What Tenants Should Know About Their Rights During Final Inspection

Cleaning is mandatory when vacating your rental home in Melbourne. The fate of bond money depends entirely on how tenants hand the property back to landlords. To pass the final rental inspection, you are obligated to restore the property to its original condition, i.e., reasonably clean beyond fair wear and tear. This also means that minor oversights, such as dusty light fixtures or streaky windows, can lead to bond deductions.

However, landlords can’t make unfair deductions, and that’s why every tenant must know their rights, especially during the final rental inspection. With clear vision, a standardised approach and an optimistic mindset, you can easily impress your landlord and get your full bond back.

In this guide, we’ll explain your rights during the final rental inspection in case of disagreement over cleaning or property damage. It is good to hire highly trained end of lease cleaning Melbourne professionals to avoid last minute chaos or disputes.

Let’s Get Started!

1. What Does Bond Cleaning Final Inspection Mean?

The final rental inspection happens when you, as a tenant, vacate the property and complete your bond cleaning. The property owner/landlord or agent will come and check every nook and cranny, according to the Entry Condition Report, to identify dirt and potential damage caused by tenants. They can deduct your bond money even if they find dust flakes and grime on surfaces.

Remember, it’s not about perfection; it’s about meeting the set cleanliness standards. Here, an initial condition report plays a pivotal role, and landlords can’t deduct your bond if the damage comes under normal wear and tear.

Have a look at the tenant’s rights in Victoria during the final inspection to secure the bond money:

2. Right to Attend the Final Rental Inspection

In Victoria, the landlord or property manager must give you a reasonable opportunity to attend the final rental inspection. You can also request to be present during the inspection. This helps you reduce unfair claims, explain disputed areas quickly and prevent misunderstandings. It is one of the best ways to discuss condition issues, especially related to dirt, limescale on bathroom fixtures, greasy oven, on the spot to avoid surprises later.

3. Reasonable Wear and Tear is Not Your Responsibility

Landlords can’t withhold your bond money for normal wear and tear, such as small paint marks, faded paint, worn carpets due to aging, loose handles, etc. It is not your responsibility to fix fair wear and tear. You are only liable for damage caused by your negligence or misuse of the rental property or fixtures.

If damage occurs from natural use over time or aging, bond deductions are not allowed. You can raise a dispute to get your full bond back.

4. Right to Show Evidence: Photos, Videos , and Receipts

If a landlord fails the final inspection, you have the right to present time stamped photos and videos as evidence. Make sure you click photos before signing the lease agreement. This will also help you compare the current condition with the report.

Also, show the cleaning receipts if hired professionals for a top quality end of lease cleaning Melbourne services. It is also your right to identify issues that were not your fault, such as pre existing stains recorded in the initial report. This can protect your hard earned bond money with ease.

5. Right to Ask Questions or Disagree with their Decision

Don’t hesitate when asking questions to explain reasons for bond deductions. Tenants in Melbourne have rights to clarity their doubts or disagree with the landlord’s decision. You can even raise a dispute via the Residential Tenancies Bond Authority or VCAT if required.

For example, you have cleaned the carpet according to the initial condition report, but the landlord wants a professional steam cleaning. You can raise a dispute with evidence and claim your bond back.

6. Right to Fix Issues

If cleaning or repair is genuinely missed, you are often entitled to return and fix the issue. You can even ask your end of lease cleaning Melbourne Company to come and re clean the area to fix missed spots. You can also re inspect the property thoroughly and remove dirt and grime.

Tip: Don’t let landlords hire professionals and deduct your bond without giving you any chance.

7. How to Protect Your Rights During a Final Rental Inspection

Here are some of the important things to keep in mind to ensure a seamless rental inspection:

• Click time stamped photos and videos after cleaning
• Communicate as quickly as possible and in writing
• Keep invoices of professional cleaning services handy
• Submit your bond refund request instantly
• Stay calm and relaxed

It is always good to hire professionals for a guaranteed end of lease cleaning Melbourne to avoid disputes or deductions. They follow pre approved cleaning checklist to cover every nook and cranny. Plus, they know what landlords usually check when conducting a thorough inspection. This can reduce disputes and help you pass the rental inspection.

Infographic For Understanding Tenants’ Rights During A Final Inspection

Wrapping Up

Understanding tenants’ rights and responsibilities in Melbourne can make a world of difference. It can protect your hard earned bond money while preventing disputes and disagreements over unjustified deductions. Hopefully, this guide has helped you understand your rights as a tenant and pass your final rental inspection.