The Legal Aspects of End of Lease Cleaning: Know Your Rights

A lease agreement is crucial as it outlines the rules, duties and rights of landlords and tenants for a smooth tenancy. According to the residential tenancy laws in South Australia, tenants must return the property to its original state as it was at the beginning of a lease. Leaving the premises dirty allows landlords to make deductions from deposited security. Unfortunately, most renters or tenants don’t know the legal aspects of bond cleaning and, therefore, lose their hard-earned bond money. Before getting into any tenancy, you should know the legal obligations, rights, responsibilities and duties as a tenant and make the right decisions to avoid unnecessary rental disputes.  Here is a complete guide to help you know the rights and responsibilities of tenants when it comes to cleaning and maintaining rental properties in Adelaide, South Australia.

What is Included in the Residential Tenancy Act SA?

The Residential Tenancies Act 1995 SA is the law that states tenancy rules, obligations, duties and responsibilities of tenants, landlords and property managers or agents. It sets out the minimum cleaning standards a tenant must meet at the end of a tenancy. It commonly includes: Doing necessary repairs except for fair wear and tear and existing damages

Removing all visible dirt, dust and debris

Cleaning surfaces, such as ceilings, floors, walls, tiles and appliances

Vacuuming carpets and rugs

Cleaning and disinfecting kitchen and bathrooms

Washing windows inside and out

Sweeping and mopping floors

It includes attention-to-detail processes and that’s why it is recommended to hire professionals for an expert end of lease cleaning Adelaide. They follow the pre-approved checklist to help you pass the rental inspection and get your full bond back.

Understand Legal Aspects of End of Lease Cleaning

This will help you protect your rights as a tenant and ensure a safe and sound transition at the end of your tenancy. 1. Read Your Lease Agreement Thoroughly Bond Cleaning or, vacate cleaning or end of lease cleaning is a complicated process. If you don’t want to end up with a dispute, read the tenancy agreement properly and know your rights and obligations related to the cleaning job. The lease contract should outline the specific cleaning requirements for tenants when they are moving out. Make sure you read that point carefully and understand the aspects before signing it. Returning the property in a dirty state can encourage landlords to withhold a  part of your bond money. So, carefully sign the agreement. 2. Know Everything About Property Condition Report Tenants or renters receive a property condition report that should be completed with a landlord before moving into the rental property. This condition report outlines the property’s current condition at the beginning of the tenancy. As a tenant, you should fill out the report after inspecting all the areas and mention existing damages and dirt-laden areas with images. Keep a copy of  your condition reports with you as it can be used as evidence in case of conflicts related to damages or cleaning at the end of a tenancy. 3. Fair Wear and Tear is Acceptable According to the tenancy laws in South Australia, renters or tenants don’t have to pay for fair wear and tear that happens during the lease period. This may include:

Minor scuff marks on walls

Faded curtains

Cracked window panes due to warped frames

Faded walls,

Grout Caulking etc

However, you are responsible for major damages that are beyond fair wear and tear. Make sure you use non-abrasive products and safely mix cleaning products to remove stains if you want to avoid serious damages and discolouration. So, hire a professional handyman in Adelaide and fix the damages before getting into the cleaning process. 4. Meet the Set Cleaning Standards Tenants should follow the highest cleaning standards to keep dirt, dust, grime, germs and stubborn stains at bay before leaving the rental property. The tenancy law states that a tenant should return the property in a reasonably clean state. This means you need to clean all rooms, hidden spots, hard-to-reach areas, patio and garage surfaces and much more. 5. Book Professional Cleaners Believe it or not! Some rental agreements may specify that tenants must hire end of lease cleaning Adelaide professionals. In such a scenario, you should comply with the terms and look for an experienced company that can help you get quality service at the most reasonable price. You can leverage the benefits of professional cleaners at the end of your tenancy. They clean according to the set standard, follow the proven checklist and help you pass the rental inspection.

What is the tenant’s right if he/she disagrees with the inspection report?

A landlord or property manager will come to your property and inspect every nook and cranny. They check all rooms, important spots and common areas before returning your bond amount. As a tenant, you have the right to show your disagreement with the inspection report if a landlord is  unsatisfied with the cleaning condition. You must do it in writing within 14 days of receiving the inspection report. On the other hand, landlords can deduct your bond money for repair and cleaning requirements. They must give a written notice to holdback the bond money within 14 days of the inspection. This can help you get your rental bond back if you act promptly.

How to Resolve Disputes and Claim Bond Back?

If there is a conflict between you and the property manager regarding the end of lease cleaning or bond refund, you have the right to get it resolved via the South Australian Civil and Administrative Tribunal. You need to provide them with all the necessary documents and evidence, and SACAT will evaluate everything provided by both parties and make the right decision. Therefore, it is good to hire seasoned professionals for quality end of lease cleaning Adelaide and retrieve your full bond back without any dispute.

Endnote

These are some of the key legal aspects of end of lease cleaning that should be considered when moving out of a rented property in Adelaide, South Australia. It is important to know your rights, duties and responsibilities as a tenant and enjoy a seamless tenancy period.