What Renters Need To Know About Bond Cleaning Regulations

Rental Laws differ for different states in Australia, with each having a slight variation. However, all of them follow the same basic framework as set forth in the Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation Act 2008. According to these laws, when a renter is vacating the property, they are legally obligated to conduct a thorough cleaning of the same a.k.a. end of lease cleaning, failing which their bond money can be confiscated by the property owner or landlord to cover the same. These laws ensure that the property is returned to the same condition it was in when it was first rented out. So, given the financial implications, it is important for the renters to understand what is expected of them during the property cleaning phase.

This article will detail all the information tenants should know about the Bond Cleaning regulations and conditions. It will discuss legal obligations, cleaning standards, mistakes made and how expert End of Lease Cleaning Adelaide can simplify the process. With these tips, tenants can boost their chances of receiving a full bond refund without experiencing unwarranted disputes or stress.

Understanding Bond Cleaning Regulations

The bond cleaning regulations are often clearly outlined in the tenancy agreement signed by the renters during the start of their tenancy; however, they may vary slightly by state or territory. In general, tenants are required to leave the property in a clean and undamaged condition, apart from natural wear and tear. The landlord or property managers conduct a final inspection of the property after the keys have been handed over to them, following the original condition report as a benchmark to determine whether the cleaning has met the required standards.

Failure to comply with these regulations may result in a deduction from the bond, which is usually equivalent to four weeks’ rent. Hence, tenants should familiarise themselves with their lease agreement and the specific cleaning checklists provided by their landlord or property manager to avoid any potential disputes.

What Needs to Be Cleaned?

A thorough bond cleaning will cover all aspects of the property, including the following:

• Floors and Carpets: Vacuuming, steam cleaning and stain removal are essential.
• Walls and Doors: Marks and scuffs need to be wiped off and any damage must be repaired.
• Kitchen: Ovens, stovetops, rangehoods and sinks must be cleaned thoroughly. Cabinets, counters and drains too must be left clean and unclogged.
• Bathrooms: Toilets, showers, bathtubs, mirrors and tiles need to be cleaned and sanitised.
• Windows and Blinds: Glass surfaces should be streak-free and any blinds must be left dust free.
• Outdoor Areas: If applicable, areas like balconies, patios and garages must be cleaned and left in good condition.

The main goal is to return the property to the original condition it was first in during the beginning of the tenancy, apart from the general wear and tear.

Common Mistakes Renters Make

Most renters assume that a general cleaning of the property is sufficient to meet the requirements of bond retrieval, but things are not so simple. Some of the most common mistakes tenants make during this cleaning process are overlooking the hidden areas like behind appliances or inside of the cupboards, failing to remove mould or mildew from the bathrooms or basement, using incorrect cleaning products leading to damages and neglecting to hire professional carpet cleaning when it has already been stipulated in the lease.

Even leaving behind your rubbish or personal belongings in the property after vacating can prompt your landlord or property manager to deduct fees from the bond amount. To avoid these errors, make sure to follow a comprehensive checklist or hire professional cleaning services like quality End of Lease Cleaning Adelaide to help you out.

The Role of Professional Bond Cleaners

While tenants can carry out the bond cleaning task themselves, hiring professional cleaning services offers several advantages. Professional cleaners are experienced with the requirements that need to be met with regards to the cleaning to get a full bond refund; they use specialised equipment and cleaning products to get flawless results, and ensure that the entire property is left in a spotless condition.

Professional cleaning services also often provide a bond back guarantee, meaning that these cleaners will return to the property to rectify any issues found with the cleaning or if the landlord is not satisfied with the results, all without charging extra fees. This helps you save time and effort, and reduces the risk of bond deductions due to inadequate cleaning.

Tenants Rights and Dispute Resolution

If the landlord or property manager withholds part or the entire bond due to cleaning issues, tenants have the right to dispute the decision. The first step to dealing with such things is to discuss the matter directly and provide evidence, such as photos taken before vacating, but if an agreement cannot be reached between the two parties, tenants can escalate the issue by lodging a complaint with their respective states’ rental authorities, such as the Residential Tenancies Bond Authority (RTBA) in Victoria, the Rental Bond Board (RBB) in New South Wales or Consumer and Business Services (CBS) in South Australia.

When professional cleaning services like skilled End of Lease Cleaning Adelaide are hired, tenants can use service guarantees to request a reclean of the property from the cleaning company to meet the necessary standards.

Preparing for the Final Inspection

To maximise your chances of getting a full refund of your bond deposit, renters should refer to the entry condition report and compare the initial condition of the property with its current state. Using this as a reference tenants can create a cleaning checklist that covers every aspect of the property, so that during the process you can expend the required amount of attention to the important areas, while not wasting resources repairing areas not attributed to you.

If you’re thinking of employing professional cleaners, be sure to hire them in advance so that you get a time slot that suits your schedule. Once the cleaning is done, take photos of the entire property as proof of the work done and before handing over the keys to the landlord for the final inspection, conduct a mock inspection of your own to check for missed areas.

Bond Cleaning Regulations Renters Need to Know About

Wrapping up

Bond cleaning is critical to the moving out process—a good cleaning job can get you a full refund and good relations with the landlord, while a bad cleaning job can ruin both things. By understanding all the requirements and knowing what mistakes to avoid, tenants can ensure a smooth moving out process. So go ahead and do your research and secure your full refund. Happy Cleaning!