the lease agreement. This means landlords/property managers have the right to fail the final rental inspection and withhold your rental bond (full or partial).

In South Australia, tenants can’t afford the risk of cleaning negligence at the end of their tenancy; therefore, it is essential to pay more attention to avoid last minute penalties and bond deductions. From dusting ceiling fans and washing windows to degreasing kitchen cabinets and disinfecting bathroom fixtures, you need to take care of every single aspect to impress your fussy landlord. Despite all efforts, renters tend to fail a bond cleaning inspection. Fret not! This guide will navigate you through the steps if you fail a rental inspection due to overlooked dirt and dust.

You can reduce stress and easily secure your hard earned bond money. You can also prefer outsourcing experts for a quality end of lease cleaning Adelaide for a stress free move out experience. Keep in mind that understanding the landlord’s expectations to avoiding financial losses.

1. Understanding Bond Cleaning Inspection

The final rental inspection is conducted by the landlord/property manager/real estate agent at the end of a tenancy. They compare the current condition with the Initial Property Condition Report to check whether the property has been maintained to the original standard or condition (as it was at the start of the lease). They meticulously inspect every nook and cranny, including walls, windows, floors, kitchen appliances (both inside and outside), bathroom fixtures and fittings, and even the most overlooked areas, before releasing your rental bond.

It should be in a ‘reasonably clean’ condition beyond fair wear and tear to pass the rental inspection. As a tenant, it is your key responsibility to meet all your pre determined cleaning obligations, notify your landlord before the final move out date, pay all outstanding bills and rent and return the keys for the sake of your bond money.

2. What are the Common Reasons for Failing the Rental Inspection?

Tenants in South Australia fail the final rental inspection due to various reasons related to cleaning. Some neglect dusting hard surfaces like ceiling walls, fans, vents and light fixtures, while others leave the kitchen appliances greasy from the inside. Failing to meet the landlord’s specific cleaning standard is one of the main reasons why tenants fail inspection.

They have the right to hold back your bond due to dull or stained carpets, overlooked patio areas or garage walls, streaky window screens, clogged drains in the bathroom and kitchen, dirty floors, musty odours, and even the accumulated dirt between door tracks. Thus, it is crucial to clean every nook and cranny, leaving no traces of dirt and grime behind before the final rental inspection. The best thing you can do is to hiring professionals for a guaranteed bond cleaning Adelaide. They clean according to a pre-approved checklist, covering all rooms, hard to reach areas, contaminated surfaces, etc with precision.

3. What are the Potential Risks of Failing a Bond Cleaning Inspection?

Believe it or not! It is one of the most stressful parts of a tenancy period. Here’s what happens when you fail the inspection:

Losing your Rental Bond (Partial or Full):

This is the most common outcome in cases of inspection failure. The landlord has the right to hold back your bond money to cover cleaning costs. This comprises of meticulous removal of accumulated dust, dirt, stubborn stains, oil splatters, calcium deposits, soap scum and bad odours from the entire property (according to the pre determined cleaning clauses).

Rental Disputes and Disagreements:

Bond money deduction could lead to unwanted disputes between property managers and tenants. It occurs when both parties are unable to reach an agreement. You may go through legal proceedings, present your evidence against the bond deduction. This may also create obstacles in getting new rental properties in the same region.

Paying Extra for Cleaning:

If you fail to impress your landlord, they have the right to hire professional cleaners using your bond money. This can lead to financial setbacks or may cost more than what you would have paid on your own.

Impact Your Rental History:

A rental dispute over cleaning can represent you as an irresponsible tenant. You may also encounter difficulties in obtaining references from previous landlords. This can impact your rental history, especially in cities like Adelaide.

4. How to Handle the Situation If You Fail the Rental Inspection?

Here are a few things you can do to claim your full bond back:

• Request a Detailed Report to Assess the Flaws: The landlord or property manage will provide you with a detailed exit condition report to outline the key reasons for bond deductions. Review it thoroughly to prevent further disagreement.
• Refer to the Initial Condition Report: Carry the entry condition report and compare it with the exit report to address pre existing damages and unkempt areas.
• Liaise with Your Landlord or Manager: Establishing an effective communication over failed rental inspection can make a world of difference. Understand their specific requirements, explain your viewpoint and have clarity to avoid disputes.
• Reclean the Property Immediately: You must reclean the areas outlined in the Exit Property Condition Report that were missed to leave a great impression on your landlord.
• Consumer and Business Services: If the landlord is unfairly deducting your bond or asking you something out of the pre determined cleaning obligations, lodge a complaint with Consumer and Business Servicesin Adelaide.
• Apply to SACAT for Unsolved Disputes: If you can’t resolve it via negotiation, apply to the South Australian Civil and Administrative Tribunal along with evidence like photos and videos to claim your bond refund.

5. How to Seamlessly Pass the Bond Cleaning Inspection in Adelaide?

First things first! Take bond cleaning seriously and create a proper checklist after reviewing your cleaning clauses in the agreement and Property Condition Report. It is imperative to meet the landlord’s cleanliness standards, including all rooms, important spots and outdoor areas. Avoid making silly mistakes, such as using harsh chemicals on delicate surfaces or scrubbing window screens with an abrasive brush. This will also put your bond money at risk.

It is worth to hire professionals for a top quality end of lease cleaning Adelaide services at the end of your lease. They help you pass the rental inspection with ease. They bring all the necessary tools, products and stay vigilant to state specific tenancy laws. Some experienced companies also offer a free reclean in case a landlord is not satisfied with the service.

Infographic: How to Handle If you Fail a Bond Cleaning Inspection?

Wrapping up

Nothing is more annoying than failing the bond cleaning inspection. Ensure you consider this guide and carefully create a thorough plan to avoid bond deductions and disputes over cleaning. The tips shared above in this article will help you pass the final rental inspection with ease.