Rental disputes over bond cleaning are common in Melbourne, Victoria these days. Many landlords or property managers strictly inspect the property to find reasons to deduct the bond.
The Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal heard more than 8,000
bond claims and around 1,300 were related to cleaning in 2021-22. The best thing is that VCAT made orders in favour of 70 per cent of tenants in getting their full bond back.
However, for that, you need to keep a few things in mind and think optimistically if you get into a dispute.
Here is a complete guide to help you resolve bond-cleaning disputes in the most organised way. Make sure you follow these tips carefully and make the right decision.
Let’s Get Started!
Who is Responsible for Bond Cleaning?
Whether you are a tenant or a landlord, you should know your rights and responsibilities related to bond cleaning. According to the lease agreement or RTA in Victoria, tenants or renters must leave the property in a reasonably clean condition or in the same state as it was at the start of a tenancy.
Being a tenant, make sure you remove accumulated dust from all surfaces, wash windows, vacuum carpets, floors and blinds, de-grease kitchen appliances, remove stubborn bathroom stains,
santising the entire property and much more before the final rental inspection.
If the property is not spruced up to the set standard, the landlord may deduct your bond money to cover the cleaning costs.
What are the Main Reasons for Bond Cleaning Disputes?
Many tenants don’t understand the main reason behind the dispute and end up losing their hard-earned deposited security. So, here are some of the key reasons that every tenant should consider:
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Not Fulfilling the Cleaning Expectations
Landlords usually expect the property to be in a spic and span condition that can match the highest cleaning standards. This means streaks on windows, stains on carpets or dust accumulation on skirting boards can also hold back your bond money.
So, it is good to hire a company that specialises in an
expert end of lease cleaning Melbourne because professionals follow the pre-approved checklist and adhere to the highest standards.
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Lack of Communication
This is one of the most common reasons for rental disputes. It is important to discuss everything about the cleaning expectations with each other. In such a situation, you should check a property condition report and rental agreement and ask your doubts if any.
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Unreasonable Inspections
This could also be the major reasons because many landlords get strict when it comes to the final inspections. The main purpose is to hold back the bond money, especially when they have any issue with the tenant.
In such a situation, keep a copy of entry condition report and rental agreement handy and show it as a proof to the VCAT.
If you are sprucing up your premises, know the
inclusions in a cleaning checklist and cover all nooks and crannies to get your bond back.
How to Resolve Bond Cleaning Disputes?
Keep the following tips in mind and move out of your rental property in the most seamless way without losing your bond money.
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Communicate with your Landlord
In order to resolve the dispute, you must have a word with your landlord. Don’t hesitate to ask the reason behind the disagreement and know what they exactly want.
You can write them a letter or email them regarding the cleaning issue. Make sure your message is crisp and clear.
If there are areas of concern related to cleaning, provide evidence, such as written descriptions or photos and support your claim.
Tip: It is always good to book professional end of lease cleaners Melbourne who can also offer re-clean service if the tenant or landlord is not happy with the work. They bring all the latest tools,
the best vacuum cleaners and other supplies to help tackle all types of stains and grime.
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Mediate the Rental Dispute
If you can’t reach the landlord or he denies your email or letters, you can opt for mediation.
It is one of the most reliable processes where a third party (neutral) helps both parties to reach an agreement. Let’s find out the mediation procedure:
- Both parties meet the mediator to discuss the issue. The mediator will also explore the entire process and answer your questions if any.
- You and the landlord will get an opportunity to present their view
- The mediator has to listen to each party’s story before making the final decision.
- They will help you identify the main cause of the dispute and resolve it depending on the circumstances.
- The mediator will help both the parties to negotiate and resolve the dispute.
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Apply to the VCAT
If you fail to resolve the dispute through mediation, you may need to apply to Victoria Civil and Administrative Tribunal. It is an independent tribunal that hears and makes decisions on various rental disputes in Victoria.
They consider all proofs and inspect rental agreements and other binding documents before reaching the final verdict.
After applying to VCAT, you will be assigned a case manager to help you prepare for the hearing. They will also help you negotiate with your property manager to resolve the dispute.
If nothing works, your case will go to a hearing, and both parties will have the last opportunity to show their evidence to support their claims.
After analysing everything, the member of VCAT will make a final decision about the dispute, and if everything goes well, you can get your full bond back within 14 days.
However, to support your claim, you need to show the evidence, such as a signed copy of the entry condition report, photos, videos, and rental agreement. Make sure you comply with all the orders made by the VCAT member.
If cleaning is the main issue for rental disputes, hire professionals for a quality end of lease cleaning Melbourne and
secure your full bond money.
Wrapping Up
There are multiple ways to resolve bond-cleaning disputes in Melbourne, Victoria. Follow these simple yet effective tips and secure your full bond money at the end of your tenancy.
