Know Your Rights: How Proper Vacate Cleaning Can Prevent Rental Disputes
"Your entire bond is being withheld for cleaning issues," and similar statements often keep trapping renters in Perth in conflict every year in a rental war! Many experts in the industry believe that around rental disputes of this nature could easily be avoided if renters were educated regarding certain approaches, techniques, and other aspects of the vacate cleaning process.
Conducting proper vacate cleaning goes beyond just mopping the floors and cleaning the surfaces. Professional end of lease cleaning services in Perth, in particular, have shown that strategic cleaning alongside comprehension of tenant rights is the best way to avoid disputes. This guide aims to provide you with the fundamental steps of vacate cleaning while educating you on your tenant rights in Western Australia.
How The Laws Apply To Renters in WA
Now, let's talk about how property checks are performed in Perth first. Do these reports even apply in Perth? Of course! To every tenant bound under a rental agreement.
Property Condition Reports Matter
When you relocate into a new property, a Housing Service Officer is assigned by the renting company to do the first property check (property condition report). This is vital as it safeguards the condition of the property throughout the duration of your tenancy.
Per the Department of Communities Housing, this document serves as a safeguard to mitigate potential disputes regarding property damage that may arise during check-out. Always remember to:
- Observe any pre-existing damage at the time before occupancy
- Take correction action
- Look for the following damages, including but not limited to:
- For drill marks and old drilling holes on the walls
- Dents or scratches on various appliances
- Any types of burns
Fair Wear and Tear
Bear in mind that "fair wear and tear" applies to every rental property you will have access to. This refers to all types of reasonable damages expected over time with normal usage. Things that you cannot be charged for:
- Curtains and carpets that fade as a result of the sun
- Minor scratches on walls due to furniture placement
- Depreciated flooring in areas with high foot traffic
- Loose handles and ornaments as a result of aging
Essential Vacate Cleaning Checklist to Prevent Disputes
To prevent disputes with landlords and to receive your bond back, this concise vacate cleaning checklist should help:
Kitchen
- Wipe down the surfaces of all cupboards, including the front and back.
- Remove grease and other dirt from the stove, oven, and range hood.
- Remove all dirt including the inside of the microwave
- Clean all counters and backsplashes
- Polish taps with the sink
- Clear out and wash drain traps
Bathroom
- Scrub Shower and Bathtubs as well as Toilets
- Clean Tiles and Glass for Soap Scum
- Vanity and Mirrors Cleaning
- Remove Signs of Mold from Ceilings and Walls
- Clean Ceiling Exhaust Fans
- Ensure clear flow of water through the drain
Living Areas and Bedrooms
- Floor Cleaning, Vacuuming, and Mopping
- Clear Windows including Tracks and Sills
- Clean Light Switches and Doorknobs
- Remove Cobwebs from corners of the ceiling
- Dusting of Ceiling Fans and Lights
- Clean Wardrobes and Storage Empty Boxes
Outdoor Areas
- Trimming of Edges and Mowing of Lawns
- Pulling out Weeds from the Gardens
- Cleaning Gutters IF mentioned in the Lease.
- Sweep Patios and Balcony Areas
- Remove personal belongs lying around
Areas common disputes arise and how to resolve them effectively Values.
These areas of vacate cleaning commonly lead to disputes, to mitigate disagreement do the following: be thorough in these areas
Cleaning of Floors and Carpets.
In case of professional cleaning of carpets required under the lease, make sure to receive a receipt issued for transparency. For standard cleaning, thoroughly vacuum and spot-clean to check for stains that need attention.
Applies to Walls and Fixtures:
Remove any hooks or holes, where required, and clean any marks or dirt from the walls to the best of your ability. If marks are indelible and could be considered normal wear and tear, ensure you take photos of the walls to document the pre-existing marks and residue.
Appliances:
Focus especially on cleaning the ovens and refrigerators, as these are some of the most contentious pieces of equipment. Failing to thoroughly clean the appliances could lead to unnecessary disagreement.
When Disputes Arise: Seeking Resolution
Don't freak out. In the worst-case scenario where a disagreement arises after you've put effort into cleaning, and you believe the property's condition meets requirements but your landlord disagrees, you always have options.
Consumer Protection WA:
Consumer Protection WA can help resolve rental disputes. According to Consumer Protection WA, they can assist both landlords and tenants reach an agreement through their dispute resolution process:
- Contact both parties to understand the dispute.
- Assess if there are legal breaches.
- Work to resolve issues within 30 days.
- Refer to appropriate organizations if needed.
Remember that Consumer Protection can help with mediation, but only courts or tribunals can make binding decisions.
Document Everything:
While taking photographs, ensure to capture every part of the premises from multiple angles after cleaning and before handing over the keys. This creates evidence for any potential disputes.
Final Inspection
If possible, please make an effort to be present during the final inspection. This enables you to resolve issues on the spot so that there are no misunderstandings or other issues later.
Professional Help: When to Consider It
Hearing disputes may not be necessary at all if you have hired cleaning professionals. You might want to consider professional bond cleaning services if:
- Your lease specifically stipulates it.
- You do not have enough time because of a busy moving schedule.
- The property has peculiar characteristics that need special cleaning.
- You want to enjoy the peace of mind that comes with professional service.
Usually, professional cleaners are familiar with real estate agents' expectations. Often, they can provide solutions that address issues that might arise during the final inspection.
Conclusion
Your responsibilities as a tenant require that you clean everything accordingly, but knowing your rights eases the burden, especially when moving out of a rental unit. Combing through a complete list of cleaning tasks and having a plan for potential arguments can boost winning fully refundable bond significantly.
Always ensure there is useable documentation from the time you move into the house and also when moving out. Such documentation is crucial because it guards both the renters and the landlords. Relying on cleaning experts takes the burden of dealing with disputes resulting from cleaning out completely and provides peace of mind.
Most tenants prefer hiring professionals at the end of their lease to ensure everything is taken care of. If having stress-free moving period and full bond refund eases your mind, then professional cleaning may be worth it.
