Over 1.8% of rental properties in Canberra remain vacant, which is a lot for a city with only 24.4% renting privately. The reasons vary, but not getting the bond back entirely is major. It is estimated that one in five renters who claimed a full bond refund didn’t get it.
Therefore, it is a common issue, and as a renter, the end of a tenancy can induces anxiety and stress. The bond amount in Canberra is up to four weeks of rent, meaning if your weekly rent is $300, then the security deposit can be a maximum of $1200, which is a significant amount to lose.
Besides honouring the terms and conditions of your rental agreement, you must perform
end of lease cleaning in Canberra to pass the final inspection and get a bond refund. However, it is easier said than done. Thus, here is your complete guide outlining everything you need to know to claim a residential rental bond at the end of a tenancy.
Reread your Rental Agreement
At the end of tenancy, you must focus on completing your obligations and getting your bond back. Therefore, you must reread your rental agreement to fulfil your responsibilities and move out without a dispute. Rental providers in Canberra cannot ask renters to hire professional cleaners, but in specific conditions like pets or excessive damage, you may be obligated to hire them.
Additionally, since you must
keep and leave the rental property in the same condition it was in at the start of the tenancy if the landlord or previous tenant has the property professionally cleaned, you must do the same or clean the property up to professional standards.
Focus on End of Lease Cleaning
Before you worry about claiming your bond, ensure the rental premises are reasonably clean to strengthen your right to a full bond refund. Review the original condition report to access pictures, videos and documents. You must clean the property according to this report and create an exit condition report with before and after documentation. If you have lived in the property for a short period, hiring professionals for
bond cleaning is optional.
However, if, over the years, there is significant wear and tear, it is best to seek professional help. Experienced bond cleaners in Canberra know the expectations of landlords in their areas and can sanitise your property adequately. They can help you get 100% of your security deposit back as reputed cleaners offer bond back guarantee.
Things to Keep in Mind When Performing DIY End-of-Lease Cleaning?
End-of-lease cleaning differs from regular house cleaning and requires strategy and the use of quality products. You also need cleaning tools and equipment to scrub stains, vacuum every corner and remove dust from hard-to-reach areas. Moreover, you will need an end-of-lease cleaning checklist to avoid backtracking and forgetting important tasks.
Even professionals performing end-of-lease cleaning in Canberra use it to streamline their work and clean up to professional standards. You can download a pre-made bond cleaning checklist online and customise it according to your rental property and requirements. For example, if you have pets at home, you must thoroughly clean the carpets, upholstery and other areas.
Additionally, for end-of-lease cleaning, create a caddy with a multipurpose cleaner, a good disinfectant, brushes/sponges of varying sizes, spray bottles, buckets, microfibre cleaning products and
natural cleaning agents like vinegar, baking soda, lemon juice, salt, hydrogen peroxide etc.
How to Claim Your Bond At the End of Tenancy?
The bonds paid by renters are lodged with the ACT Rental Bonds Office within two weeks of receiving the deposit or the start of the tenancy. You can request a refund after the completion of the tenancy. Your landlord or agent can also put in the request.
The aim is to decide on a similar amount to be refunded, and both parties agree and sign the refund application. You can still submit a claim without the signature of the rental provider, but it can be disputed. The
ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal (ACAT) handles disputes related to bond refunds.
Talk with your rental provider to sort issues face-to-face to avoid disputes and issues with bond refunds. Make sure to pay any remaining rent, repair charges, fees for breaking the lease early, and other things that can give rise to disputes.
Wrapping Up
The end of the tenancy period is challenging, and you can feel a lot of stress and anxiety. One of the biggest stressors during this time for renters is end-of-lease cleaning and
getting your bond back without deductions. Thus, use this guide to know everything about smoothly claiming a residential rental bond at the end of the tenancy.
