Have you just woken up in a sweat in the wee hours of the morning, shaking off the nightmare of your property manager calling to say they are taking $300 of your bond repayment to pay for cleaning? Never fear, we're sure it is a common nightmare across the country.
Will anyone spot the coffee stain in the corner? For some, the thought of giving up coffee to avoid spills may be tempting, but let's be real, it's not a practical solution. And as for wine, let's not even go there. Instead, take a moment to bookmark this page for future reference and familiarise yourself with your obligations for end-of-lease cleaning. By doing so, you can ensure that you receive your full bond back when your lease comes to an end.
Unfortunately for the more clumsy out there, a property manager or landlord does have the right to use some of your bond payment to pay for cleaning or repairs following the end of your lease, as long as this cleaning addresses issues that are not considered 'wear and tear'.
General 'wear and tear' and end of lease cleaning
According to Victoria's tenancy law, landlords can expect their property to be left in a "reasonably clean" state while accounting for "wear and tear". This phrasing allows for common sense to play a role in discussions between landlords/property managers and their tenants. In case of disputes, the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) can step in to resolve disagreements about wear and tear. Similar processes exist in the other states, with the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal acting as the point of contact for contesting any claims made by a landlord through NSW Fair Trading.
Generally speaking, it's relatively straightforward to determine what counts as fair wear and tear. For example, in NSW, only damage arising from negligence, irresponsibility, or intentional acts falls under the tenant's responsibility.
When you're moving out, take a close look at the property. Are there any signs of flaking paint on the walls, fading carpets or curtains, worn wooden floors, or sliding doors that refuse to slide? If so, these are issues that the landlord should fix at their own expense. Some landlords may attempt to shift the burden of repair onto tenants by claiming that it's their responsibility to report wear and tear, but this is not true. Regular property inspections are the landlord's responsibility, and they should be the ones to pick up on such issues during these checks.
So, what end of lease cleaning do you need to carry out?
Although it's technically possible to vacate a property without cleaning it, doing so could result in the property manager withholding a portion of your bond to pay for a general cleaning service.
To avoid this expense, it's worth taking the time to clean the areas where the property manager will be looking for grime. Consider paying extra attention to the following areas:
- Kitchen cabinets and pantries - Cupboards and draws in a kitchen often accrue a thin film of dirt and oil from various cooking products. If you are a renter, you most likely know what it is like to get into a property to find kitchen cupboards that are in desperate need of a clean before you can even move your boxes. Make sure you spend time cleaning this area before you hand over your keys.
- Bathroom - The bathroom is another area that quickly develops spots of grime. Some bathrooms may lack appropriate ventilation so that you can claim that any mould that has developed is the responsibility of the landlord. If not, make sure you clean up any areas where grime has built up, such as between tiling and behind the toilet. Clean the toilet, sink, and shower or bath thoroughly, paying attention to any hard-to-reach areas. Make sure that mirrors and surfaces are wiped down and free from streaks.
- Skirting boards - These often get ignored by tenants, even when they live in the property. Skirting boards collect dust very quickly, but are easily vacuumed. When a property is vacated, the dust along a skirting board becomes quickly apparent, which may lead a property manager to call a professional cleaner at your expense.
- Windows - These are a must for a clean when moving out. A cleaner may charge extra for certain windows, so save yourself significant expense by doing this yourself at the end of your lease.
- Outside areas - It can be easy to miss these when cleaning up. You don't have to go as far as hiring a high pressure hose, but sweeping up outside areas and weeding any spots that have become suburban jungles will ensure you receive your full bond.
If there's one takeaway from this article, it's the importance of maintaining a clean living space throughout your tenancy. By consistently tidying up and doing small cleaning tasks along the way, you'll save yourself a headache when moving day arrives. Set aside some time each week to tackle a specific area, like the bathroom, so that you're not overwhelmed with cleaning duties right before you move out. Trust us, your future self will thank you for it!
Beyond cleaning your property, there are a few more considerations to tick off on your checklist to make sure you receive your bond back in full.
