Renowned for high-quality living, low crime rates and unlimited employment options, Melbourne has become the second-most liveable city in the world and the most vibrant in Australia. It is an ideal place to live and raise a family.
People across the country are moving to this beautiful place to enjoy high-class amenities, breath-taking views and electrifying nightlife. Apart from property investors and home buyers, the capital city has always appealed to renters or tenants.
Despite the decrease in the Melbourne Rent Index by 0.6 per cent in the March quarter, the city’s residential rental market is in a stable position during this global pandemic.
According to the March quarter 2021 Rental Report, the median rent for houses stayed constant in Melbourne at $ 400 per week over the previous quarter. This means living in a rental property is affordable as compared to
buying a new house.
All you need to do is to sign the rental agreement or bond with the landlord and take care of the property during your lease. As a tenant, make sure you get the bond back while vacating a rental property.
The rental agreement clearly states that a tenant has to return the property in its original state. If you perform half-baked cleaning, the landlord or property manager can deduct the amount from your bond money.
That’s why most tenants prefer hiring an experienced company for a detailed end of lease cleaning in Melbourne. Besides this, there are other important things to consider. If you are a renter, here is a complete guide to help you get your bond back at the end of the lease.
Let’s Get Started!
1. Cross Check Your Initial Condition Report
A landlord thoroughly inspects the property from top to bottom at the end of the tenancy. If you want to
get your bond money back, then consider every single aspect that can simplify the process.
It is important to cross-check your initial condition report and make the property repairs accordingly. When you first move into a leased property, you should leverage the benefit of the opportunity to note any existing damage to the property.
So, take extra photos and notes of the entire premises that you can use as evidence if required at the end of your lease. This is a crucial step when it comes to getting the bond back without any rental dispute.
2. Address and Fix Repairs ASAP
Whether it is a leaky faucet or mould growth in the bathroom or any other property damage, make sure you inform the landlord as soon as possible. As a tenant, you are responsible for the maintenance of your leased property during your tenancy period.
It is important to make necessary minor property repairs if caused by you and pass your rental inspection. You can also hire a professional handyman in Melbourne to get the job done without a
hint of stress. You can fix the broken window, door, deck or leaky faucets before the final inspection.
3. Hire Trained End of Lease Cleaners
Most of the rental disputes occur due to lack of cleaning or the messy condition of a rental property. Since you have to return the premises in the same condition it was in at the start of the lease, make sure you deep clean every nook and cranny using proven methods.
For the sake of your bond money, it is good to hire professionals for a meticulous end of lease cleaning in Melbourne. From bathroom walls to carpets, a dirty kitchen countertop to greasy oven and microwave, they will do everything according to the standard checklist approved.
Of course, you can spruce up the property on your own, but it won’t guarantee the full bond retrieval. If you want to increase your chances, then take assistance from professionals. It is good to do thorough research and find the fairly priced end of lease cleaners in Melbourne.
Make sure the company uses environmentally-friendly products to treat accumulated dust, stubborn stains, grime, built-up grease, germs and bad odours from almost all the surfaces. Also, professionals bring latest equipment, products and tools to help you retrieve the bond without any conflict.
4. Claim The Bond
Believe it or not! Claiming the bond amount is not as complicated as it seems. If you don’t have an outstanding rent,
spruced up the property properly, and carried out your duties according to the rental agreement, then you can get through the procedure quite easily.
So, here is the process that will help you get the bond money in Melbourne without any headache.
• First, you need to agree upon the bond amount with your landlord after the rental inspection.
• A landlord will submit a bond claim after you leave the property.
• You will receive the details related to the claim through a link on your email. Click on it and accept or request changes if required.
• Add your bank details.
• If there is no disagreement, the RTBA will deposit the money to your bank account.
5. Keep a Check on Timeline
Within 48 hours of acceptance of the bond claim online by the tenant, the RTBA will repay it to you. Bond acceptance should be completed within 14 days. If you have submitted via post, then add three business days for your bond refund after the RTBA receives it. So, keep a close eye on the timeline and get your bond repayment on time without any dispute.
6. Know the Causes of Delays and Disputes
In case you haven’t received your bond within 14 days after claiming your bond with RTBA, then find out the relevant reasons. You may have provided incorrect bank account details or your signatures don’t match the ones on the tenant transfer form.
You can contact RTBA and resolve the issue as soon as possible. If there is still a dispute between you and the landlord, then you can get a hearing with the VCAT or Victorian Civil Administrative Tribunal.
Make sure you fill the application form and attach evidence and send the copy of the application to your property manager too. After that, the RTBA will repay the bond when you receive a favourable order from the Victorian Civil Administrative Tribunal. Make sure you fill the claim form. Send the form to the RTBA along with the VCAT order and copy of your photo ID.
Conclusion
Getting your bond back at the end of a tenancy is a crucial step. It is important for you to know your responsibilities and duties as a tenant and return the property in a pristine condition with the help of
expert end of lease cleaners in Melbourne.
You can use this guide if you still have any doubt and get your security money back while vacating a rental property in Melbourne, Victoria without any dispute.
