What Happens If Your Bond Clean Fails: Step By Step For Melbourne Tenants

Vacating a rental home in Victoria can be a nightmare for renters who neglect cleaning obligations. When tenants are overwhelmed with multiple tasks and responsibilities, it becomes easy to overlook dusting and scrubbing chores. However, cleaning is more than banishing stains and germs. It actually determines the fate of your bond refund.

A detailed bond cleaning before the final rental inspection helps you restore a rental property to its original condition beyond normal wear and tear. If you leave the property untidy, the property manager/landlord has the right to make bond deductions. However, in many cases, landlords make unfair deductions and may fail the final rental inspection.

If you have also failed your rental inspection in Victoria, consider the following step by step guide for tenants to prevent deductions and costly penalties. Ensure you understand your landlord’s expectations before

You can also prefer hiring highly trained end of lease cleaning Melbourne professionals to ensure peace of mind and a streamlined move out process.

Let’s Get Started!

1. What Does the ‘Final Rental Inspection’ Include?

When you are at the end of your tenancy, the landlord or property manager arrives and conducts a rigorous final rental inspection to check for dirt, grime and damage before releasing the bond money. This is where many tenants lose their deposited security.

The exit inspection compares the current condition of the property with the initial condition report completed when you moved in. They check every nook and cranny of the property according to the standard checklist and expect it to be in a pristine condition as you moved in.

The most common areas checked by landlords are ceiling walls and fans, light fixtures and fittings, windows, blinds, door tracks, skirting boards, carpets, kitchen appliances inside and out, cabinets, sink and faucets, rangehood and filters, stovetop and countertop, showerheads, walls and glass doors, bathtubs, tapware, toilet seat and around the ‘S’ bend, counters, floors, patio area and garage walls.

If you meet your landlord’s set expectations, the chances of securing a bond increase.

Tip: Leaving these areas dirty or stained could lead to bond deductions.

2. You’ll Be Notified Related to Cleaning Issues If Bond Clean Fails

If the landlord is not satisfied with the property’s condition due to dust or greasy surfaces, they will notify you by email or phone. The notification covers:

• A list full of cleaning issues, such as dust laden air vents, greasy appliances, limescale on faucets, etc
• Photos as evidence
• A proposed bond deduction or request for re cleaning

If they claim a deduction from your bond, you have the right to ask for an exit report to check the given reasons. You can still negotiate and resolve the issue as soon as possible.

3. Request an Opportunity to Re Clean or Fix the Issues

In Victoria, landlords/property managers may give a reasonable opportunity to fix the cleaning issues. Though it is not mandatory under the residential tenancy laws, you may be given a chance to re clean the property for dirt and grime residue.

In fact, many renowned companies offer a guaranteed end of lease cleaning Melbourne and also re clean for free within three days to spruce up missed spots. Ensure you act quickly as delays can enable the landlord to arrange their own cleaner and claim costs from your security deposit.

Tip: Landlords can’t deduct bond for fair wear and tear issues like faded carpets, small marks on walls, etc.

4. Landlords May Claim Full or Partial Bond Via RTBA

In Melbourne, rental bonds are held by the Residential Tenancies Bond Authority (RTBA). This means the landlord submits a bond claim via RTBA if they fail the final rental inspection. The official authority has the right to deduct funds from bond and pay for necessary cleaning.

If you disagree with their claim, you have the right to dispute without a hint of stress. In many cases, tenants face unfair bond deductions and can’t even dispute them because they lack awareness and proper evidence.

Tip: Ensure you read your lease agreement, refer to the property condition report and talk to your landlord to secure your bond money.

5. You can Dispute the Bond Deduction Claim

If you have cleaned according to the pre approved checklist and the deduction is unfair, dispute the claim as quickly as possible. You can apply to Rental Dispute Resolution Victoria, a free service to resolve rental bond related issues before going to a formal tribunal.

As a responsible Melbourne tenant, make sure you provide strong evidence, such as:

• Time stamped photos before and after cleaning
• The completed initial condition report (if bond claim against pre existing damage)
• Invoices and receipts for professional cleaning service
• Communication details with the agent

Believe it or not! Disputing a claim can help avoid automatic bond deduction until the issue is resolved completely.

6. Apply to VCAT If Mediation Fails

If both can’t reach an agreement in mediation, tenants can apply to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) for the return of their hard earned bond money.

The VCAT makes the final decision based on evidence provided by both parties, the initial vs exit property condition report, set cleaning clauses and a standard checklist. Thus, ensure you provide photos and videos as evidence to claim your bond. If the case is in your favour, the RTBA will release the full bond money to your bank account within three business days.

If you want to pass your rental inspection or secure your full bond, thoroughly spruce up your property according to the pre-approved checklist to meet the landlord’s standards.

7. What are the Common Reasons for Failing the Bond Clean in Melbourne

It is important to know the key reasons for bond deductions to help avoid these pitfalls, especially if performing a DIY bond cleaning. These include:

• Neglecting Specific Cleaning Clauses: Most tenants don’t check the cleaning clauses already mentioned in the lease agreement. This could be an additional service, such as professional carpet cleaning, mould removal, pest control etc. So, carefully read it before getting into the process.
• Not Cleaning Air Vents and Light Fixtures: Landlords thoroughly check hard to reach spots like air vents, ceilings and light fixtures & fittings. Leaving dust behind can lead to bond deductions.
• Streaky Windows: Washing windows isn’t enough. Make sure you leave them sparkling clean, with no nasty streaks left behind. For that, you need to clean them with eco friendly products and run a rubber squeegee to prevent streaks.
• Dust Laden Blinds and Door Tracks: This could lead to indoor air pollution, leading to bond deductions.
• Leaving Kitchen Appliances: Oven racks and BBQ trays are one of the most inspected items when moving out of your rented property. Use baking soda and vinegar to deep clean your oven, BBQ, microwave and fridge.
• Dull and Dingy Grout Lines: Not only do they ruin your cleaning efforts, but they also breed harmful germs and mould.
• Soap scum on Bathroom Fixtures: Make sure you clean the shower screens, heads, bathtubs, toilet bowl and counters.
• Neglecting Outdoor Cleaning: Failing to clean the patio area, driveways, exterior walls and garage walls can also lead to bond deductions.

8. How to Protect Your Bond Deduction

First things first! Book a top quality end of lease cleaning Melbourne to secure your bond. Reliable companies usually offer a bond back guarantee (Ts and Cs apply) and a free re clean in case of any missed spots. Plus, they come fully equipped with all the necessary tools and products to get rid of stains, grime, grease, mould and germs effectively. Ensure you ask relevant questions before making the final decision.

Also, ensure you respond to the landlord promptly and request a chance to re clean. Refer to your property condition report, carefully read your rental agreement and attend the final rental inspection.

Apart from cleaning, it is essential to clear all outstanding payments and rent and return all the keys for a hassle free move out.

Infographic For How to Deal When You Fail a Bond Clean in Victoria

Wrapping Up

Melbourne tenants may face challenges as soon as landlords fail the rental inspection or bond clean. However, they can consider these steps and claim the full bond at the end of a tenancy. From understanding the landlord’s specific cleaning expectations to requesting a free re clean and applying to VCAT, tenants have all the rights to prevent unfair bond deductions.