What Are Your Rights As A Tenant When It Comes To Bond Cleaning?

Canberra is one of the most thriving capital cities for people of all ages. According to the ABS 2021 Census data, more than 16,000 people opted for rental properties in the city, and the majority of them are families with kids and young professionals.There is no denying that the rental market has become one of the booming sectors across Australia- thanks to the influx of people towards leased properties because of low rents.

But, most people still avoid getting into the lease agreement because of unwanted rental disputes. The worst part is that resolving the conflict can be hefty, mentally stressful and time-consuming for tenants. The main reason behind the dispute is half-baked bond cleaning.

If you are also planning to live in a rental apartment or house in Canberra, know your rights as a tenant, especially related to bond cleaning, before signing the agreement.

Here is a complete guide to help you know tenant’s rights and responsibilities according to the Residential Tenancies Act 1997.

What is Bond Cleaning?

It is also known as end of lease cleaning, performed by a tenant or renter at the end of a tenancy. This type of cleaning is different from regular house cleaning. It is more intense and requires expertise to maintain the set cleanliness standard.

The main objective is to return a rental property to its original condition as it was at the start of a tenancy. According to the residential tenancy law, a tenant has the responsibility to clean the premises on time.

On the other hand, a landlord can withhold your deposited security in case of cleaning dissatisfaction during the inspection.

Therefore, many tenants book a company that specialises in professional end of lease cleaning Canberra. They follow a pre-approved checklist, including all rooms, hard-to-reach spots and surfaces that can help them perform jobs without leaving dirt and stains behind.

You can also hire professional cleaners and secure your bond money at the end of your tenancy.   

Tenant’s Rights in Canberra, ACT

Knowing your rights as a tenant before signing the lease agreement is always good to avoid unnecessary disputes and losses.

• Right To Receive a Copy of Lease Agreement and Other Details

When starting your lease, a landlord or a property manager must provide you with a copy of the tenancy agreement. This document is a legal binding contract between tenants and landlords, which includes rights, duties and responsibilities of parties, bond amount, rent details, payment procedure, tenure of your lease, etc.

It also includes the obligation to return a rental property in a clean and well-maintained state for a hassle-free retrieval of bond money.

• Right to Live in a Healthy and Safe Environment

When renting a property in Canberra, ensure that it meets the minimum standards under the Housing Improvements Regulations. You have the right to inspect the property thoroughly and check for dirty areas, mould infestation, dust and property damage.

A landlord must give you a copy of an entry condition report. You can match it with the actual condition of the premises and fill out the report. It can be used as evidence at the end of a tenancy in case of due cleanliness and maintenance disputes.

• Right to Privacy

As a tenant, ensure that landlords must give reasonable notice before accessing your rental property. According to the rental laws, a landlord can only enter the premises in case of any damage to the property.

For a rental inspection, he must give you a notice at least 7 days in advance.

• Inform Your Landlord About Damages

If you address any damage in a rental property, you must inform your landlord so that they can fix the issue as quickly as possible.

It is good to check the entry condition report when preparing your rental property at the end of your tenancy because you are not liable to pay for existing damages.

Tenant’s Rights & Obligations Regarding Bond Cleaning

If you are moving out of your leased apartment, you must know the following rights and obligations for bond cleaning.

• Clean the Property Thoroughly Before the Final Inspection

According to the lease agreement, the landlord can hold back a part of your bond money if you leave the property in a dirty and messy condition.

Tenants must spruce up every nook and cranny of the premises according to the pre-approved checklist. This helps them avoid cleaning common mistakes and help you pass the rental inspection.

You can book professional end of lease cleaners Canberra to achieve sparkling clean property because they don’t leave any sign of dirt and stains behind. They can help you secure full bond money with ease.

• Inspect the Property with the Property Manager

You don’t need to leave the property during the final rental inspection. You can be present when a landlord inspects the premises. This will allow you to identify areas that need extra cleaning or repair work. You can do it immediately and claim your bond back.

Read on the article to understand post bond cleaning inspection expectations and prep the property accordingly.

• Dispute in case of Deduction From Your Deposited Security

If the landlord deducts your bond money due to any reason, they must provide you with a written notice mentioning the reason and deduction amount.

You have the right to dispute for your deducted bond money within 14 days from the day you receive the notice through the ACAT (ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal).

A Brief Guide to Tenant’s Responsibilities

Look at the key responsibilities of a tenant in Canberra:

• Properly understand your lease agreement before signing it.
• Taking care of the property and not using it for any illegal activity
• Make sure you pay the rent on time
• Report all necessary repairs in a property.
• Request written permission to make any minor changes.
• Leaving the property in the same condition as you received it.
• Provide at least 21 days notice to terminate an expired tenancy.
• Perform a detailed bond cleaning according to the proven checklist to secure bond money.

Wrapping up

As a tenant, you must be aware of your rights and responsibilities to avoid unwanted rental disputes. With the help of this guide, you can easily understand your rights when it comes to bond cleaning and securing your full bond money. For a smooth and dispute-free inspection, hire trained professionals for an expert end of lease cleaning Canberra and return the property in a pristine condition.