The ACT Tenant’s Guide to Getting Your Full Bond Back

The capital of Australia is touted as one of the best cities in the world to enjoy a high quality of life. Also known as the ‘Bush Capital’, Canberra boasts beautiful green spaces, natural wonders, expansive parks, botanic gardens and landscapes to let everyone enjoy clean air and a healthy lifestyle. Moreover, it has one of the best education and healthcare facilities in the Australian Capital Territory, with a strong job market. According to the latest statistics, the median house price in the city is $1,100,392, while the unit price is $597,929, making it one of the most expensive places to live after Sydney and Melbourne. That’s one of the key reasons why working professionals, students and families with kids rent in Canberra.

In Canberra, ACT, over 30.7 per cent of all residential properties are rented. The majority of people live either close to the CBD or near their office. While renting is an affordable option, complying with all the pre determined residential tenancy laws can help prevent disputes and bond deductions. Unfortunately, most tenants lose their bond money due to half baked cleaning, miscommunication or a breach of agreement.

Under the Residential Tenancies Act 1997, both parties have predetermined rights and responsibilities to prevent conflict. In this guide, we’ll explain how to get the full bond back at the end of a tenancy. Make sure you carefully read your lease agreement, review the ACT’s rental laws, and meet your landlord’s standards to pass your rental inspection.

1. What is Bond Money in the ACT Lease Agreement?

According to the Residential Tenancies Laws, landlords and property managers ask potential tenants to pay a bond when renting a home. It is a security deposit equivalent to four weeks’ rent, lodged with the ACT Revenue Office. The property manager or landlord has the right to deduct or hold back deposited security due to unpaid rent or bills, property damage beyond fair wear and tear and unreasonable cleaning. In simple words, tenants must return the property in its original state as it was at the starting to secure a full bond, and that’s why hiring guaranteed end of lease cleaning Canberra can make a huge difference. Ensure you know your roles and duties as a tenant and comply with ACT rental laws to avoid awful disputes. There are a few essential criteria to meet to get full bond money without any chaos.

2. Give Notice To Your Landlord in Advance

As you approach the end of your tenancy, make sure you notify the landlord or property manager at least 3 weeks before the final move out or inspection day. This helps foster a transparent and healthy tenant landlord relationship. Prior notices allow landlords to find new occupants easily while helping renters to declutter and prepare the property for the final rental inspection.

Tip: Some rental agreements in ACT include a posting clause. Under this, tenants can end the lease early if they are moving out of the ACT for work. Ensure you give a letter from your new employer as proof.

3. Thoroughly Review Your Property Condition Report

It is a legal document that entails the property’s condition at the beginning and end of a tenancy. It documents everything, including the condition of walls, fixtures, fittings, the patio area, and any damage. Tenants must review the report before confirming whether the property’s condition matches the report at the beginning, or identify any damages or issues that may affect the bond refund.

If you are moving into a rental property, make sure you thoroughly inspect it and take photos and videos before signing the entry condition report to prevent disputes over cleaning or damage. This will also help you estimate the total time required to deep clean a house at the end of a tenancy.

4. Do Necessary Repairs: Property Maintenance is Crucial

Tenants in ACT should know their specific responsibilities to avoid last minute chaos or conflicts. Since you are liable to pay for existing damages, ensure you check every nook and cranny and compare it with your entry condition report. Remember that landlords only deduct your bond money if the property’s condition exceeds fair wear and tear. It is good to fix the broken doors, window frames, leaky taps and cracked tiles before the final rental inspection. Seek your landlord’s permission and fix it on time.

5. Hire Professionals For a Thorough Bond Cleaning

Did you know that majority of tenants in ACT lose their bond money due to half baked cleaning? If you don’t want to put your hard earned bond at risk, hire experts for a top quality end of lease cleaning Canberra and impress your fussy landlord. They clean according to a pre approved checklist, covering:

• Living Room: Dusting ceiling walls, air vents, fans, shelves, picture frames, windows inside and outside if accessible, blinds, baseboards, etc.
• Kitchen: Deep clean your kitchen by degreasing cabinets, appliances (ovens, microwaves and fridges), stovetop, countertops, polishing sink, taps, and disinfecting germ laden areas.
• Bathrooms: Remove soap scum, grime and gunk from showerhead, tiles, walls, bathtubs, toilets, counters and mirrors
• Vacuum carpets and sweep and mop floors
• Outdoor cleaning: patio floors, garage walls and driveways.

Tip: Read the tenancy agreement carefully to understand your specific cleaning clauses and avoid disagreements.

6. Pay Outstanding Rent and Bills

Renters in ACT must clear their pending bills and rent payments before the final move out. If you fail to do so, the landlord has the right to deduct your bond money. It is good to read all your tenancy laws and conditions when running at the end of your tenancy, and pay outstanding utility bills on time.

7. Return All Keys When Moving Out

This is one of the most overlooked aspects, but most tenants lose their bond money because of missing keys. Return all the keys and spare ones as well to the landlord or property manager to leave a lasting impression on them. This could streamline the final move out process and help you get your full bond back with ease.

8. Be Present During the Final Rental Inspection

In ACT, a landlord and renter must conduct a final rental inspection together. The property should be in the same condition of cleanliness as at the beginning of the tenancy, except for normal wear and tear. The best part is that you can fix the minor issues, especially dirty spots, for the sake of your bond money.

Tenants and landlords usually don’t require a final inspection report if they plan to sign a consecutive tenancy agreement.

9. Claim Your Full Bond Back

If both parties agree on the property’s condition or the landlord passes the inspection, then a request for a bond refund is made. Tenants can request the refund. Once it has been processed and released from the Rental Bonds Office, the amount is deposited into a nominated account. It usually takes 2 to 3 weeks to complete the process.

10. What Happens in the Case of a Rental Dispute?

If there is any disagreement over bond retrieval, you can submit the dispute to the ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal or ACAT. They review evidence, review both parties and make a final decision based on the evidence. However, it is good to try to resolve the dispute through ACT Tenant’s Union or Fair Trading.

Make sure you know your rights as a tenant and conduct a thorough end of lease cleaning Canberra to avoid awful disputes or bond deductions.

Infographic: How to Secure Full Bond Money in ACT?

Wrapping Up

There is no rocket science behind securing full bond money at the end of tenancy. When you know your predetermined cleaning clauses, tenants’ responsibilities and rights, you can easily manage the process and claim your full bond back without any dispute or disagreement. Make sure you carefully refer to your lease agreement and the ACT rental laws, and liaise with your landlord to streamline the process.